Samsung Odyssey im Test: Das beste Windows Mixed Reality Headset

Microsoft hat in diesem Jahr Windows startklar für die Mixed Reality gemacht und einige Partner von Microsoft haben VR-Brillen für die MR-Plattform veröffentlicht. Während Lenovo, Dell, Acer, Medion und Co. sich sehr stark an die Baupläne von Microsoft gehalten haben, geht die Samsung Odyssey eigene Wege. Dieser Mut hat sich gelohnt. Falls ihr einen allgemeinen Test zu den Windows Mixed Reality Brillen sucht, dann schaut bitte hier. In diesem Beitrag geht es darum, was die Brille von Samsung besonders macht, ohne alle Gemeinsamkeiten aufzuzählen.

Samsung Odyssey: Bildeindruck

Samsung Odyssey 3

Auch als langjährigere VR-Nerds entlockte uns der Bildeindruck der Brille von Samsung sofort ein WOW! Die Schrift ist viel besser lesbar, die Kanten sind glatter als bei der Konkurrenz und der Sweetspot ist angenehm groß, so wie bei der Oculus Rift oder der HTC Vive.  Verwunderlich ist dies nicht, denn Samsung setzt bei der Odyssey auf OLED-Panels, die eine gute Helligkeit und kräftige Farben darstellen können. Die Auflösung beträgt 1400 x 1600 Pixel pro Auge bei 90Hz und einem Field of View von 110 Grad. Im Vergleich: Die Oculus Rift und die HTC Vive liegen nur bei 1200 x 1080 Pixel pro Auge bei einem ähnlichen Field of View. Zudem setzt Samsung bei der Odyssey als einziger Hersteller auf ein mechanisches Rad zum Anpassen des Abstandes der Linsen (60mm bis 72mm). Im Vergleich zu den bisherigen Windows Mixed Reality Headsets führt dies zu einem deutlich besseren Bildeindruck, wenn euer Augenabstand nicht der gängigen Norm entspricht.

Mit der Odyssey bringt Samsung eine VR-Brille auf den Markt, die sich wie eine natürlichere Weiterentwicklung der aktuellen Generation anfühlt, ohne an anderen Stellen experimentell oder unausgereift zu wirken. Man kann es so beschreiben, als würde man bei der Rift das Display austauschen.

Komfort und zusätzliche Elemente

Samsung Odyssey Button

Der Komfort der Samsung Odyssey Headsets ist in Ordnung. Die dicken Polsterungen lassen die Brille zwar weich am Kopf sitzen, aber sie fühlt sich doch etwas klobiger als die anderen Windows-MR-Brillen an. Immerhin bringt die Brille von Samsung auch stolze 644 Gramm auf die Waage, was für die aktuelle Generation schon als Schwergewicht bezeichnet werden kann. Dafür hat der Hersteller der Brille aber auch Features spendiert, die bei den anderen Herstellern fehlen. So findet ihr direkt unter der Brille zwei Bedienelemente, mit denen ihr jederzeit die Lautstärke ändern könnt. Dann gibt es noch das erwähnte Rad für das Einstellen des Abstandes der Linsen und integrierte Kopfhörer, welche sich aber auch abmontieren lassen. Die Kopfhörer sind sehr höhenlastig und nicht unbedingt die erste Wahl für audiophile Menschen, aber für den durchschnittlichen Spieler sollte der Klang der Kopfhörer für ein schnelles Game zwischendurch ausreichend sein.

Ein wichtiger Unterschied zu den anderen Windows Mixed Reality Headsets: Die Brille von Samsung lässt sich nicht nach oben klappen. Ob dies ein wichtiges Feature ist, hängt von eurer Nutzungsweise ab.

Mit Gefühl: Die Controller

Samsung ODyssey 2

Samsung erfindet die Windows Mixed Reality Controller zwar nicht neu, jedoch hat der koreanische Hersteller die Controller in ein hochwertigeres Gehäuse gepackt und das Design etwas handfreundlicher gestaltet. Zwar schmiegen sich die Controller nicht so gut an die Hände wie die Oculus Touch Controller, aber sie sind auch nicht so uninspieriert geformt wie die Controller für die anderen Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brillen.

