These days, Virtual Reality headsets are everywhere. Tack-sharp displays, powerful processors, and versatile sensors are in everyone’s pockets. And to spur the next wave of immersive entertainment, VR directors and developers are creating the language of a new medium on the fly. Virtual reality is going to be awesome. Then it's going to get even better. And fast.

in fact, that the VR systems available today will look primitive by the end of the year. But that doesn’t mean you should wait: Today’s VR options are affordable, impressive, fun, and phone-powered.

What is it?

A virtual reality headset is a head-mounted device that provides virtual reality for the wearer. VR headsets are widely used with computer games but they are also used in other applications, including simulators and trainers. They comprise a stereoscopic head-mounted display (providing separate images for each eye), stereo sound, and head motion tracking sensors (which may include gyroscopes, accelerometers, structured light systems, etc.). Some VR headsets also have eye tracking sensors and gaming controllers.

A virtual reality headset allows users to interact with simulated environments and experience a first-person view (FPV). VR headsets replace the user’s natural environment with virtual reality content, such as a movie, a game or a prerecorded 360-degree VR environment that allows the user to turn and look around, just as in the physical world.

Types of Virtual Reality Headsets

Microsoft’s Hololens - a standalone VR headset that features 3D spatialized sound, Wi-Fi, a Kinect-like camera with a 120-degree spatial sensing system, a fleet of gyroscopes and accelerometers as well as a transparent screen for each eye.

Oculus Rift - a computer-based system which reignited interest in virtual reality when the Oculus VR startup launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. It works with positioning technology that allows the user to move physically through 3D space and has Touch controllers.

PlayStation VR - works with PlayStation 4 rather than a PC. The system duplicates the headset VR display on a TV.

Samsung Gear VR - a smartphone container which uses the phone's processing power. The system, which works with high-end Samsung Galaxy models, was developed in collaboration with Oculus VR.

HTC Vive - plugs into a powerful gaming PC for its performance. Dual base stations allow the users to move freely through a 15' X 15' area. The system was developed collaboratively with Portal, a video game software company.

Google Cardboard - a low-cost, smartphone container that’s made of plain cardboard. There are quite a few inexpensive headsets based on the original open source model.

PROS:

VR Headsets redefine watching movies and playing games

They provide a way to enjoy movies and television as if it were happening right where you are. The three-dimensional display makes actors come to life as if they were standing right in front of you. In addition to that, the games are equipped with immersive videos and sound that allows people to actually kick a ball and experience the sounds of a stadium or punch a man and find themselves in the middle of a wrestling match. This is almost a leap forward for the gaming and technology industry.

VR Headsets give real-time training to the novice

When someone is learning something new, it’s very risky for them to get a chance to try it on field. It could cause a loss of precious life, millions of dollar or they could even harm themselves. For doctors, it could be lethal for the patients; for army personnel, it could be dangerous; for engineers, an actual hands on experience on the field could lead to accidents, etc.

VR Headsets provide Therapy

Virtual reality therapy is an extensive medical and mental health field. People are allowed to face their fears to ensure that they can come over their phobias and live healthier lives. With mental health issues on the rise, it could help address anxiety and depression by creating soothing environments and simulations.

VR Headsets make education interactive

It is making education so much more interactive and leaving deep impressions on the minds of children. This would make education more effective because the students will find it easy to remember new concepts.

VR Headsets save money in the long run

Virtual reality can reduce so many costs. It can allow you to hold meetings without spending money on traveling, saving fuel, energy and consequently, money. It can allow training workshops and simulations to be held in your work-space saving time. It can also allow doctors to examine patients without really having to travel to them which will not only save money but also the lives of the far more critical patients who need immediate attention.

CONS:

High cost

One of the main cons of VR headset is that it's not possible for everyone to afford it because it’s too costly. Many systems run between $100 and $600 and we haven’t taken into account the cost of purchasing experiences or games.

Addiction to the Virtual World

The users get addicted to the virtual world and navigate the non-virtual environment. This addiction can cause various health issues to them.

Health Issues

Wearing them for long periods of time produces fatigue and an unsettling feeling of enclosure. Also, when you use the VR headset for longer duration, definitely you can expect an eye strain or some kind of sickness. VR-induced nausea is a very real thing. You can feel dizzy and sick every time you use the headset.

Accidents

When you’re using a VR headset, you can't see anything around you, including your TV or your family. Motion-sensing VR systems involve standing, ducking, swinging your arms, and even briefly walking -- all with a headset on your head that blocks vision and sound. All these can cause you to swing a controller unknowingly into someone else's face or even trip over wires.

Choosing the Right VR headset

The following are the main questions that you need to answer when deciding what VR headset to purchase.

1. What’s your budget? –
2. What device or gadget do you own?
3. Hardcore or casual?
4. What accessories do you need?

Once you finished answering these questions, you will be on your way to ultimately owning the right VR headset for you.