Reverb G2 Omnicept, with Eye, Mouth, & Heart Rate Sensors, Priced at $1,250 for May Launch

HP has announced a May launch window for the Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition. Priced at $1,250, the headset builds on the existing Reverb G2 with eye, mouth, and heart rate sensors, along with an improved tightening mechanism for the headstrap.

Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition is HP’s enterprise-focused version of the Reverb G2 headset. The company says that the added sensors—for eye, mouth, and heart rate tracking—will allow the headset to offer a better VR experience for both the user and for observers wanting to collect analytical data about the user’s experience. HP claims the sensors are built with privacy in mind.

“HMD firmware safeguards sensor data at every moment of capture and no data is stored on the headset. HP Omnicept powered applications help ensure the capture and transfer of data comply with GDPR and keep user data confidential,” the company says.

Image courtesy HP

Aside from these features, we’re looking largely at the same foundation of the original Reverb G2 [our review], which offers impressively sharp displays and great integrated off-ear audio:

Resolution 2,160 × 2,160 (4.7MP) per-eye (LCD)
Refresh Rate 90Hz
Lenses Single element Fresnel
Field of View 114° diagonal
Optical Adjustments IPD
IPD Range 60–68mm
Connectors USB-C, DisplayPort, Power
Cable Length 6m
Tracking Quad on-board camera (no external beacons)
Controllers Reverb G2 controllers
Audio Off-ear headphones
Microphone Yes
Pass-through Cameras Yes

One other quiet but welcomed change to the Reverb G2 Omnicept is a new way of adjusting the headset’s side straps; while the original has finnickey velcro straps on the sides, the G2 Omnicept has a single dial on the back of the headset for tightening the side straps.

Image courtesy HP

The Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition has a release date scheduled for May and a price starting at $1,250.

Omnicept SDK

Alongside the headset, HP also detailed the Omnicept software, which is a layer on top of the sensors which allow for interpretation and integration of sensor data into VR applications. While the ‘Core’ Omnicept SDK can be used for free by developers, deployed applications making use of the Omnicept SDK require additional payment and licenses based on the use-case:

Core Academic Developer Enterprise
Software Price Free Free for educational use (2% revenue share for profit) 2% revenue share $1,500
Inference Engine SDK No Release 1 – cognitive load (new features coming in the future)
HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition Simulator Yes
Eye-tracking API Yes
Pupillometry API Yes
Lower Face Camera API Yes
Heart Rate API Yes
Pulse Rate Variability API No Yes
Developer Support Online self-help Premium support
Country Availability  68 countries (same as headset) USA, Canda, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Australia
HP Omnicept SDK Free to download 30 day free trial
Software License Free perpetual developer’s license Free perpetual developer’s license. 2% revenue share if used for profit 2% revenue share perpetual developer’s license Perpetual developer’s license & 5 run-time licenses included. Enterprise Service Pack purchase required for first year.

HP says the Omnicept features are supported across both Unity and Unreal Engine.

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HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Will Cost $1,249 in May

HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition

HP is really the one company carrying the torch for Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) system having launched the HP Reverb G2 at the end of 2020. Its not stopping there though. After announcing an enterprise-focused model called the Reverb G2 Omnicept in September, today HP has announced it’ll be available in May priced at $1,249 USD.

HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition

That price might sound a little steep but it’s not considering other pro-level headsets and the amount HP has packed into the device. Because there are a lot of sensors, all designed to help provide developers and companies with data-driven insight depending on their requirements. Built into the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition are sensors for eye tracking, heart rate monitoring, facial movements and even pupil dilation.

All of this can be used for any number of use cases, from training scenarios looking at how users cope in particular situations; mental health and monitoring someone’s well being to creating a more realistic, immersive experience where co-workers can collaborate with expressive avatars.

For creators, alongside the hardware launch, HP will also release the Omnicept software development kit (SDK) in four options depending on the organisation and planned use. HP Omnicept SDK ‘Core’ will be free but won’t offer the Inference Engine SDK, whilst the Academic version is free for educational use or 2% revenue share for profit. The Developer Edition of the SDK is a flat 2% revenue share with the Enterprise Edition pricing tailored to the company. Only the Core version has a couple of extra exclusions, Pulse Rate Variability API and HP VR Spatial Audio omitted. The latter uses dynamic head-related-transfer functions (HRTFs) to create a personalised sound for a more immersive experience.

HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition

As previously reported, the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition’s other specs still mirror its consumer cousin, with a 2160×2160 per eye resolution, Valve’s off-ear headphones, four cameras for inside-out tracking, a 90Hz refresh rate, a 114-degree FOV and a 6 meter cable for plenty of freedom to move around.

The HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition will be available to order through HP’s own website in May. If you’re just looking for a decent PC VR headset for gaming then the standard HP Reverb G2 goes for $599. For further updates on HP’s VR plans, keep reading VRFocus.

HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Launches In May For $1,249

The HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition, an enhanced version of the company’s new VR headset designed for professional use, is launching next month, starting at $1,249.

HP itself confirmed the news today, adding that orders will be taken from its official website. The G2 Omnicept Edition takes the existing headset and adds sensors to track pupil size and eye movement, the user’s heart rate and even facial expressions with a unit mounted to the bottom of the device. The sensory data, HP says, can be used to enhance the effectiveness of VR training solutions, measuring how users respond to certain situations.

Last year the company also said that eye-tracking could also be used to enable foveated rendering, a technique that only fully renders the area of a VR display the user is looking at. This, in turn, reduces the demand on the compute powering the experience, potentially allowing less powerful devices to run high-fidelity experiences.

HP is announcing an additional update to the Omnicept Edition today, too. The company is adding support for spatial audio to its Omnicept SDK (software development kit). This uses head-related-transfer-functions (HRTFs), a technique for delivering sound at pinpoint locations, to provide more immersive VR audio. The SDK will also arrive in May and supports both Unity and Unreal.

At $1,249 (over $600 more than the $599 base G2), the Omnicept Edition obviously isn’t aimed at consumers, but many of its additions are directly aimed at delivering more data than they are necessarily enhancing immersion. Access to the SDK’s core features will be free, but HP is also introducing different tiers for expanded use. Student and educator access is also free, though HP asks for a 2% revenue share from any profit made from its use. The same revenue share is asked of any developers that employ the kit in their products. Finally, a full $1,499 Enterprise tier includes a perpetual license and a service pack, with additional costs for run time licenses.

We reviewed the base G2 last year. The headset itself is fantastic, though we had really trouble with its cumbersome controllers and spotty tracking.

The VR Job Hub: TG0, Niantic Labs, HP & Space Bit Development

VR Job Hub

Every weekend VRFocus gathers together vacancies from across the virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) industry, in locations around the globe to help make finding that ideal job easier. Below is a selection of roles that are currently accepting applications across a number of disciplines, all within departments and companies that focus on immersive entertainment.

LocationCompanyRoleLink
London, UKTG0Website Developer & UI/UX DesignerClick Here to Apply
London, UKTG0Senior Software Developer & ManagerClick Here to Apply
London, UKTG0Ecommerce Manager/Growth HackerClick Here to Apply
London, UKTG0Community ManagerClick Here to Apply
San Francisco, CANiantic LabsGame Designer, Pokémon GOClick Here to Apply
San Francisco, CANiantic LabsHead of Developer Relations – AR PlatformClick Here to Apply
London, UKNiantic LabsSenior Game DesignerClick Here to Apply
San Francisco, CANiantic LabsUX Designer, PlatformClick Here to Apply
Tokyo, JapanNiantic LabsUX Designer – APACClick Here to Apply
London, UKNiantic LabsArt Director – EMEAClick Here to Apply
London, UKNiantic LabsSenior Technical ArtistClick Here to Apply
Los Angeles, CANiantic LabsArt DirectorClick Here to Apply
San Francisco, CANiantic LabsTechnical ArtistClick Here to Apply
Sunnyvale, CANiantic LabsHead of AR OS EngineeringClick Here to Apply
Sunnyvale, CANiantic LabsAR Engineering ManagerClick Here to Apply
Fort Collins, CL / San Diego, CAHPMarketing OperationsClick Here to Apply
Fort Collins, CL / San Diego, CAHPBusiness Operations ManagerClick Here to Apply
Remote/Winnipeg, CanadaSpace Bit DevelopmentSales Team MemberClick Here to Apply
Remote/Winnipeg, CanadaSpace Bit DevelopmentRaspberry Pi & Python DeveloperClick Here to Apply
Remote/Winnipeg, CanadaSpace Bit DevelopmentJavaScript WebXR DeveloperClick Here to Apply
Remote/Winnipeg, CanadaSpace Bit DevelopmentUnity3D DeveloperClick Here to Apply
Remote/Winnipeg, CanadaSpace Bit DevelopmentProject ManagerClick Here to Apply
Remote/Winnipeg, CanadaSpace Bit DevelopmentWeb Application DeveloperClick Here to Apply

Don’t forget, if there wasn’t anything that took your fancy this week there’s always last week’s listings on The VR Job Hub to check as well.

