Meta Quest 2

Merlin5 · 23 Jul 2023 at 22:44

Hello chaps. I'm thinking about maybe getting the Meta Quest 2 and have a few questions. My only experience of VR was the Samsung Gear VR which I still own but haven't used in years. I must admit I always felt very immersed with that considering it was the cheapest of VR tech, but the phones I inserted always overheated after not very long. Also as I wear glasses, it was always pretty uncomfortable to wear after a few minutes, not to mention the phone adding more weight.

I see the Meta Quest 2 comes with a glasses accessory so I was wondering if that alleviates discomfort?

Bcause a phone isn't inserted I'm wondering if it'll be a lighter weight on the face to further add to wearing comfort?

Does it overheat quickly or do you get a fair amount of user time before that happens?

And although I got used to the screendoor effect on the Gear VR, is it greatly reduced on the Meta Quest 2?

I'm not so much into gaming with VR and more into viewing experiences. As an example, on the Gear VR, there are a few sort of documentaries that were made by a content studio called Felix & Paul, where you could watch a few minutes of the Cirque De Soleil, or a documentary on Nomads in Africa, or being in the presence of Bill Clinton. Not as in just watching a 2D movie on a big screen in a virtual theatre, but where every person is filmed in full VR as though you're standing right there in front or next to them. I find that type of content absolutely mind blowing to watch. But there weren't many of them. Since things have moved on I'm wondering if I'd find more of those if I buy the Meta Quest 2?

Merlin5 · 23 Jul 2023 at 23:01

smilertoo said:
The Quest2 is a massive jump from the GearVR, the GearVR only did a rough 3d view...no immersion or control. Quest3 is expected in the next few months but it will cost more than the Quest2. If you plan on watching video/tv/film then i'd wait for the Quest3 with its better lenses.

Thanks. I wonder how much more it'll cost though as the Quest2 is already £299. You've got me intrigued because you say the Gear VR had no immersion. To be honest, I felt very immersed with it but if you're saying that's nothing compared to the Quest2 or other current headsets then that's got me very excited!

By the way, do the Quest2 controllers have haptic/force feedback?

Merlin5 · 23 Jul 2023 at 23:16

drakulton said:
There are aftermarket prescription lenses that can be bought for the Quest 2.

There is some weight to the Q2 headset but most folks purchase an aftermarket headstrap/battery combo that balances the headset.

Overheating is not an issue, even with a battery pack to extend game/watch time.

There's very little screendoor effect on the Q2, unless you go hunting for it with a magnifying glass.

There are plenty of free videos by Felix and Paul on the meta store. Plus youtube and other sites like the deceased nocturnal rodent have VR/360 degree videos.

Thanks. Any idea roughly for the cost of aftermarket prescription lenses? They sound like a very good idea.

Edit: After some research it seems like VR Optician is the best place. I see some people have payed only about £50 to £70 for a pair although I suspect with long sighted and weaker left eye prescription I'll pay more. Looking at their website there's a few numbers boxes to fill in so I think I should get a new eye test and have my optician help me fill the form in.

Merlin5 · 23 Jul 2023 at 23:35

smilertoo said:
You can crouch down and peek out from behind things in the Quest2.

I see. That's very cool!

Merlin5 · 24 Jul 2023 at 11:24

tyke_ said:
Use the coupon VRFLIGHTSIMGUY on the vr optician website for 5% off, i've bought a few sets of lenses from them, no problems.

Will do, thanks very much.

Merlin5 · 24 Jul 2023 at 22:10

smilertoo said:
The Quest2 is a massive jump from the GearVR, the GearVR only did a rough 3d view...no immersion or control. Quest3 is expected in the next few months but it will cost more than the Quest2. If you plan on watching video/tv/film then i'd wait for the Quest3 with its better lenses.

Actually, I've decided I will now wait for the Quest 3. I've just watched a Youtuber talk about it and it seems it's going to be much better. I know there's a thread on the Quest3 but just briefly, he said double the processing power, 40% better resolution, pancake lenses which I assume will help prescription lenses sit lower inside the headset, and about a 40% slimmer headset giving less downward pressure on the face and more overall comfort. Apparently battery life is on par with the Quest2. It has better thermal performance to mitigate overheating. There are lines around the headset which are vents to dissipate heat. He thinks there might be a 256 GB option which could cost £50 to £100 more.

He reckons about September 27th for an announcement at something called 'Connect' and he thinks it'll be released maybe two weeks later, so October release. That's enough time for me to save a bit more money!