Verfügbarkeit in Europa

Die Odyssey ist aktuell nicht in Europa erhältlich, und Samsung hat noch keine Pläne für eine Ausweitung der Verkaufsgebiete gezeigt. Somit ist die bisher beste Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brille in Deutschland nur über Umwege erhältlich.

Stark
  • Großer Sweetspot
  • Klares und scharfes Bild
  • Inside-Out-Tracking
Schwach
  • Gewicht
  • Gefühl beim Tragen
4.5 / 5

Der Beitrag Samsung Odyssey im Test: Das beste Windows Mixed Reality Headset zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

The Best Samsung Odyssey Deal for Cyber Monday 2017

The prospect of owning a VR headset is even more affordable this holiday shopping season as VR is getting some sizable discounts to come along with it. We’re keeping tabs on the best Samsung Odyssey deals during Black Friday 2017 through Cyber Monday as they come in.

Updated: 11/27/17, 2:20AM ET

Samsung VR Headset Deal Baseline

Samsung HMD Odyssey is widely considered the ‘premium’ option among the line of Windows Mixed Reality headsets, what with its built-in audio and refined styling. Only on the market for a few months, the headset + controller bundle normally costs $500, a deal you can find from retailers including Samsung, Microsoft Store, and Best Buy.

The Best Samsung Odyssey Cyber Monday Deal

Image courtesy Samsung

The best Samsung HMD Odyssey Cyber Monday 2017 deal we’ve found online so far is Microsoft Store for $450, a $50 savings which includes the headset and controllers. The deal lasts until 11:59 PM PST on November 27th.

Other Samsung Odyssey Deals to Consider

  • Buy a CyberPower VR-ready Desktop ($630) and get $400 off a Windows VR Headset at Best Buy 
  • Save $150 on Samsung Odyssey Laptop + Samsung HMD Odyssey at Microsoft Store

If you’ve found a better deal on the web, let us know in the comments and we’ll include it in our Cyber Monday savings round-up.

The post The Best Samsung Odyssey Deal for Cyber Monday 2017 appeared first on Road to VR.

Microsoft’s Black Friday Deals Include $100 off Windows Mixed Reality Headsets

In just over a week’s time the annual Black Friday sales event happens, bringing with it plenty of discounts on technology that you’ve been after, just in time for the festive period. Today Microsoft has announced its Black Friday deals, which include the newly released Windows Mixed Reality head-mounted displays (HMDs).

The headsets only launched last month in conjunction with the Windows Fall Creators update for Win 10, so it’s surprising to see the devices discounted so early on in their lifespan. That’s good news for consumers however as it means they can save up to $100 USD when purchasing either an Acer, Dell Visor, HP, Lenovo Explorer, or Samsung Odyssey headset.

Windows Mixed Reality Headsets New

Additionally, so those who also need a new PC to run a Windows HMD, Microsoft has savings of up to $249 on PC bundles from Acer, Dell, and HP. If you want to know more about Windows Mixed Reality headsets, check out VRFocus’ guide on the devices.

While that’s all the virtual reality (VR) related savings available from Microsoft, the company has plenty of other deals going. There’s:

  • $329 off the Surface Pro i5 256GB and $229 off the Surface Pro i5 128GB
  • Save $199 with the purchase of Surface Laptop and the new Harmon Kardon Invoke speaker
  • Xbox One S will start from just $189, plus save $50 off Xbox One S 1TB and 500GB bundles

Last months launch was a fairly subdued affair, even though Microsoft had secured plenty of big name VR experiences for consumers to play. These included zombie shooter Arizona Sunshine, SUPERHOT VR, Space Pirate Trainer, Fantastic Contraption, Skyworld and many more. No official sales figures have been released just yet so Microsoft maybe hoping to bolster these numbers with Black Friday savings.

The Black Friday deals are available through the Microsoft Store, starting from 23rd and running through to 27th November, 2017.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Microsoft and Windows Mixed Reality headsets, reporting back with the latest updates and deals.

