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This is such a strange article. It doesn't present anything or explain how a VR workstation can actually work. Has anyone actually worked this way? I spent ab

This is such a strange article. It doesn't present anything or explain how a VR workstation can actually work. Has anyone actually worked this way? I spent about an hour with a Vive headset and it was the most obnoxious experience I ever had. The lack of feedback, the requirements of a large room free of obstacle, the awful screen door effect, the poor precision from the dual wands. Overall, I was exhausted after just 30 minutes. That's not to mention the physical portion of using a headset + the wands. There might a middle ground where you are sitting or lying down. But that still doesn't solve efficient input. As far as I see it, nothing really beats a keyboard. I got into it thinking that we had passed the hype cycle, but it really felt like I was still in the tech demo hell.

JacobThreeThree 5y ago
>that still doesn't solve efficient input The phone was an input downgrade from keyboard+mouse and VR as an even more severe downgrade. Anyone talking about VR, especially in the context of work, without mentioning the glaring lack of input bandwidth is engaging in marketing.
- pharke 5y ago
  Which is why the Quest 2 and Horizons Workrooms can track supported keyboards[0] and the next gen headsets will have full color passthrough. These problems are being recognized and solved as we speak. [0] https://support.oculus.com/articles/horizon/getting-started-in-horizon-workrooms/use-your-keyboard-in-vr/ https://support.oculus.com/articles/horizon/getting-started-...
georgewsinger 5y ago
> Has anyone actually worked this way? Yes =] ptom describes what this is like here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28678041 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28678041
- BaconPackets 5y ago
  Nice! Thank you, much better than the Wired piece.
- BLKNSLVR 5y ago
  Interesting that both choose to work from an 'orbital' view.
tluyben2 5y ago
If you work with Immersed (which I do every day) you just work on your laptop while you see 5 large monitors (virtual desktops) hanging over a large planet in space (for instance). It is really nice and I have been doing it for months; I kind of forget where I am as it is very good for focusing, especially with the right sound on as well.
- dr_kiszonka 5y ago
  Just curious how it works: do you touch type and never use mouse?
  - BLKNSLVR 5y ago
    Not sure about mouse operation, but the touch typing is mentioned in two separate sections: 1. Yes, you have no vision of the keyboard, so learning to touch type is essential 2. Lying down position, right hand on laptop keyboard, left hand on external USB keyboard (two-handed touch typing). They've committed wholly and solely to pursuing this solution.
    - shafyy 5y ago
      Horizon Workrooms offers keyboard passthrough, which works amazingly well. You just see your keyboard in VR along with your real hands, when you look down. No more touch typing!
      - anonymousDan 5y ago
        Is this basically AR then? Or do they create a virtual representation of your hands/keyboard?
        shafyy 5y ago
        Exactly. It's AR. It basically overlays the video at exactly that part in VR. This is the "reverse" approach to AR. With Hololens etc. you see the real world and they overlay the screen over your real world. With the Quest, it's called passthrough, and you see everything on screens but real-time video from the real world is mixed in.
jimmySixDOF 5y ago
The article is pretty low effort except for the short optics physiology section there is not much detail. This reddit thread from a couple months ago [1] was more to the point although they contend 5k is where the text gets clear enough however in my experience the Quest2 works fine wirelessly in PCVR mode for getting things done in ImmersedVR or iSpatial. Input has been the main constraint, but using the Logitech K830, which was specifically integrated by Oculus as a proof of concept, with the latest passthrough hand positioning in Infinite Office mode -- there is no difference to typing at a normal keyboard anymore. Its amazing. The Oculus Web Browser is pushing what you can do with things like PWAs (Miro has one) and support for SaaS tooling like Office 360 for example - so you dont even need the PC. The experience of working in VR is definitely rough arround the edges today but my expectation is this will improve to the point where XR (VR/AR) is just as normal as sitting at a desk today -- but with the additional benefits of a 3D space made open to imaginative enhancement. [1] https://redd.it/r1kfd7 https://redd.it/r1kfd7
- IAmEveryone 5y ago
  They called three different experts and incorporated their answers. I don't remember any instance of, say, some blogger actually calling someone. The tactic seems to be completely unknown outside of traditional media. So, yeah, it's a style people here don't like. It doesn't quite get the bit-per-sentence ratio of, say, a phone book. But there's more effort in there than meets the (strained) eye.
