Which VR Headset is the best for your business?

You might be familiar with what VR can do in the realm of gaming and immersive entertainment experiences. But beyond traveling to new worlds, fighting off zombies, and learning about other cultures, virtual reality has been an invaluable resource for businesses for years. From engineering to research, to workplace training and even customer experience, VR has contributed significantly to how businesses operate today. According to a survey commissioned by Grid Raster, nearly 91% of surveyed businesses have implemented or plan to implement AR or VR technology. VR has made advancements in nearly every industry, and it's quite possible that VR has influenced your favorite product or service.

So, how do you actually start evaluating VR opportunities for your business? Given the boundless possibilities and solutions that VR offers, it can seem like a huge challenge to find the best solution for your business. Well, the solution really depends on your needs. But the best place to start might be with the headset, arguably the most important tool in the virtual reality arsenal.

Not all headsets are built the same and they can serve very different purposes. Two of the most popular and versatile types of headsets are the PC-based headset (PCVR) and the all-in-one headset. Essentially, PC-based VR headsets are connected to computers via a cable (or wirelessly connected via a wireless accessory), while standalone or all-in-one (AIO) headsets house all the necessary components within the headset's casing. Let us tell you all about each and how they can work for your business.

PCVR: A high-spec VR headset, precise tracking, connected VR

PCVR remains a popular choice due to its technical specs. Because the headset is connected to a PC, much of the heavy lifting is done by the various components of the computer; the CPU for speed, the GPU for visual fidelity, and the power unit for power. The VR headset thus essentially harnesses the full capabilities of whatever computer it is connected to, providing the best visual fidelity, refresh rate, and display quality, while the headset is able to display the most immersive content.

PCVR remains a popular choice due to its technical specs. Because the headset is connected to a PC, much of the heavy lifting is done by the various components of the computer; the CPU for speed, the GPU for visual fidelity, and the power unit for power. The VR headset thus essentially harnesses the full capabilities of whatever computer it is connected to, providing the best visual fidelity, refresh rate, and display quality, while the headset is able to display the most immersive content.

All-in-one VR headset: portable, versatile, content-filled VR

The main difference with AIO headsets is the absence of cables or external processing help such as a computer. Where PCVR hosts the computer's specs, AIO has a dedicated CPU, GPU, and power supply, all snugly packed under the shell, and usually operates on a processor specifically designed for mobile VR. AIO also uses what's called inside-out tracking, where the headset actually plays the role of the base stations and uses the sensors and cameras on its face to understand its position relative to the boundaries the user established during setup. (Note, some PCVR headsets like our VIVE Cosmos also support inside-out tracking).

AIO headsets are usually also wifi-enabled, providing a seamless experience to download new apps, browse the internet, or even broadcast what's happening in the headset to a tablet or other mobile device.

The main advantage of the AIO headset is that it's completely wireless and portable, making it perfect for training, remote collaboration, rehabilitation in healthcare facilities, a unique on-the-go presentation tool, and many other valuable applications. Kiosk mode on the VIVE Focus Plus all-in-one VR headset allows businesses to limit access to apps and navigation, converting the Focus into a portable, powerful, purpose-specific device. With this user-friendly feature, trainees and customers can focus solely on your business apps.