(ThyBlackMan.com) Samsung and Microsoft together are set to launch Samsung Odyssey, a Mixed Reality headset. When the world started feeling comfortable with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), the all new Odyssey headset introduces a new experience that brings virtual and real-world experience together.
The device in areas of virtual reality is a strong answer to the popular headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Now when the AR is meeting VR, there’s so much more in this headset to look for and Samsung claims that it’s delivering the best possible hardware to offer premium virtual reality experience with Samsung Odyssey.
Earlier this month, Microsoft organized an event and the focus was
Windows Mixed Reality platform. In the said event, the company unveiled the new mixed reality headset and a combo of controllers. The product is still away from the market and won’t hit the store shelves until November 6, but the demonstration of the headset shows that Samsung and Microsoft have designed a headset that is as comfortable and capable as HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Odyssey, in fact, comes in a price range close to Oculus Rift price and also brings motion controllers and sports built-in headphones. The new headset costs US$499. For comparison, the HTC Vive offers 2160 x 1200 resolution and Samsung Odyssey has 2880 x 1600 resolution. The difference is not very huge but it’s noticeable. Samsung and Windows are bringing a headset that offers sharper graphics than Vive and Rift. A better quality of visuals can be expected from the new headset.
The HTC Vive is one of the major high-end VR headsets and the quality comes from the 90Hz refresh rate which is there to add a smooth VR experience. There’s a huge price difference between the Vive and Samsung HMD Odyssey, but Samsung has managed to give more than what HTC and Valve have given to their headset, most importantly it’s a mixed reality headset that shines in both AR and VR worlds. The new headset also supports the refresh rate up to 90Hz and sports an AMOLED display. Field of view on all the three headsets including Rift, Vive and Odyssey is the same 110 degree.
By the specifications sheet, there are many similarities between the Odyssey and Vive, but even when the Rift falls in the same category, there’s a significant difference between the Vive and Rift when it comes to actual usage. The Odyssey headset is still under wrap, so it’s too early to say who wins here. The reports about HTC Vive suggest that its field of view is slightly taller and wider than the Rift. Many users won’t even notice the difference, but there are chances that we may see a difference between their depth of field.
The Samsung Odyssey doesn’t require a bunch of cables that get tangled around legs. The headset comes equipped with a positional tracking system. It means that the headset communicates with your PC and tells where you are. The headset comes with motion controllers, so these devices take care of the motion of your hands. This is the biggest competitive edge Samsung has over HTC Vive and Oculus Rift as well. Both the devices require external tracking hardware that needs to be placed somewhere closer to the entire system. You can mount the tracking system on the wall or ceiling, but you will have to keep it in the place. With the Samsung Odyssey, you don’t need to worry about the same.
No matter how advanced the VR, AR or mixed reality headsets are, the moment you want to wear any of them, putting them on in front of others will make you self-conscious for sure. The technology is still in its early stage and we expect the headset size to go down in future. But the good thing is, once you put it on and start playing a game or watch some VR videos that feeling goes away.
Staff Writer; Corey Shaw
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