Comparison HTC Vive Pro KIT vs Lenovo Explorer

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 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 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.

Availability of DisplayPort input in glasses; the version of this interface can also be specified here.

DisplayPort is one of the most popular high-resolution digital video interfaces these days (however, audio transmission is also possible). It is especially common in computer technology, and is actually a standard in Apple PCs and laptops. Only glasses for computers and set-top boxes are equipped with this type of input (see “Purpose”) - it is used to receive a video signal (and audio signal, if necessary) from an external device. As for DisplayPort versions, the options here could be:

- v.1.2. The earliest (2010) version that is relevant today, but at the same time a more than functional version. Fully supports video quality up to 5K (30 fps), and with certain restrictions - up to 8K.
- v.1.3. Update released in 2014. It provided the opportunity to fully work with 8K resolutions at 30 fps, and with 4K and 5K at 120 and 60 fps, respectively.
- v.1.4. Updated in 2016, in which the bandwidth was further increased - up to support for 5K video at 240 fps and 8K at 120 fps. In addition, there is compatibility with HDR 10 technology, which improves color reproduction and overall picture quality.

The presence of a Bluetooth module in the glasses; The Bluetooth version to which this module corresponds can also be specified here.

Bluetooth is a technology created for direct wireless connection between various devices. This technology is found in all types of VR glasses (see “Purpose”), although most models with its support are independent devices. In any case, the most popular way to use Bluetooth in virtual reality glasses is to broadcast sound wirelessly. Moreover, the format of such a broadcast may be different, depending on the specifics of the glasses themselves. Thus, standalone devices broadcast the reproduced sound to external headphones. Models for PCs and smartphones may have built-in headphones, and here the sound is transmitted via Bluetooth to the glasses from an external device; Audio from the built-in microphone can be transmitted in the opposite direction.

In addition, there are other possible ways to use Bluetooth, such as directly exchanging files with another device or connecting game controllers. Such capabilities are found exclusively in stand-alone glasses; the specific functionality for each model should be clarified separately.

As for the versions, the oldest one used in VR glasses today is Bluetooth 3.0, the newest is Bluetooth 5.0. However, the differences between different versions for such devices are not fundamental; this information is provided mainly for reference purposes.

The presence of a microphone in the design of VR glasses.

This function is mainly equipped with models for PC / consoles (see "Intended use"). The built-in microphone is mainly used for voice communication in online games. At the same time, it often turns out to be more convenient than a desktop microphone or a microphone built into a headset: glasses can interfere with the comfortable wearing of a headset, and a desktop device is not applicable because at least the user’s head (or even the whole body) is constantly moving in VR games, and constantly it is impossible to be at the optimal distance from the microphone.

For added convenience, your own microphone can be made retractable or removable.

The presence of your own headphones in the design or delivery of virtual reality glasses.

A full-fledged "immersion" in the virtual world requires not only a picture on the screen, but also an appropriate sound accompaniment, for which headphones are the best option. However, glasses take up quite a lot of space on the head, and not all “ears” can be comfortably combined with them (this is especially noticeable on large over-ear headphones). In addition, when connecting headphones with a wire, there may be problems related to the length and/or location of the audio cable. Thus, some models provide this function. These models can have any purpose (see above); most of these are for PC/console glasses, but headphones are also popular in standalone devices. Also note that some glasses use speakers located in the ear area; such speakers are also considered headphones in this case.

An alternative to the bundled "ears" is a headphone output; however, there are models with both functions at once — either folding / removable cups or the simplest speakers mentioned above play the role of headphones in them.

The presence of external sensors in the delivery set of glasses.

Such sensors are placed in a special way (usually in the corners) in the room where glasses are supposed to be used. They allow you to turn this room (all or part of it) into a playing zone — a space in which the player can physically move during the game. This provides additional features and at the same time ensures safety: the device warns the player when approaching the boundaries of a safe play area (in the real world), preventing collisions and other similar troubles.

The presence of a special external camera in the glasses; often several such cameras are installed at once, for a more complete coverage of the surrounding space.

The main function of the track camera is to track the movement of game controllers held by the user. This makes it possible to perform various game actions with the help of appropriate hand movements — for example, to strike or shoot from a bow. In addition, the track camera can be used to "perceive" the environment — for example, building a "safe zone" in virtual space based on data on the size of the room, so that the user can see right in the game how far he can move without collisions.