If you are an employer looking for someone to fill an immersive technology related role – regardless of the industry – don’t forget you can send us the lowdown on the position and we’ll be sure to feature it in that following week’s feature. Details should be sent to Peter Graham (pgraham@vrfocus.com).

We’ll see you next week on VRFocus at the usual time of 3PM (UK) for another selection of jobs from around the world.

VRCover Introduces New Quest 2 Headstrap Replacement And More Facial Interfaces

VRCover is introducing another new accessory to its lineup of add-ons and replacement parts with the Oculus Quest 2 Headstrap Replacement. You can buy one right now for $24 plus shipping on the VRCover US Store (ships to US, Canada, or Mexico), EU Store, or International Store.

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quest 2 headstrap replacement vrcover

Just from looking at it you can tell the main difference is that it has two back straps instead of just one, which should disperse the weight more and sort of cradle the back of your head. Stylistically, it looks more similar to the original Rift’s strap design.

We haven’t had the chance to try out this new replacement headstrap for the Quest 2, but we often recommend VRCover to people in our buying guides and in standalone VRCover reviews. I personally swear by the VRCover facial interface replacement for Quest 2 and I’ve heard good things about the controller grips. My other main comfort enhancement I use on my Quest 2 is a VR Power battery pack / counterweight.

facial interface blue vrcover hp reverb g2 facial interface vrcover

They’re also debuting a new blue foam replacement set for the Quest 2 and a facial interface replacement similar to the existing line on Quest and Quest 2, but now for the HP Reverb G2. Or, if you’d prefer silicone, you can get one of those for the Reverb G2 as well.

You can buy the new Quest 2 Headstrap Replacement now for $24 plus shipping on the VRCover US Store (ships to US, Canada, or Mexico), EU Store, or International Store.

If you decide to get one and try it out, let us know down in the comments below!

HP Reverb G2 With Index Controllers Is Absurd, Expensive & The Best

As we laid out in our review last month, the new HP Reverb G2 is an incredible VR headset. But its controllers? Not so much.

The newly-redesigned Windows MR controllers are a definite improvement over the originals, but they’re still a little awkward to hold and, crucially, struggle in the tracking department. In our video review, you can see the controllers fighting to be noticed when held at waist-height. It’s troublesome enough to make the G2 difficult to recommend to hardcore VR players that favor faultless tracking above all else. What if, then, you could swap over these devices with another set of controllers tracked by Valve’s ever-stable Lighthouse tracking system?

Enter the Valve Index Controllers.

Yes, it is indeed possible to mix and match and get Valve’s latest designs up and running on G2. Successfully doing so results in probably the best PC VR experience you can have today. But, the hoops you’ll have to jump through ultimately offset how viable this approach is.

For starters, the Reverb G2 is in itself a $600 purchase but the Index controllers, too, are far from cheap, coming in at $270 if you get them separately. Then you’ll need base stations, which cost around $150 each. Even then, though, you’re not done; the Index Controllers require some sort of receiver to pair up with your PC. You could use the dongles that come with the Vive Tracker pucks, though those start at $100. Some third-party companies do sell the dongle independently, including Tundra Labs for $29 though it says stock won’t be back until January 2021. If you have an old SteamVR headset lying around, like the original Vive or an Index, though, you can use that.

So in a best-case scenario, you already have a full Index kit ($1,000) and can get the G2 ready to go. But if the G2 is your first VR headset since the Vive, you’re looking at a starting price of $870 for the headset and controllers. If you don’t have a Vive or any other SteamVR kit, we’re talking a minimum of around $1,150. Yikes.

By now it should be clear that this solution is only for the most enthusiastic of VR enthusiasts, then. Note that that is only $40 more than the full Index kit though so, if you were considering picking that up, you might want to investigate this alternative, convoluted as it may be.

Once you’ve procured every item, setting things up isn’t too much of a jumble. You’ll need the OpenVR Space Calibrator software and then have to sync the controllers together inside SteamVR (full instructions on setting up can be found here). Turn your original Windows VR controllers off (hopefully forever) and that should pretty much be it.

