Can You Watch Virtual Reality Without a Headset?

Virtual reality is being experimented with by Hollywood studios, news organizations, and consumer brands. Samsung and LG are expected to release 360-degree cameras soon, allowing a more comprehensive range of people to participate.

Virtual reality video headsets can cost more than $1,000 if you need a high-end computer with powerful graphics to view them. There is a requirement for a compatible phone even though smartphone manufacturers are developing less expensive headsets (Samsung’s Gear VR retails for $100). Buying a new phone could cost you a few hundred dollars or more.

The good news is that some free or low-cost choices rely on your phone or computer. With Gear VR or other headsets from LG, HTC, Sony, and Facebook’s Oculus division, the experience isn’t as fluid. Even so, you won’t end up in the red.

Google Cardboard

Virtual headsets are a lot of fun, but they can be pricey, as well. Consider the Google Cardboard VR gear, which costs just a few dollars yet gives an excellent virtual reality experience. It can run without a computer. It’s as easy as putting your phone in your Google Cardboard and using it as a screen to experience virtual reality.

If you have a phone between 4 and 6 inches in length, this headset will function with it. If you have an iPhone XS Max or a Galaxy Note 9, you won’t fit them within the headset.

Google Cardboard headset with a compatible phone allows you to download any 360-degree video or photo and enjoy it in virtual reality. Like utilizing an Oculus Rift or a Samsung VR headset, the experience is highly immersive. Look at these apps as a starting point.

The Official Google Cardboard App

You may download the official Google Cardboard app to experience some of the best virtual reality experiences. There is a QR code included with Google Cardboard that you may use to download the app. Designed for complete beginners, it’s the best app for getting started in virtual reality.

All kinds of games, places, and experiences are available to you through the app. Because all of the content is optimized for Google Cardboard, you’ll get the most out of your virtual reality experience. There are places you’d never be able to see in real life that you can visit through virtual reality.

Additionally, some VR games can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App stores.

How to Watch Virtual Reality Without a Headset?

The 360-degree VR videos can still be viewed within approved apps even if you don’t wish to wear a virtual reality headset to do so.

Watch Virtual Reality on Facebook

Within the Facebook app, you can rapidly watch VR videos. Alternatively, you can use your finger to swipe from right to left or left to right while moving your phone across the room. Because you don’t need a headset or third-party tools to watch a 360-degree video on Facebook, you won’t get the whole experience. Facebook supports this type of content.

Is it challenging to find a 360-degree VR video on your phone? You can find many of the 360-degree video footage by just typing #360Video into the Search bar.

Watch Virtual Reality on YouTube

YouTube, like Facebook, offers 360-degree video on mobile devices. Because YouTube 360 videos on the iPhone with Google Cardboard aren’t supported currently, the only method to watch 360-degree videos on the iPhone is to move your phone from left to right or right to left.

In Some Other Apps

360-degree video can also be used in other applications. If you’re using an app that supports 360-degree videos, you’ll be able to move your phone from right to left and left to right just like you would any other app.

Watch Virtual Reality On PC

Watching 360-degree videos on your computer or laptop will not be as realistic as if you were using a headset or a virtual reality headset. You may use a touchpad or a mouse to find videos on websites like YouTube and Facebook. Using a VR headset or even Google Cardboard isn’t even close, but it can give you a sense of how it works.

How to Play a VR Game on PC Without A Headset

Here are some of the greatest games you can play in VR and on flat-screen.

The Playroom VR

Virtual reality mini-games are featured in this title. In a way, it’s like Nintendo’s Mario Party was reimagined for the PlayStation.

Players without VR gear can join in on the fun by using the PS VR social screen, allowing local multiplayer in the Playroom VR. As brilliant and astute as PlayStation’s decision to make this game just for this reason is, it’s also a unicorn in gaming land.

Bound

Bound, a game created by Sony, follows a dancer through a fractured and ever-changing fairy tale world.

Those without VR gear can still participate in this magnificent quest because it is available in both VR and flat modes.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazards

Classic survival horror at its finest. This is the eighth iteration of the shiver-inducing game that started it all.

You may play Resident Evil 7: Biohazards without a VR headset, just like Bound, a flat game with PS VR compatibility.

Half-Life: Alyx

Half-life: Alyx is another survival game, however, with a radically different style to Resident Evil. Players have been modifying the game to make it flat-compatible, although it was initially intended to be a VR-Only release.

Star Trek Bridge Crew

You know what Star Trek is all about. This game can be played in either a flat or a virtual reality (VR) environment.

Doom VR

Doom can be played in either a flat or virtual reality mode, depending on the game you choose.

You can’t enjoy a truly immersive virtual reality experience without a headset. Start with Google Cardboard if you don’t want to shell out for a high-end VR headset. If you’re a newcomer to virtual reality, this headset is a great option. Virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive Pro can be used to test the waters and determine if you like the experience.