SteamVR Comes To Windows Mixed Reality

The range of mixed reality (MR) headsets being made available under the Windows Mixed Reality banner have opened up a new avenue for many people who might be interesting in trying out virtual reality (VR) and MR applications. The addition of compatibility with SteamVR will likely make it even more of a tempting prospect.

Windows Mixed Reality users will soon be able to access the vast library of VR titles that are available through Steam. This feature is currently only available to developers via the Windows Mixed Reality SteamVR preview program, but as of 15th November, will open up to any user with one of the five currently available MR headsets and an up-to-date copy of Windows 10.

A reporter from Rolling Stone managed to get hands-on with the new feature, and said that it acts as a bridge between the Windows 10 store and the Steam VR library. Indications are that the feature is still undergoing testing, so early adopters will be essentially joining an open beta. As a result, though most titles work well, there are some bugs and glitches that have yet to be eliminated.

Samsung Windows Mixed Reality headset image 4

There are five Windows MR devices currently available, ranging in price from $399 (USD) for the Acer and Lenovo devices, right up to $499 for the Samsung HMD Odyssey headset. Rolling Stone reported that the Samsung HMD Odyssey appeared to be the top-of-the-line model, featuring a 110-degree field of view, a 1440×1600 resolution display and a sophisticated sound array that used phase array technology to eliminate unwanted noise. Of course, it also features inside-out tracking and the bundled-in tracked motion controllers.

There are roughly 60 native Windows 10 MR apps, but the addition of the SteamVR library opens up many new possibilities for users who wish to invest in the Windows MR headsets. It isn’t currently known when Microsoft plans on going from the semi-official open beta of this feature to a full release.

VRFocus will bring you further news on Windows Mixed Reality as it becomes available.

Samsung Odyssey in Amerika erschienen – erste Eindrücke

Von allen Microsoft Mixed Reality Headsets kann sich bisweilen nur die Samsung Odyssey von der Konkurrenz abheben – und ausgerechnet diese VR-Brille enthält der koreanische Hersteller europäischen Kunden (noch?) vor. Am 6. November ist die Odyssey über dem großen Teich auf den Markt gekommen. Und es gibt bereits erste Eindrücke von dem Headset.

Samsung Odyssey: Tolles Display, Tragekomfort nicht optimal

Der Reddit-Anwender what595654 beschreibt seine ersten Erfahrungen mit der Samsung Odyssey – man muss also weitere Meinungen und ausführliche Tests abwarten. Zu Beginn berichtet der VR-Brillen-Sammler (nach seiner Aussage besitzt er die Rift, Vive, HP, Acer, Dell, Pimax 4K und Gear VR), dass sich die Lösung von Samsung durch das verwendete Leder sehr hochwertig anfühle. Allerdings ist es nicht atmungsaktiv und es gäbe keine Lüftungsschlitze. Dadurch wäre die Samsung-Brille die heißeste, die er je getragen hat. Was ein anderer frischer Besitzer des Headsets bestätigt.

 

Samsung Mixed Reality

Abstriche gibt es auch beim Tragekomfort, immerhin ist die Samsung-Brille mit 645 g eine der gewichtigsten VR-Brillen auf dem Markt. Nach einiger Zeit spüre man das Headset ziemlich auf dem Kopf lasten, egal, wie man es trage, berichtet der User. Das komfortabelste Headset komme übrigens von Dell. Auch Road to VR bemängelte in einer Preview den Tragekomfort sowie die fehlende Möglichkeit, das Visier wie bei den anderen MR-Brillen hochklappen zu können.

Das Bild des OLED-Display – die anderen Mixed Reality Headsets verwenden LC-Displays – erinnere sehr an die Gear VR mit Galaxy-Smartphone und überzeuge durch sehr gute Kontraste und lebhafte Farben. Diese Erfahrung teilt ebenfalls ein anderer Anwender und meint, dass die Bildqualität deutlich über der der Rift läge. Die Erfahrung fühle sich zudem sehr flüssig an.

