A Rush Of Fun To The Head

As virtual reality becomes a real-world phenomenon, the industry’s top players hope these headsets bring the metaverse into the mainstream.

Words: Mark Hacking

THIRTY YEARS AFTER Neal Stephenson’s novel Snow Crash introduced the term ‘metaverse’, it’s fast becoming reality. With rapid advances in technology, the tools needed to explore virtual or augmented reality (VR/AR) are now better, faster and more lifelike than ever.

The virtual elephant in the room, though, remains Apple, with persistent rumours that it will release its own VR/AR headset either late this year or early next. Meanwhile, here’s a look at top contenders currently (or soon to be) scrambling for market share while it’s still there for the taking. It might be VR, but the stakes are real, and very high.

Meta Quest 2

Developed by Oculus and since rebranded under Facebook’s new Meta umbrella and its Reality Labs subdivision, the Quest 2 is the bestselling headset on the market and one of the best in the game, period. Starting at US$299, the wireless component is self-contained and features a lighter design than the original Quest, more processing power and a sharper display of 1,832 pixels by 1,920 pixels per eye. And with the optional Oculus Link Cable (sold separately), the Quest 2 can be connected to a compatible PC for even more processing speed and access to a wider range of entertainment.

HTC Vive Pro 2

The US$799 HTC Vive Pro 2 delivers industry-leading 5K resolution at 2,488 pixels by 2,488 pixels per eye, a 120-degree field of view and 3D sound. One drawback: the need to purchase two compatible base stations and motion controllers – a US$1,399 package at least – and tether the headset to a PC with hefty processing power. But if realistic playback is what you’re after, the extra cost and hassle are easy to overlook.

From top: Meta Quest 2, Vuzix Shield, Sony PlayStation VR2 and HTC Vive Pro 2.

Sony PlayStation VR2

Released in 2016, the US$500 Sony PlayStation VR now lags behind the top competitors, but the next-generation VR2 promises to change that when it arrives later this year. Although pricing has yet to be announced, the VR2 offers improvements across the board, such as OLED displays with 2,000 pixels by 2,040 pixels per eye, a refresh rate of 90/120Hz and redesigned VR2 Sense Controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Plus, cameras supporting eyetracking functionality present only what’s necessary for more efficient processing.

Vuzix Shield

Optical-component company Vuzix has claimed CES innovation awards every year since 2005 – and its latest product, the Shield smart glasses, are a good example why. Expected to arrive this year and estimated to cost more than US$1,000, the traditional-looking eyewear showcases the first commercial application of microLED stereo displays and features an eight-core CPU, stereo sound and hands-free smartphone integration. In addition, the shatterproof lenses can be customised with a prescription from your optometrist.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DANIEL SCHAEFER/MONTBLANC. Montblanc Haus is the brand’s tribute to the art of writing.

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