  - ballenf 5y ago
    I understand what you're saying, but I don't think traditional media is keeping up with the dozens (or maybe hundreds) of podcasts and YouTube channels that bring in hard experts. The experts traditional media typically find are frequently kind of "soft" experts that are strong in charisma more than expertise. But that's just my informal take on it. (And I know you said "blogger", but I think it's fair to include podcasters and YT in that category given that's more likely where you'd find a former blogger these days.)
greggman3 5y ago
This blog post goes into one person that claims they've spent 1000s of hours working in vR https://blog.immersed.team/working-from-orbit-39bf95a6d385 https://blog.immersed.team/working-from-orbit-39bf95a6d385 And when it hit HN https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28678041 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28678041 For me, the Vive is too heavy for this. I have not personally used a Quest 2 more than 5 mins (not willing to use an FB account) but it is arguably slightly more comfortable than a Vive headset (not saying it's comfortable enough, only that it's less uncomfortable than a Vive)
- zelos 5y ago
  I have a Quest 2. It's definitely a massive improvement and I really wanted to enjoy it, but I can't spend more than 15 minutes wearing it without feeling ill. It seems to be getting worse with time rather than better. I played 3 Beat Saber songs in a row yesterday and felt slightly sick for an hour afterwards. The idea of squinting at a text editor using a fraction of a VR screen for hours at a time feels insane to me.
  - Zircom 5y ago
    I had the same issue until I got a headrest/noseguard that actually blocked everything off. Before the noseguard didn't fit right and would show a little bit of the floor and I would wanna vomit within 10 minutes, but after everything was fine. This is the one https://smile.amazon.com/Interface-Replacement-Accessories-Breathable-Occlusion/dp/B098JK5LTQ/ https://smile.amazon.com/Interface-Replacement-Accessories-B...
- trevorkoob 5y ago
  I tried the exact setup of this 1000+ hours person, having been excited by the concept of a monitor-less office for years. My current setup is multiple 4k monitors in pixel-doubled resolution. It is relatively easy on the eyes and not too expensive ($300ish/monitor + VESA). I am working remotely and when I travel I have to work from my laptop and I would love to have a headset to replicate the multiple monitor experience on the go. I have been hoping for this since the HTC Vive. HTC Vive - simply too low resolution. Screen door effect visible. Also software such as Immersed was not available. Replicating this 1000+ hour setup went as follows: 1. Buy a Quest 2. Meta has its issues however I have an account so no real issues on the Meta side other than Meta itself. Resolution is clearly superior to HTC Vive, with no obvious screen door effect. As the original poster mentions - the strap that comes with the Quest is terrible, and you will have to spend at least $100 to get the Quest to the point where it can be used continuously for long periods without the device itself being a distraction. 2. Immersed - Major issues with this software. Thankfully they give you a "pro" trial so you can try this without paying. Main issue was painlessly delivering what I wanted: screen closed multiple 4k-equivalent virtual monitors. On mac (preferred), there were issues with HDMI spoofing that I probably could have fixed with dongles had I desired. On windows the situation was better, but still finicky with resolution setting and seamless disconnect/reconnection. Would like to see more focus on integrating better resolution control as I imagine most users of the program want to use it as I do - without regard to attached monitors. Turns out I should have done my homework before hand because a little math demonstrates why I was fooling myself that I could work with this setup: via https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/99s1yr/what_resolution_do_headsets_need_to_hit_before/ https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/99s1yr/what... Measure the width of the monitor with which you usually work, call it W. Then measure the distance your eyes are typically away from it while you work, and call it D. Finally, determine the horizontal pixel count of your monitor when you work (like 1920 for a full HD monitor), and call it HPC. The resolution of your monitor in the center is then R = 1 / (2 * tan-1 ((W / HPC) / (2 * D))), in pixels/°. This resolution is the one you want. (For example, my resolution is 66 pixels/°, given I have a 28" diagonal 4k monitor that I view from 24" away.) The OG Vive's resolution is 11.4 pixels/° in the center. That's the resolution you have. To reach my monitor's resolution, the Vive's pixel count would have to be six times higher, or 6480x7200 per eye, everything else being the same. Quest 2 resolution per eye is 1832 x 1920. There is no way I could enjoy doing my job which consists of reading all day with such poor resolution, and I think we are a ways away from a solution. Foveated rendering is a possible solution, however I don't see an easy answer.