Der Mixed-Reality-Konkurrenz überlegen

Die Auflösung liegt von den Daten her bei der Samsung Odyssey im Vergleich zur MR-Konkurrenz sowie Rift und Vive mit 2880 x 1600 Pixeln am höchsten. Die Brille sei damit klar der Vive und Rift überlegen. Beim FoV zieht das Headset von Samsung mit den etablierten Brillen gleich und habe nicht die röhrenartige Ansicht der MR-Konkurrenz. Allerdings gibt es durch die Fresnel-Linsen Flare-Effekte, wie man sie von der Vive und Rift kennt. Bei der Odyssey kann man den Puppillenabstand zwischen 60 und 72 mm justieren.

Eine Enttäuschung ist wohl die Qualität der Kopfhörer mit dem AKG Branding. Sie würden keine guten Bässe liefern und schlechter klingen als die Lauscher der Oculus Rift. Wenigstens hat die Samsung-Brille überhaupt welche, im Gegensatz zur restlichen MR-Riege.  Bei den Controllern verwendet Samsung als einziger Hersteller im Mixed-Reality-Bereich ein leicht angepasstes Design, was sich positiv bemerkbar mache. Das abschließende Urteil: Von allen Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brillen fühle sich nur die Samsung Odyssey nicht an wie ein Spielzeug. Ein Oculus-Rift-Killer sei sie aber derzeit nicht. Für ein abschließendes Urteil muss man abwarten, wie gut die SteamVR-Unterstützung ausfalle. Die soll noch in diesem Jahr kommen.

Die Samsung Odyssey kostet in Amerika 499 US-Dollar und ist damit 100 Dollar teurer als die günstigsten MR-Konkurrenten.

(Quellen: Reddit, mit Material von beispielsweise Road To VR)

Werbung für Virtual Reality Hygiene

Der Beitrag Samsung Odyssey in Amerika erschienen – erste Eindrücke zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

A Guide to all the Content, Prices and Details for Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality Headset Launch Today

Today’s the day. If you hadn’t realised already from the vast amount of coverage on VRFocus and everywhere else, Microsoft has now officially entered the realm of virtual reality (VR) with the launch of its Windows Mixed Reality headsets. While the name may confuse some these new devices will still be going head-to-head with products like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift even though there’s a slight difference in tech. So today VRFocus will clear things up whilst giving you a comprehensive rundown of these new head-mounted displays (HMDs) and what content they currently offer.

For today’s launch – if you pre-ordered the headsets will be shipping today – there will be four devices on offer with a further two coming relatively soon. Microsoft teamed up with a range of manufacturers to build the HMDs rather than build its own, creating a core specification design that they’d all adhere to, whilst the body aesthetic could be different. Hence why there’s the Dell Visor, Acer Windows Mixed Reality HMD, HP Windows Mixed Reality HMD and Lenovo Explorer out now and Samsung Odyssey and Asus Windows Mixed Reality HMD still to come.

Windows Mixed Reality Headsets Collection

Whilst touted as mixed reality (MR) by Microsoft initially the headsets will lean more towards VR. Comparing them to Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the biggest difference between these two and Microsoft’s offerings come down to tracking. Oculus Rift and HTC Vive both use what’s called outside-in tracking where users need to have external sensors to monitor headset and controller movement. Windows Mixed Reality headsets have inside-out tracking where the two cameras located on the front track where the user is and where the controllers are. Whilst this system is great for ease of use – no sensors to setup – and portability, the cameras are limited to their field of view (FoV). So if you move your hands behind your back, or over your shoulder – as some VR titles do to grab weapons – the tracking will no longer work.

Now lets look at the headsets themselves, their prices and availability.

Acer Windows Mixed Reality HMD

Acer’s entry was the first device in the range to be unveiled and comes in at the cheapest price for just the headset alone, retailing for $299 USD, or with the motion controllers the cost comes to $399. The headset comes equipped with two LCD displays with a resolution of 1440 x 1440, a 95 degrees horizontal FoV and a 4.0 meter cable. This can be ordered through the US Microsoft store or the UK store.