It’s a hassle to get through but, if you’re dedicated, it makes a world of difference to the Reverb G2 experience. Not only could I play games with precision, pitch-perfect tracking and unbeatable clarity, but this also gets you access to a handful of other games, like the incredible Aperture Hand Lab, and the ability to, uh, crush cans in Half-Life: Alyx. If you’re the type that’s got a dedicated VR space that’s ready and waiting for every incremental update to your setup, this is definitely something you’ll want to take notice of.

Vive and G2

But consider a few things. First, if you’re using an Index or Vive as a receiver, good god does it make for a righteous mess. One VR headset’s cables is more than enough for most people, let alone two. And don’t forget that this solution robs you of one of the Reverb G2’s key features, inside-out tracking that’s completely free of external markers and sensors. Granted that tracking is troublesome to begin with, but it definitely detracts from the accessibility factor.

A heck of a lot of caveats, then, but if you have the money, space and patience to deal with them, the HP Reverb G2 with Index Controllers offers the best consumer VR experience on the market today. Now, if only we could get a wireless adaptor.

How To Use HP Reverb G2 With Valve Index Controllers

The HP Reverb G2 is a great VR headset that’s held back by a few issues, the most prominent of which being controller tracking. If you’re really keen to use G2’s incredibly clear display, though, there is one thing you can do; sync them up with the Valve Index Controllers.

How To Use HP Reverb G2 With Valve Index Controllers

Note: This guide wouldn’t have been possible without this helpful video from Eric for President, so many thanks for that!

Syncing up the Valve Index Controllers with the Reverb G2 provides superior SteamVR tracking with amazing clarity. It’s also fairly simple to setup, provided you have a few (expensive) items.

What You’ll Need

Vive and G2

Exactly what you need will depend on what existing SteamVR gear you have. If you have an older headset like the HTC Vive or the Index itself, you’ll already have most of the gear required. But let’s walk you through the basic components first.

Those are:

  • The HP Reverb G2 – $599
  • Valve Index Controllers – $280
  • Valve SteamVR Base Stations (either first or second generation) – $149 each

Already you can see this is quite an expensive proposition. But to actually sync the Index Controllers to your PC, you’ll also need some sort of receiver. This could be an HTC Vive or Valve Index if you already have one, or a SteamVR dongle included with HTC’s Vive Trackers. You can also buy these dongles separately from third-party retailers. Note we haven’t tried these dongles for ourselves but Tundra Labs claims its dongle is the official version supplied by HTC itself.

With these components gathered, we’re ready to go.

Setup

1. Setup your Valve Index Controllers with SteamVR – If you have a Vive or Index headset, go through the standard SteamVR setup process to get your Index controllers synced up to your PC. Note that you will need to leave your other headset plugged in when you want to use the Index controllers – it won’t need to be connected to HDMI/Displayport but it will need to be plugged in with USB and powered on for the controllers to link up to it. If you have the USB dongles, again, make sure they’re plugged in at all times.

2. Download the free OpenVR Space Calibrator tool – OpenVR Space Calibrator is a great piece of software. It’s what you’ll be using to essentially trick your SteamVR setup into showing the Valve Index controllers. You can get it for free from here.

3. Launch SteamVR inside WindowsMR – Getting into SteamVR with your Windows VR headset requires a different app than the standard one, but it’s still available for free. Especially make sure you’re using this app if you have either the Index or Vive still plugged into your PC.

4. Launch OpenVR Space Calibrator and turn on your Index Controllers – To open OpenVR you need to press the menu button on your right Windows MR Controller (not the indented Windows button but the small circular one next to it). You should see the OpenVR logo on the bottom left of the menu. Click it and you’ll be presented with another screen with two sections at the top. In the left section, you’ll see your Reverb hardware listed. Now turn on your Index controllers and they should be listed in the second section on the right. You should also see the controllers in the virtual space at this point.

How To Use HP Reverb G2 With Valve Index Controllers

5. Sync The Controllers – Now you need to select one of each controller — either the left or right side– to sync together. You can press Identify Selected Devices to get the chosen controllers to rumble and ensure you have the right kit. Now hold your Index controller over the top of your Reverb controller (easier said than done so use both hands) and click Start Calibration. After a short process, you should see the controller moved to much more accurately reflect its position in virtual space. If you’re not satisfied, you can try the process again until you get it right. I also didn’t have to sync the other controller for this to work.

6. Restart Windows SteamVR without the controllers – Time to wave goodbye to the controllers. Quit out of SteamVR, make sure to turn your Windows controllers off (hold the Windows buttons) and then, on desktop, restart SteamVR. Turn your Index controllers on and they should appear in front of you and usable. It’s possible that one won’t show up but it should be fixed if you turn it off and on again.


