Comparison Oculus Quest 3 512 Gb vs HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Headset Only

The general purpose of the glasses is specified based on which device they are to be used with:

— For PC/Console. Glasses connected during operation to an external device and receiving a video signal from this device. Most often, it is supposed to be connected to a computer or game console, but there are models that can be connected to mobile gadgets, drones, etc. In general, they provide a good compromise between accessibility and functionality, and besides, quite advanced graphics can be displayed on such glasses. On the other hand, for the full use of such models, powerful video cards are often required.

— For a smartphone. Models designed to turn a smartphone into a virtual reality device. To do this, the smartphone is installed in a special slot on the glasses so that its screen is turned towards the user's eyes; glasses themselves do not have screens. And the effect of virtual reality is achieved through the operation of smartphone sensors and (accelerometer, gyroscope) and the use of special applications created specifically for this format of work. The key advantage of glasses of this type is simplicity and low cost: most often these are purely mechanical devices, without built-in electronics (and even advanced models with additional hardware are much cheaper than other types of glasses). On the other hand, the quality of virtual reality directly depends on the capabilities o...f the smartphone, despite the fact that not all devices correctly process such content. In addition, the glasses must be compatible with the smartphone being used, and this is not always guaranteed (for more details, see “Maximum phone size”).

— For quadcopter (FPV goggles). Video glasses used to control drones and radio-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to provide a first-person view. FPV goggles allow pilots to receive a video feed from a UAV camera in real time. To do this, the design of such glasses provides two separate miniature screens for each eye and complex optics to provide binocular vision. Lenses often have adjustable focal length to suit the visual apparatus and the varying needs of the pilot. Many FPV goggles are equipped with a built-in receiver and antennas to receive signals from the video camera on board the UAV, as well as control the quadcopter. FPV systems are actively used in the segment of racing drones, aerial photography, and even in combat operations. Glasses with a first-person view provide the pilot with a more complete perception of the surrounding environment and improve the controllability of the aircraft.

— Standalone device. Points that function completely autonomously and do not require the use of external devices. To do this, the design provides for its own processor, "RAM", video adapter, drive for storing content and a battery for power. Thus, with such a gadget, virtual reality becomes available literally anywhere in the world; and at a cost, such glasses are comparable to models for PC / consoles. On the other hand, the capabilities of stand-alone devices are noticeably more modest: the relatively low power of video adapters does not allow for the same advanced graphics as on PCs or consoles, the amount of internal memory is usually small, and the continuous operation time is limited by battery charge.

Resolution of built-in displays in glasses equipped with such equipment — that is, models for PC / consoles, as well as standalone devices (see "Intended use").

The higher the resolution, the more smooth and detailed the “picture” is given out by glasses, all other things being equal. Thanks to the development of technology nowadays, models with Full HD (1920x1080) screens and even higher resolutions are not uncommon. On the other hand, this parameter significantly affects the cost of points. In addition, it is worth remembering that in order to fully work with high-resolution displays, you need powerful graphics capable of playing relevant content. In the case of glasses for PCs and set-top boxes, this puts forward corresponding requirements for external devices, and in standalone models you have to use advanced integrated video adapters (which affects the cost even more).

The amount of built-in storage installed in glasses.

Only independent devices are equipped with such a drive (see "Intended use") — it is used to store software firmware, as well as various additional content (applications, panoramic films, etc.). The larger the storage capacity, the more such content can be stored on the device; on the other hand, this characteristic directly affects the price. It is also worth considering that some models allow you to supplement the built-in storage with a memory card (for more details, see "Cart Reader").

For modern virtual reality glasses, the most modest volume is 16 GB — it is technically impractical to install smaller drives. In advanced models, this figure can reach 128 GB.

The amount of random access memory (RAM) installed in glasses.

This parameter is relevant only for independent devices (see "Intended use"). Theoretically, the more RAM in the gadget, the higher its power, the faster it is able to work and the better it handles with “heavy” tasks. However, in fact, this characteristic has more reference than practical value. Firstly, the capabilities of standalone glasses are also highly dependent on the processor and video adapter used. Secondly, the amount of memory is selected in such a way that the glasses are guaranteed to be able to cope with the tasks for which they were originally intended. Actually, problems can only arise with the launch of very demanding applications or resource-intensive video (for example, 4K panoramic videos); so paying attention to the amount of RAM makes sense only if you plan to use glasses for such purposes.

As for specific volumes, they in modern devices range from 2 to 4 GB.

The model of the processor installed in the glasses.

This information is indicated mainly for stand-alone devices (see "Intended use") — it is in them that the capabilities of the glasses as a whole directly depend on the processor model. And knowing the name of the chip, you can find detailed data on it and evaluate its effectiveness. At the same time, in fact, such a need arises extremely rarely: manufacturers choose processors in such a way that glasses can be used for their main purpose without any problems. So when choosing, you should pay attention to more practical parameters — display resolution, refresh rate, etc.

The presence of a sensor in the glasses that reacts to approaching the user's face.

A similar sensor is used to automatically switch between operating and standby modes: for example, when the user takes off the glasses, the sensor turns off the built-in screens (or the phone, if it is connected to the glasses via a connector), saving battery power and equipment life, and when put on, it turns on points for full functionality.

The ability to move the lenses of the glasses back and forth, thus changing their location relative to the screen and the user's eyes. The specific meaning of this function can be different: it can adjust the angle of view (so that the screen fits completely in the field of view and at the same time is not too small), play the role of diopter correction (which is important for users who wear glasses) or focus, change the setting interpupillary distance (see below), etc. These nuances should be clarified separately. However, anyway, this function will not be superfluous — it makes it easier to adjust the glasses to the personal characteristics of the user.

The glasses must have at least one USB A connector. This is a full-sized USB connector, the same type as standard USB ports on computers and laptops. But its functions may be different, depending on the functionality of the glasses (see "Purpose"). So, in models for PCs and consoles, USB is one of the connection connectors used in conjunction with a video interface such as HDMI or DisplayPort: an image is transmitted via a video connector, and data from sensors on glasses is transmitted via a USB connection, which is necessary to change the picture and create " immersion effect. And in independent devices, USB A is used to connect various additional accessories — for example, flash drives with applications or other content. It is also possible to use this connector to charge the battery, although this method of use in general is not typical for it.

The presence in the glasses of the connector type USB-C. This is a relatively new type of USB port, which has a miniature size (slightly larger than microUSB) and a convenient double-sided design that allows you to connect the plug in either direction. It can be found in glasses for various purposes and, accordingly, provide different ways of application. So, in models for PC / consoles, this connector is used similarly to traditional USB — with the main connection, in parallel with the HDMI or DisplayPort video interface. In standalone devices, on the other hand, USB-C is mainly used to charge the battery and connect to a computer for direct file exchange, settings management, firmware updates, etc.

Also note that this paragraph may specify the USB version, which corresponds to the USB-C connector. Nowadays, two versions are relevant — 3.2 gen 1 and 3.2 gen 2; for VR glasses, the difference between them is generally not fundamental.