HP Windows Mixed Reality HMD

Next there’s HP’s version. This features exactly the same spec as the Acer just in a different body design. On the US Microsoft Store it costs slightly more for the headset and motion controllers, retailing for $449. While on the UK Microsoft Store it sells for £399.99 GBP.

Dell Visor

Dell has gone for a more striking design, with a sleek white minimalistic look. Just like the two previous HMDs specs are virtually identical with one difference, the Dell Visor has a 105 degree horizontal FoV. It’s priced at $449 on the US Microsoft Store but there’s no listing on the UK store. At present UK customers will need to go to Dell’s website where the headset and controllers are sold separately.

Dell Visor

Lenovo Explorer

The last headset that’s available to purchase now is the Lenovo Explorer. This has the same specifications as the Dell Visor, with a 105 degrees horizontal FoV, alongside the resolution of 1440 x 1440 and 4.0 meter cable seen in the rest. You can buy the Lenovo Explorer on the US Microsoft Store for $399 including the motion controllers. Again UK customers will have to go elsewhere with retailers like Currys PC World stocking the headset for £399.99.

Lenovo Explorer

Asus Windows Mixed Reality HMD

While the Asus HMD was revealed at the same time as the rest a delay was announced last month, pushing the release date of the device until Spring 2018. Specs are the same as the Acer with two LCD displays with a resolution of 1440 x 1440 and a 95 degrees horizontal FoV. The Asus does have one of the most visually interesting designs with a 3D polygonal shell. Currently only a European price of €449 EUR has been announced although it didn’t specify if that included the motion controllers.

Asus Windows Mixed Reality Headset

Samsung Odyssey

Appearing out the blue earlier this month was Samsung Odyssey which appears to be the daddy of the group. Having already created the Samsung Gear VR, the company has used this experience to differentiate its headset from the rest of the pack with a few tweaked specifications. So the Samsung Odyssey’s resolution is better, coming in at 1440 x 1600 per eye, rather than 1440 x 1440, an FoV of 110 degrees, integrated AKG headphones and an OLED display rather than LCD.

With all these extra’s the Samsung Odyssey comes in at $499, the most expensive of the lot. It can be pre-ordered here with a release date of 6th November 2017.

Samsung Windows Mixed Reality headset image 1

PC Specs for Windows Mixed Reality

So you’ve seen the headsets so what about the PC to run it on? Well Microsoft has ensured that they won’t need a massively powerful PC, with the minimum being an Intel Core i5 7200U processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, 10GB of free disk space, and an Intel HD Graphics 620 or DX12-capable GPU. These specifications will provide 60 frames-per-second (FPS) performance. If you go up to the Ultra PC specs below you’ll get 90 FPS. You can also check your PC if unsure with Microsoft’s PC Check App.

Windows Mixed Reality specs

Windows Mixed Reality Content

So you’ve got your new headset, now you’re going to need some content to play on it. Microsoft has ensured that there’s a few videogames and apps available to start you off, with more on the way thanks to Steam compatibility.

Games:

  • Arizona Sunshine – £33.49 / $39.99
  • Superhot VR – £20.99 / $24.99
  • Fantastic Contraption – £16.74 / $19.99
  • Skyworld – £33.49 / $39.99
  • Space Pirate Trainer – £12.49 / $14.99
  • Form – £12.49 / $14.99
  • Ghostbusters VR – Now Hiring Episode 1 – £5.79 / $6.99
  • Halo: Recruit – Free
  • Heroes of the Seven Seas – £5.79 / $6.99
  • Dreadhalls – £8.39 / $9.99
  • Stunt Kite Masters – £8.39 / $9.99
  • inVokeR – £12.49 / $14.99
  • Land of Dinosaurs VR – £2.49 / $2.99
  • Racket: Nx – £16.74 / $19.99
  • Tee Time Golf – £12.49 / $14.99
  • BingoClass – Free
  • HeadSquare – £4.19 / $4.99
  • Dark Legion – £14.24 / $16.99
  • Headbutt Factory – £16.74 / $19.99
  • Hypercade – £4.19 / $4.99

