Unleashing limitless possibilities in the virtual realm.
Introduction
Virtual reality (VR) technology has opened up new, immersive realms in gaming, education, design, and many other fields. To benefit from VR technology, however, you need a laptop that can handle the processing power and necessary ports to support VR headsets. This article will review some of the best laptops available in 2023 for VR and share information on how to watch VR videos on your PC or Mac.
Best Laptops for VR in 2023
A great laptop for VR should feature a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU), the right ports, central processing unit (CPU), storage, and memory capacity. With such features, the best laptops for VR in 2023 are:
- Lenovo Legion 7 Gen 7
- MSI Katana GF66
- Alienware X14
- MSI Titan GT77
- Asus Rog Strix Scar 18
- Razer Blade 18
- MSI CreatorPro X17
Additionally, consider other factors such as screen size, battery life, and storage capacity when choosing a laptop. The laptops listed above provide exceptional performance to support your VR experience.
More importantly, you shouldn’t just focus solely on the cost of the laptop; remember that investing in a powerful machine for VR marks a significant step toward unleashing the full potential of the technology.
In the remaining sections of this article, we will explore how to watch VR videos on your PC or Mac, how to stream videos to an Oculus Go or Quest 2 headset, and how to enjoy VR live streaming on your laptop using virtual desktops
How to Watch VR Videos on Your PC or Mac
Thanks to advancements in technology, it is now possible to watch VR videos without a VR headset. The following are the four most common ways to watch VR videos on your PC or Mac.
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Regular Videos: These are standard 2D videos that can be viewed on a regular monitor or laptop.
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3D Videos: Unlike regular videos, 3D videos can be viewed with 3D glasses. Viewers can also zoom in on specific areas of interest.
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180-Degree Videos: These videos allow viewers to see images in a circular field of view of 180 degrees.
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360-Degree Videos: These videos are much like 180-degree videos but are circular at 360 degrees.
Each viewing method requires specific steps to set up on the PC or Mac depending on if a VR headset is available or not. For example, 3D videos need to be viewed on VLC, and 360-degree videos require a Kolor Eyes plug-in with an anaglyph viewing method.
Streaming Videos to Oculus Go and Quest 2 Headsets
You can stream and watch VR videos on your Oculus Go or Quest 2 headset, thanks to Skybox VR Player and a Plex client. To stream movies to your headset, you must connect your Oculus Go or Quest 2 headsets to your PC or Mac. To start, you need to set up a server on your computer, then add your movie files to stream.
It’s important to note that if videos do not play in the right format, you could fix them with the necessary steps provided. For instance, to play over-under or side-by-side (SBS) videos on your Oculus Go or Quest 2, you will need an adapter that converts them into full-screen mode.
Virtual Desktops and VR Live Streaming on Laptops
Virtual desktops offer a new and exciting way to enjoy VR live streaming on laptops by providing the necessary computing power to process and render VR content. Essentially, a virtual desktop creates another screen where you can run applications and software from.
To get started with virtual desktops, you need a suitable laptop with the right hardware, software, and method of connection. For example, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphic card has ample computing power to enable smooth VR processing and streaming on your laptop.
In addition, Virtual Desktop is one of the most reliable software options when it comes to VR live streaming on laptops. However, make sure to protect your data privacy by reviewing the application privacy policy, determining how the company collects and processes data, including audience insights, content measurement, and product development. Ensure you withdraw consent if a company’s transparency and legitimate interest raise concerns about your data privacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in a powerful laptop that is specifically optimized for VR is essential in enjoing the full potential of VR. With the laptops listed and discussed above, you are guaranteed an immersive and fulfilling VR experience.
Furthermore, using the discussed tips on how to watch VR videos on your PC or Mac, stream content to an Oculus Go or Quest 2 headset, and enjoy VR live streaming on your laptop through virtual desktops, you can take the beginning and end of your VR experience to a whole new level. So, explore and discover the limitless possibilities in the virtual realm today!
Luca Booth is a pioneering voice in the intersection of technology and spatial design, and the lead author at VPR Matrix. With a background in architectural design and a passion for the latest in virtual reality innovations, Luca brings a unique perspective to the world of VR architectural design.