Places to try Vive/Oculus?

Colzy · 7 Jun 2016 at 22:14

I'm pretty keen on trying the Vive/Rift, however I would prefer to give it a go than lumping £700 on an unknown. I did try the Gear VR and whilst incredible, the res was simply too low for something I'd buy.

I'm nowhere near the trial sites I've seen (like OCUK) down in Bristol, and I haven't even seen one in London (I'll be there next month). Anyone know if there is a list or places to 'try before you buy'? google seems remarkably unforthcoming.

Cheers

radderfire · 7 Jun 2016 at 22:21

Edit - Oh dear just seen you've tried the Gear VR.

What about a Samsung Experience Store? They might be worth a try, I'm guessing they would have Gear VRs available for trial but don't know for sure.

http://www.samsung.com/uk/retail/retail.html

Colzy · 7 Jun 2016 at 22:26

radderfire said:
Edit - Oh dear just seen you've tried the Gear VR.

What about a Samsung Experience Store? They might be worth a try, I'm guessing they would have Gear VRs available for trial but don't know for sure.

http://www.samsung.com/uk/retail/retail.html

Thanks anyway!

Sorry I meant Gear VR - a friend brought it over. I was very impressed with the experience but not the grainy resolution, so I'm keen to try the 'proper' stuff as I've heard from some the res still isn't really enough.

That said, I know my rig is at the minimum for Vive/Oculus at present.

chaosophy · 8 Jun 2016 at 10:05

afaik, the nearest to Bristol would be computer planet in Reading, if you're in London then the Tottenham Court Rd branch (Warren Street tube end of TCR) should still have their demo unit set up. Also the famous posh shop in Knightsbridge were demoing at one point, not sure if they still are.

Being purposely vague on the potential competitor names but if you check the HTCVive web page there are some details.

If you are going out of your way to demo probably best to phone ahead and make sure the demos are still being run before turning up.

Colzy · 8 Jun 2016 at 12:38

Thanks for the tips, will take a look at those

radderfire · 8 Jun 2016 at 16:01

If you are interested in virtual reality in general, then I would follow Robert Scoble on Facebook (also scobleizer.com). He is more of an international tech guy, but I expect some British guys will pop up on his Facebook page and maybe British events where virtual reality can be trialled.

Rgds