Apps:

  • vTime – Free
  • Pixvana 360 Video Player – Free
  • Sliver.tv – Free
  • Ryot – Free
  • Littlestar VR Cinema – Free
  • Inception VR – Free
  • NextVR – Free
  • Free The Night – Free
  • theBlu: Season 1 – £8.39 / $9.99
  • MoveStudio – Free
  • The Rose And I – Free
  • Films & TV – Free
  • YouKu VR Pro – Free
  • Holograms – Free

Ok that’s your lot, well almost. There’s one important issue that VRFocus hasn’t covered and that’s the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. You’ll need this to make the headsets work and the rollout begins at 10am PT/6pm BST today. Handily Microsoft has released a blog post to walk you through manually checking if your device is part of the first phase rollout.

VR Weekly Special: Arcade Szene in Tokio mit Mario Kart, Dragon Ball Z und mehr

In unserem neuen VR Weekly holt sich Chris die VR-Nerds Nico und Phillip zu sich auf die Couch. Die beiden seltenen Gäste im Weekly waren in Japan und haben dort Tower Tag vorgeführt. Außerdem hatten sie in den vier Tagen in Tokio noch etwas Zeit, Arcade-Hallenb wie der VR-Zone einen Besuch abzustatten und Erfahrungen zu testen.

VR Weekly Tokio Special: Arcade-Szene in Japan

Den begeisterten Bericht zu Mario Kart hat Nico bereits bei uns veröffentlicht, über Dragon Ball Z und das schräge Argyle Shift berichten sie im Video. In dem Anime-Spiel schwingt ein Hauch von überflüssiger Erotik mit, der die geradlinige Mech-Ballerei unterstützen soll. Ob das gelungen ist?

Außerdem erklären Nico und Phillip ihre Erfahrungen mit der Arcade-Scene in Japan und haben Zero Latency im Joypolis ausprobiert. Wie schon in der VR-Zone waren unsere Nerds von der riesigen Arcade mit Innenhof beeindruckt – schließlich ist gerade Tokio für seine engen Platzverhältnisse bekannt. In Zero Latency geht man im Multiplayer auf Zombie-Jagd. Das Tracking-System in der Sega-Arcade zeigte allerdings Schwächen. Ansonsten gibt es wie in jedem VR Weekly auch die wichtigsten Nachrichten der Woche im Schnelldurchlauf. Und da gab es einige, wie beispielsweise die überraschende Vorstellung der Samsung Odyssey.

Der Beitrag VR Weekly Special: Arcade Szene in Tokio mit Mario Kart, Dragon Ball Z und mehr zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

Hands-on: Samsung Odyssey Windows VR Headset & Controllers

Microsoft and Samsung formally announced the Odyssey Windows VR headset today, positioning it as the “premium” option among the Windows VR headsets, with a range of features not found on the other headsets, and the top price point. The headset became available for pre-order today and will launch on November 6th (a few weeks after the rest of the Windows VR headsets).

I got to go hands-on with the Samsung Odyssey headset during an event today at Microsoft’s developer hub in San Francisco. First, a quick recap of the features that the Odyssey touts over the other Windows VR headsets:

  • Higher resolution: 1,440 x 1,600 vs. 1,440 x 1,440 (per eye)
  • Higher performance display: OLED vs. LCD
  • Wider field of view: 110 degrees vs. ~95
  • Integrated audio: AKG headphones + volume buttons vs. ‘bring your own’
  • Hardware IPD adjustment

It sounds great on paper, and there’s some advantages in actual use, but the benefits might not be as clear cut as they seem.

Ergonomics

Photo by Road to VR

Getting to try the headset for myself, the first thing I found was that the ergonomics didn’t quite agree with my head. Since everyone’s head is different, it’s possible that the device will fit fine for more people and I’m just an outlier, however I can’t say I’ve had similar issues with other headsets on the market, like the Rift, Vive, or PSVR, in terms of fit.

