Comparison HTC Vive Focus Plus vs HTC Vive Focus

The signal source in VR headsets reveals where exactly the image comes from and who performs the main "heavy" graphic processing. In one case, the image is generated by a powerful PC or console, in another — a mobile phone, and for FPV goggles, the signal comes directly from the drone via a radio channel. Stand-alone devices that do not require connection to external gadgets deserve special mention. The chosen signal source affects the image quality, latency, the range of available games and applications, as well as how the VR headset is connected — via cable, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or through a specialized transmitter.

— Stand-alone Device. VR headsets where the headset itself acts as the signal source: it has a mobile processor, video chip, memory, and its own operating system inside, so the image is generated directly in the headset, not on a computer or phone. The user wears the headset, connects to Wi-Fi, and launches games and apps from the built-in store — no wires, no PC, and no mandatory smartphone at hand. Such solutions are closer in power to a good Android smartphone and fall short of a Windows PC setup, but are noticeably more convenient than mobile headsets, where everything is tied to the phone: no need to insert the device into the casing, monitor heating, or charge two devices at once. Stand-alone VR headsets are especially suitable for everyday games, fitness, and education, where freedom of movement and ease of launc...h are more important than maximum graphic settings.

— Android. VR headsets are tied to Google's mobile platform and work either in tandem with a smartphone or independently as an Android stand-alone device. In the first case, the phone is inserted into the headset casing or connected to it wirelessly, forming the image and transmitting it to the headset's screens, in the second case, the headset contains a built-in chipset, memory, and app store, and the phone is used only for setup and streaming. This signal source makes VR mobile: a smartphone and headset are enough to run simple games, 360 videos, and educational apps without a powerful PC, but in terms of graphics, these solutions fall short of full-fledged PC and console systems.

— iOS (iPhone). Similar in concept to Android, but tailored to the Apple ecosystem and iPhone smartphones. In this case, the VR headset receives an image either from the phone itself, installed in the headset casing, or through a special streaming/mirroring mode from the iPhone via Wi-Fi or Lightning/USB-C cable. iOS support means that the user can access a large number of applications, 360 videos, and educational content from the App Store, while the system is generally simpler and more reliable in setup, but the choice of "real" VR games is smaller than in the Android or Windows world.

— Windows. VR headsets work in conjunction with a PC running Windows, which is fully responsible for 3D graphics output. Typically, the headset connects via USB-C / DisplayPort or via Wi-Fi in streaming mode, and the headset acts as a "display with sensors." This signal source provides the most advanced VR gaming: major gaming platforms, simulators, mods are supported, and the quality and stability depend on the computer's graphics card and processor.

— MacOS. VR headsets can receive images from Apple computers — iMac, MacBook, and other models with macOS. Here, VR is more often used for demonstrations, design, 3D viewing, and professional applications than hardcore gaming, so stable integration and proper driver operation are more important than maximum performance. Connection is usually through USB-C / Thunderbolt and specialized software, and the choice of native VR content for macOS is noticeably more modest than for Windows.

— PlayStation. VR headsets are designed to work with PS4 or PS5 consoles, which render all graphics. Proprietary HDMI/USB connections and Sony's own protocols are used here, and the headset itself is optimized for the console's ecosystem. This option provides a predictable experience: PS VR games are carefully adapted to the specific model of headset, latency is minimal, and the user does not need to think about drivers or hardware configuration.

— Xbox. The Xbox signal source implies compatibility with the console in display mode or via an intermediate PC. In the traditional sense, Xbox lacks complete VR support, so the headset is more often used as an external display rather than a comprehensive VR solution with game space tracking. If the manufacturer still declares Xbox as a signal source, it is worth carefully studying the description: most often these are specific scenarios like a "cinema" or streaming output, rather than full VR projects.

— Drone (quadcopter). A separate class of VR headsets where the image comes directly from the drone's camera in real-time via radio channel. Such goggles have a receiver operating on specific frequencies and protocols inside, so compatibility is usually strictly tied to a specific system: the headset "understands" only those video transmitters and modules for which it was originally designed. The main task here is to ensure minimal latency so the pilot can safely and accurately control the drone "first-person" rather than launching ordinary games, and it is crucial to check in advance whether the goggles will work correctly with your FPV set or if it will require changing the camera/transmitter to the required standard.

The amount of built-in storage installed in glasses.

Only independent devices are equipped with such a drive (see "Intended use") — it is used to store software firmware, as well as various additional content (applications, panoramic films, etc.). The larger the storage capacity, the more such content can be stored on the device; on the other hand, this characteristic directly affects the price. It is also worth considering that some models allow you to supplement the built-in storage with a memory card (for more details, see "Cart Reader").

For modern virtual reality glasses, the most modest volume is 16 GB — it is technically impractical to install smaller drives. In advanced models, this figure can reach 128 GB.

The amount of random access memory (RAM) installed in glasses.

This parameter is relevant only for independent devices (see "Intended use"). Theoretically, the more RAM in the gadget, the higher its power, the faster it is able to work and the better it handles with “heavy” tasks. However, in fact, this characteristic has more reference than practical value. Firstly, the capabilities of standalone glasses are also highly dependent on the processor and video adapter used. Secondly, the amount of memory is selected in such a way that the glasses are guaranteed to be able to cope with the tasks for which they were originally intended. Actually, problems can only arise with the launch of very demanding applications or resource-intensive video (for example, 4K panoramic videos); so paying attention to the amount of RAM makes sense only if you plan to use glasses for such purposes.

As for specific volumes, they in modern devices range from 2 to 4 GB.

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.