And that’s pretty much it! You should now be able to start enjoying the Reverb G2 with your Index Controllers and won’t need to use the Windows MR controllers anymore.

Did you find our How To Use HP Reverb G2 With Valve Index Controllers guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

 

Best VR Headset – Mid 2022 Update: Quest 2, PC VR, PSVR & More

Want to get into VR but not sure which headset is right for you? Here’s our guide for the best VR headset, breaking down the pros and cons of Meta Quest 2, HP Reverb G2, PlayStation VR and the Valve Index.

Best Headset - TEXT

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Oculus Quest 2 from Meta — Best VR Headset Overall & Best for Newcomers

The Quest 2 is the most versatile VR headset available on the market and the overall best virtual reality headset to buy in 2022, both overall and specifically for newcomers.

For $299, you get a full standalone headset that requires no other equipment, with a selection of some of the best experiences and games on any platform.

However, the big trade-off for the Quest 2 is that you need to log in to a Facebook account to use the headset — for now, at least.

The headset was introduced in 2020 with a mandatory Facebook login policy. For existing Oculus users, merging your Oculus and Facebook accounts together is the only option. On a Quest 2, all your content, and your access to the headset, will be dependent on your Facebook account. If you want to get rid of your account for reasons outside of VR, all of your content will go with it.

However, that’s about to change. At Connect 2021, Meta (formerly Facebook) announced changes to the mandatory Facebook requirement — from sometime in 2022, Meta will make a “broader shift” so that you will be able to login to your Quest headset with an account other than your personal Facebook account. Users will even be able to unlink their Facebook account from their headset and keep all their purchases.

For now though, any Quest 2 headset still requires connection and login via Facebook — while Meta says they are still working on the login changes, there’s still no set date for their arrival.

If you’re okay with Facebook login for now, then the Quest 2 has some huge benefits. You can take it anywhere, use it anywhere and let anyone else try the headset in a matter of seconds. The Quest 2 provides the least friction of any headset available at the moment.

Most experiences on Quest 2 use the two Touch controllers, pictured below, which come included. However, you also have the option to use controller-free hand tracking, which uses the Quest’s cameras to track the position of your hands and display them in VR, allowing you to interact with VR content with your own two hands. Recent updates have significantly improved the technology as well. If you’re interested, check out this list of our favorite hand tracking experiences available on Quest.

All Quest 2 base models, available for $299, now come with 128GB of storage as of mid-2021 — an upgrade over the original Quest 2 base model which shipped for the same price with just 64GB of storage. This is a pretty significant upgrade, considering that big Quest games like Medal of Honor and Resident Evil 4 VR take up around 40GB and 12GB, respectively.

But that’s not all – if you do have a VR-ready PC, the Quest 2 can be connected as a PC VR headset too, allowing you to enjoy PC VR content streamed from your computer to the headset. This can be done through Oculus Link, which uses a USB C cord that connects your PC to your Quest, or through Air Link, a wireless solution that streams the content from your VR-ready PC to your Quest over your local network, provided your router can handle it. The Quest offers the best of both worlds. Read more about how to play PC VR content using Link and Air Link on Quest 2 here

Because Quest 2 is a standalone headset, all of the components are in the headset itself. This makes the headset front-heavy and not super ideal for long play sessions. That being said, we’ve found that the optional Elite Strap offers the best and most comfortable experience over the standard strap included. If you have the money to shell out for the strap, we highly recommend it. 

Providing you’re okay with signing into Facebook until sometime later this year, the Quest 2 is our choice for the overall best VR headset for most consumers, especially those who are just dipping their toes into VR. It’s the cheapest option that offers a premier standalone experience, with the option to branch out into PC VR content as well.

Read our Quest 2 review for more information, and check out this list of best Quest games. You can also check out our Quest 2 accessories guide.

The Quest 2 is available from Amazon for $299. Refurbished headsets are also often available at the cheaper price of $249 — we think that’s one of the VR’s best deals.


Valve Index Grip Headset Hands Controllers

Valve Index — Best PC VR Headset, Most Immersive Headset

While the Index is our pick for best PC VR headset, there are some big disclaimers that you should be aware of before buying.

The Valve Index is Valve’s first VR headset (the original HTC Vive was a collaboration between Valve and HTC) and offers what many consider to be a premier PC VR experience for a very high price – $1,000 for the full kit plus the PC to run it.