The problem, in my experience, was finding the trifecta: the right spot for the device on my head where my eyes were in the sweet spot of the lenses, the headphones were in the ideal position on my ears, and the headset itself was in a comfortable place on my head. It seemed like I was only able to get two of the three in the right spot at any one time.

Since I want the sharpest visual experience, I opted to make the sweet spot of the lenses (where the image is the sharpest) my top priority. I fiddled with the headset to get that just right, while finding a comfortable spot to make sure it would stay in place. Once I did, however, I found that the headphones didn’t extend far enough down to comfortably rest on my ear. To account for that, I pulled the back part of the head-mount downward on the back of my head to get the headphones in the right spot, but that caused the display enclosure to tilt backward, taking my eyes out of the sweet spot, and introduced a lot of visibility of the outside world through the now extended gap between my cheeks and the display enclosure.

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5 Windows VR Headsets Now Available for Pre-Order Including Samsung Odyssey

I can’t say with total certainty, having spent only 15 minutes or so with the headset, but the issue seemed to be largely due to the lack of a hinge between the head-mount and the display enclosure; if there was one I could simply tilt the display enclosure to close that nasty gap and get my eyes back into the sweet spot (like the way the Rift display enclosure can pivot around the arms of the head-mount in order to remain flush with your face. Curiously, the lack of hinge also means the Odyssey display enclosure can’t flip up like the other Windows VR headsets, which is a shame.

In my short time comparing headsets, I actually found that I liked the ergonomics of the other Windows VR headsets better; the lenses seemed to more easily line up to my eyes, and the hinge and foam on each of them created a great seal between the display enclosure and my face, blocking out nearly all light and view of the outside world. The Odyssey is quite light, but seems a bit larger than the Windows VR headsets, and possibly a bit heavier too (or it could be that the larger size means greater leverage as the weight of the headset acts upon my head).

Display & Lenses

Image courtesy Samsung

With that said, once I had the Odyssey fit as best as I could (adjusting carefully for what felt like a quite small sweet spot) it was immediately apparent that it had a wider field of view than the other Windows VR headsets; the size of the view felt quite close to the Rift and Vive. While all the Windows VR headsets use Fresnel lenses, Samsung’s in particular are unique (not spherical).

The hardware IPD adjustment (changed with a little dial on the bottom of the headset) allowed me to dial into the sweet spot further. My IPD is close to average (~63mm); those further from the average are likely going to value the IPD adjustment even more; the Odyssey is so far the only Windows VR headset to offer that adjustment, so if you’re in the market for one, consider that fact carefully.

The display (1,440 x 1,600 per-eye, OLED) offered a noticeably sharper picture, both compared to the other Windows VR headsets (1,440 x 1,440, LCD) and to the Rift and Vive (both with 1,080 x 1,200, OLED). Granted, I was still able to see individual pixels, and the screen-door-effect (the space between the pixels) was more pronounced than I would have hoped given the resolution, quite possibly due to Samsung’s unique PenTile subpixel arrangement. Contrast seemed better between the Odyssey’s OLED display and the LCD display of the other Windows VR headsets, though I’d want to spent more time with the headset to further feel that out.

Controllers

Photo by Road to VR

While all the other Windows VR headsets are offering the same motion controllers, Samsung has crafted their own (slight) variation. The difference is subtle, but the ergonomics are better; a curve to the handle positions the thumbstick in a more comfortable place for your thumb, which is nice because I’ve said previously of the standard Windows VR motion controllers that neither the trackpad nor the thumbpad seemed to be in quite the right spot. Aside from the slight ergonomic change, the controllers seem to be entirely identical in function and performance (and on that note you can read our recent preview here).

Here’s a thought about the Windows VR motion controllers in general (both Samsung’s version and the standard version): while they seem to work fine for casual use, they still tend to ‘jump’ a little much for my taste. For many games and experience, it probably won’t matter that much, but for competitive multiplayer, especially at high levels, players may find those occasional jumps frustrating (just as someone would if an Xbox controller were to occasionally miss a key trigger pull during competitive FPS play). I obviously haven’t had a chance to do any conclusive testing, but if the Rift and Vive controller tracking feels 99.9% accurate, Windows VR tracking has, in my time with it, felt closer to 98%. That may sound fine, but most forms of input need to be 99.9% consistent in order to not frustrate users.