The Index offers a series of fine adjustments to the HMD’s optics that allows it to maximize its field of view as well as a new type of controller that straps to the hand and allows full release, plus an impressively loud and comfortable audio experience. The field of view and the refresh rate on the Index beat out all other headsets on this list, however, in 2022 the screen resolution falls behind the Quest 2 and the Reverb G2. It uses lighthouse sensors for outside-in tracking and all-around offers one of the best VR headset experiences – if you can afford it.

Valve Index Full Kit Controllers HMD Base Stations Controllers Knuckles

The full Valve Index kit, including the headset, the two controllers and the two lighthouse sensors, costs $1,000. That’s a gigantic increase over other options. The lighthouse tracking system also needs to be set up in one spot and kept there, which limits portability. PC VR headsets that use inside out tracking are only limited by the requirement to be connected to a PC. With the Index, you’re also limited to one play area, as the tracking system requires a relatively large amount of effort to take down and set up again.

You can read our full Index review for more information, however, keep in mind that a lot has changed since that review, and more options, such as the Quest 2 above and the Reverb G2 below, did not exist at the time of writing. Valve Index may no longer have all the top of the line specifications, but it’s still worth your consideration.

The full Valve Index kit is available from Steam for $1000.


HP Reverb G2 Review worn

HP Reverb G2 — Best Visuals, Best For Simulators

Like the Index, the Reverb G2 is a tethered PC VR headset that finds itself in a tricky situation. At $600, it’s more expensive than a $300 Quest 2 (which can work as a PC VR option) and less expensive than the $1000 Index. While it has some serious benefits over both of those headsets, it also shipped with some big drawbacks.

At launch, the G2 that released in 2020 was a great headset with subpar controllers (and controller tracking). However, the recently-updated model, featuring both hardware and software changes, should have improved some of these problems.

The headset has the best screen on the market right now, with higher resolutions than both the Quest 2 and the Index. In terms of visuals, it’s best in class. It also has great off-ear speakers (the same ones found in the Index, as the G2 is a collaboration between HP and Valve).

However, the controllers and their somewhat unreliable tracking really lets the headset down. The G2 sports redesigned WMR controllers, but they’re not quite as reliable or consistent as what you’ll get with other systems. At launch, we found the controllers and associated tracking let the rest of the headset down. Using an inside out tracking system with four cameras, the 2020 G2 model would struggle when the controllers were in a position that was slightly out of view, such as by your waist or close to the headset. Maintaining consistent controller tracking was a problem in these situations. 

HP Reverb G2 Review side-on

To address these tracking woes, HP announced Reverb G2 had been refreshed with an updated model. The new 2021 G2 model, which supersedes the now-discontinued original G2 from 2020, includes hardware changes to the tracking cameras. HP claims this increases tracking volume by 30% by “resolving blind spots above and below the waist” compared to the original model.

We haven’t had a chance to test the updated model ourselves yet, so we can’t speak from experience as to how good the changes really are. However, there are still situations where we would recommend the headset anyway — given the high visual fidelity of the screen, it’s perfect for simulators, especially ones that use external peripherals instead of VR controllers.

If you want a best-in-class display for simulators, which might also let you ditch the WMR controllers in favor of external accessories, then the G2 is a great option.

However, if you’re looking for a full VR experience to play the best PC VR games for the first time, then you might be more worried about controller inconsistencies and whether the updated model has fully resolved them.

For half the price, the Quest 2 can connect to a VR-ready PC (as well as play standalone content) and has some of, if not the, best and most consistent inside-out tracking available today. 

The HP Reverb G2 is available for $599 from HP or Amazon . You can read our review of the original 2020 model here.

You can find more details about the updated 2021 Reverb G2 here


Sony PSVR Move

PlayStation VR — Best Games Library

When it comes to a library of VR games, PlayStation VR is the clear winner, even if the device itself is far from the best VR headset. It has a bunch of fantastic exclusives on the system, such as Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Wipeout Omega Collection, Iron Man VR, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Firewall: Zero Hour, Dreams, Blood & Truth and many more.

PSVR is a tethered headset, but instead of a PC it connects to your PS4 or PS5. However, even with the best library of exclusive games, the hardware is now very dated.

Compared to every other headset on this list, PSVR is the oldest and the furthest behind in terms of technology. While you’re buying into a fantastic games ecosystem, you’ll be playing those games on a headset that has a much older screen with a much lower resolution than other options, plus an outdated and clunky tracking system.

psvr tracking

The tracking system uses a PlayStation camera sitting below or above your TV, and is simply not up to par with other more modern tracking systems. It still works, but really shows its age in 2022. The headset has a screen that feels woefully subpar these days — PSVR can’t offer the same visual experience compared to more modern VR systems. This is true even when playing on PS5, which does provide some visual enhancements for select games.

The bottom line is that PSVR is at the end of its life cycle. It was originally released for PS4, and is still compatible with PS5 through backwards compatibility, but Sony has confirmed that a next-generation VR headset for PS5 is on the way. It’s not a matter of if, but when. UploadVR even exclusively revealed the specs of the new headset in May, confirming an increase in resolution, inside-out tracking and much more. 

While we don’t have a release date for Sony’s next headset, it is on the way. Plus, it’s increasingly difficult to find available bundles of the original PSVR hardware for sale. If you don’t already own a PS4 or PS5 (or even if you do), another headset might be a better option right now if you want to future-proof your VR experience.

PlayStastion VR headsets and bundles (often including headset, camera, camera adapter for PS5, but not the PlayStation console itself) are sometimes available on Amazon — stock and pricing varies, as the device is at the end of its life cycle. At the time of writing, the Iron Man PSVR bundle (which also includes Iron Man VR) is available for $349. 


Which headset are you interested in?  What do you think is the best VR headset? Let us know in the comments below and make sure to follow us on YouTube for all the latest coverage.

Looking for more guides like this one? Check out the New to VR? section of our site.

This article was originally published in November 2020, updated in January 2021, October 2021, November 2021 and May 2022. 

New HP Reverb G2 Orders Won’t Ship Until 2021

HP’s Reverb G2 is now arriving to people who placed pre-orders, but if you place your order in the United States now you won’t receive the hardware until at least January.

The update provided by HP’s United States distribution partner Connection explains that pre-orders placed prior to October 25 should still arrive in 2020 “on a first come, first served basis.” New orders are “expected to begin shipping in January 2021,” the update email explains. “While we have shipped a substantial number of units, we are still waiting on additional inventory to fulfill all pre-orders.” A note was also posted to the hardware’s pre-order site:

Jamie Feltham praised the incredible clarity of the display in his HP Reverb G2 hardware review but took issue with the controllers for the new headset. The device combines the ease of Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality inside out tracking with some of Valve’s hardware innovations. For example, Reverb G2 includes the same speakers that were so powerful on 2019’s Valve Index headset.

The global pandemic of 2020 affected most manufacturers but it is kind of a bummer to see a repeat of 2019. The year ended with some of the most interesting VR headsets, like the original Quest and Valve Index, back-ordered for weeks in the run-up to Christmas. While this update for the HP Reverb G2 is certainly a sign that VR sales are strong, it is still robbing VR developers of paying customers if the people who want headsets have to wait months to get their hands on it.

PC VR Gift Guide – Valve Index, HP Reverb G2, Oculus: The Ultimate List

Despite the increasing popularity of standalone VR, there are several good PC VR headsets on the market. Whether you’re looking to dive into the world of PC VR headsets or already own a Valve Index, HP Reverb G2 or something else, we’ve got you covered. Our Ultimate PC VR Gift Guide takes you through all the headset options and the best accessories for each.

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PC VR Headsets: Which To Buy?

pc vr gift guide headsets

Unlike our Quest 2 and PSVR gift guides, if you’re looking at buying a PC VR headset, there’s a couple of options. For starters, no matter which headset you choose, you’ll need a VR-ready PC to run the content.

From there, there’s basically three big players, each at different price points and with different pros and cons — Valve Index, HP Reverb G2, and Oculus Quest 2. This isn’t all of the PC VR options available, but we feel these three are the best choices.

Valve Index Side VR Headset HMD

Valve Index

The Valve Index is the most expensive headset on the list and, for a long time, has remained the premier PC VR option. The headset offers great optics, fantastic controllers, and excellent tracking thanks to the latter of which is all handled by an outside-in tracking system via lighthouses sensors. While this system provides the best accuracy by far, it’s also the most cumbersome to set up. Plus, once it is set up, there’s no moving it easily.

While the Valve Index  provides a fantastic experience overall, it comes at a high cost and with a system that locks you into one play area near your computer that’s a pain to reconfigure. You can read our full review here and order the full Valve Index VR Kit from the Steam store for $999.