– – — – –

For the reasons mentioned above, the Odyssey may not be the clear, obvious winner in all categories among Windows VR headsets, but beyond some criticisms, the convenience of integrated audio and the higher performance display are the overriding reasons why the Odyssey is uniquely suited to represent the ‘high-end’ of Windows VR headsets. The good news for those looking for the best bang for their buck is that even the less expensive Windows VR headsets have a few worthwhile considerations next to the Odyssey.

The post Hands-on: Samsung Odyssey Windows VR Headset & Controllers appeared first on Road to VR.

Windows Mixed Reality: Launch, Halo, SteamVR and AltSpaceVR’s Saving Grace

Microsoft held a special ‘Windows Mixed Reality’ event today in San Francisco, using to showcase to make several big announcements, all of which firmly cement the company’s ambitions for the virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) space. All with the intentions of making it more affordable, accessible and social for consumers. With a new Samsung headset, the acquisition of social VR platform AltspaceVR, developers now having access to a SteamVR preview, and a passing mention of a little experience called Halo: Recruit.  

So where to start. Well the Samsung Odyssey headset wasn’t too much of a surprise with images of the device leaking last week and a Microsoft store page appearing earlier today that detailed specs, release date and a price. It features dual AMOLED displays which Samsung is known for, built-in spatial AKG headphones and dual microphones, 110 degree field of view (FoV) and inside-out tracking.

A surprise however came by way of AltspaceVR, with Microsoft announcing that it had acquired the VR social app that had closed its doors back in August. So not only will the platform comes to Windows Mixed Reality it’ll still support cross-platform compatibility with other headsets.

Adding another update to previously known news, Microsoft will be bringing SteamVR support to Windows Mixed Reality very soon. Starting today developers will be provided access to a SteamVR preview so they can tryout their experiences with consumers gaining access to the preview this holiday.

And what would a Microsoft event be like if it didn’t feature at least something Halo related. So the company unveiled Halo: Recruit which is due for release this month alongside the headsets. It might not be a full Halo experience but it certainly sounds like it’ll appeal to fans.

There’s were a few other morsels of info flying around this evening so check out VRFocus’ full rundown of the announcements in the below video.

Samsung Odyssey: Samsung setzt nicht auf Standard-Controller

Heute wurde die Samsung Odyssey Brille final vorgestellt und eigentlich war bisher davon auszugehen, dass Samsung und die anderen Hersteller von Windows Mixed Reality Brillen sich die Motion Controller von Microsoft teilen. Dies scheint auch weiterhin zu stimmen, jedoch hat Samsung die Controller leicht modifiziert.

Samsung setzt nicht auf Standard-Controller

Die Produktbilder der Controller unterscheiden sich auf den Seiten von Acer, HP, Dell und Lenovo nicht. Die Samsung VR-Brille wird jedoch mit Controller beworben, die eine leicht veränderte Form besitzen:

Vergleich Windows Controller

Technisch unterscheiden sich die Controller wohl nicht, doch die abgebildeten Controller für die Samsung Odyssey Brille scheinen einen finaleren Look zu haben als die Controller für die restlichen Brillen.

Samsung Odyssey Controller Specs

Samsung Odyssey Controller Specs

Es könnte sich auch schlicht um ältere Produktfotos bei den Mitbewerbern handeln, doch dies wäre ein ziemlich großer Fauxpas, denn immerhin sehen die Käufer aktuell diese Produktbilder. Dementsprechend können wir davon ausgehen, dass Käufer der Samsung Odyssey Brille die etwas hübscheren und eventuell auch ergonomischeren Windows Mixed Reality Controller erhalten. Wir können es kaum erwarten, die Odyssey Brille für euch zu testen.

(Quelle: Reddit)

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