HP Reverb G2 Review side-on

HP Reverb G2

In the middle in terms of pricing, the HP Reverb G2 is a collaboration with Valve that offers a similar PC VR experience to the Index, but with some notable caveats that might be deal-breakers for certain people. But first, the good — the Reverb G2 offers a screen that is one of, if not the, best on the market right now. It also boasts wonderful over-ear speakers and  is one of the most comfortable headsets around.

However, the controllers are not the best. And even though the inside-out tracking is improved from the original Reverb, it still lacks in edge cases where controllers are at the periphery of the camera lens range and start to go out of view. Depending on what kind of VR games you’re looking to play, this might affect you more or less than others. For PC VR-only simulator enthusiasts, the controller woes may be negligible since you may spend more time with a wheel or HOTAS anyway, which makes the Reverb G2 more than worth it otherwise. For the twitchy-Expert+ Beat Saber VR player, you might be more impacted.

You can read our full review here and pre-order the Reverb G2 from HP for $599.

Oculus Quest 2 Review Feature 2

Oculus Quest 2

Now, I know what you’re thinking — you’re right, the Quest 2 isn’t technically a PC VR headset. It is Facebook’s standalone headset, a successor to the original Quest from last year. However, it is also can harness the power of Oculus Link to provide an extremely serviceable (if verging on identical) PC VR experience. This does require purchasing a long, reliable USB cable to use with Link, but even so, Quest 2 remains one of the cheapest options for PC VR, with few drawbacks.

If you’re happy with using a Facebook account and are ready to buy a USB cable to set up Oculus Link (or even play PC VR wirelessly using Virtual Desktop) then the Quest 2 is one of the best options. You get a fantastic VR experience, both in and out of PC VR content, for an insanely low price.

You can read our full review here and order the Quest 2 from Amazon for $299.

PC VR Gift Guide: Best PC VR Accessories

pc vr gift guide accessories

VR Cover

VR Cover has been around for a while now, and is known for making accessories designed to improve hygiene and make headsets more comfortable while they sit on your face. It offers a variety of different face covers for most major headsets, which allow you to pick a material that’s more comfortable for you.

You can view VR Cover’s range of face covers and accessories here.

Headphones

Depending on which headset you go with, you may or may not need headphones. For some PC VR headsets, such as the Valve Index and HP Reverb G2, they come built-in with fantastic over ear headphone solutions. Headsets like Quest 2, Oculus Rift S, and other older headsets don’t always have great audio quality built-in.

To remedy this, we recommend a pair of detachable over ear VR headphones, such as the Bionik Mantis. Despite being advertised as specifically for PSVR, we’ve tried them out on PC VR straps and found that they still attach just fine.

You can read our review of the headphones here. They are available from $42 on Amazon.

Stand

Storing headsets can be a bit of a hassle. If you’re looking for a way to store your headset on your desk, then check out a headset stand.

These stands are an elegant way to store your headset when not in use, while also keeping it on display and out of a box. In most cases, the stands also include hooks to hold controllers as well, making them a good all-in-one solution.

We’ve tried the AMVR headset stands and found they work really well and can look quite elegant on display.

The AMVR stand for Rift and Quest headsets is available for $21 on Amazon. Alternatively,  for other headsets you can browse Amazon to find an AMVR stand that fits.

Ceiling Cable Management

One of the downsides of PC VR headsets is the often thick, restrictive wires that go between your PC and your headset. These can make it difficult to move freely and require you to manage the cable as you play, which can get frustrating.

A solution for this problem is to install a ceiling pulley system in your play area, so that the cable loops up from your headset, through the ceiling mount, and then goes back down to your PC. We haven’t used one of these systems personally, but they look like a great way to manage your messy PC VR cables.

A VR ceiling cable management system is available for $17.99 from Amazon.

Microfiber Cloths

Any VR headset’s lenses will get foggy and dirty between uses, so you’ll want some microfiber clothes to quickly clean the lenses between games and sessions.

Buy a pack of five microfiber clothes for $7.79 from Amazon.

PC VR Games

pc vr gift guide games

The major benefit of PC VR is that you’re not limited by console or mobile hardware when it comes to VR content — because your PC is doing the hard work, you can run a lot of higher fidelity games. There are some absolutely stunning games and experiences to be found on the PC VR platform. Some of the most popular  and intensive VR titles, such as Boneworks or Half-Life: Alyx, are only available for PC VR headsets.

If you want to know where to start, check out our list of the best SteamVR games and experiences and the best Oculus Rift games and experiences.


What do you make of our PC VR gift guide? Is there anything you’d add in? Let us know in the comments below!