jayd16 5y ago
>the poor precision from the dual wands Even the original Vive is pretty accurate. Are you just complaining about the fact its not a keyboard? You just won't be able to type on anything better than a keyboard. You can always just use a VR tracked keyboard and have it show up in VR if that's what you need. That said, whats nice about VR is the spacial and non-digital input you can get from that a mouse and keyboard do not do as well. If your job is modeling or level building for a game it can be pretty neat. Not sure I'd try to program in it just yet.
psyc 5y ago
Yes, I worked with a Quest 2 and Virtual Desktop for 1 month while my monitor was being repaired. I personally had no issue with the resolution. 1080p looks good to me and I worked with that or worse for 35 years anyway. The major issue was not being able to see the keyboard. I can touch type the alphabet only. Vague feelings of discomfort arose after a few hours. All in all it was effective but I was very happy to have my (1440p) monitor back.
- nomel 5y ago
  The keyboard passthrough works good enough, in Horizon Workspaces. It's completely usable for me. As far as I know, they haven't opened it up the ability to do passthrough to other developers yet, which is unfortunate since I much prefer Immersed. So, this is also my biggest problem with it, so much so, that I'm trying to transition to a CharaChorder keyboard, where the concept of looking at the keys doesn't really exist.
  - blensor 5y ago
    Passthrough is available for all apps for a while now https://youtu.be/Qd6cTbm_HDE https://youtu.be/Qd6cTbm_HDE But I don't think that includes keyboard passthrough only. So it would be trivial to make a fully passtrhough app but not one where only the keyboard is visible. Unless you make that static and ensure that the keyboard does not move
    - filoleg 5y ago
      > But I don't think that includes keyboard passthrough only. It does for certain keyboard models[0]. You can bring them into VR without bringing anything else, and their position will be tracked in VR even if you move them. 0. https://support.oculus.com/articles/horizon/getting-started-in-horizon-workrooms/supported-keyboards https://support.oculus.com/articles/horizon/getting-started-...
- shafyy 5y ago
  In my own experience, the biggest hurdle to not work more in VR is headset ergonomics. When we will have lighter and more comfortable headsets, it will be a great experience. As you mentioned, screen resolution is already good enough and keyboard passthrough is pure magic.
corndoge 5y ago
Many people got a very bad impression from Oculus DKs and the Vive. Vive basically was a half baked tech demo compared to the new hardware. Terrible lenses, very heavy and uncomfortable, possibly the worst controllers ever made. VR (Quest 2, Index) is actually good now, 5 years on from that - give it another shot.
habeebtc 5y ago
> Has anyone actually worked this way? I tried with the Samsung Odyssey+ a few times. I used the counterbalance and extra support kit (it is a bit heavy), and it's quite nice with those. Still some pressure on my nose bridge, so have a bit of adjustment to do. Touch typing takes a bit of getting used to, but it works well enough. I already am using a trackball 100% of the time (I know, I'm a monster), so I don't have to worry about knocking stuff over with my mouse. The real problem is that since I have a WMR headset, none of the really good virtual desktop softwares people use are available. The ones that are, aren't that great, for various reasons. Then there's the issue that my laptop is a surface book 2. Powerful enough to run VR smoothly, but while the system fan is blasting at full volume the whole time. Also it seems to slowly drain the battery. So it's really not an all day affair regardless of usability. I don't want to use my gaming PC (which is more than up to the task), because then I have to basically let my company own it, in order to meet the security policy requirements. I'm concerned if I do that, that I'll never really get all the bits off again short of a reimage. I haven't ruled out buying a dedicated HDD to swap out (I have a hot swap bay).
forgotmyoldacc 5y ago
Curious why you would compare a first-gen VR headset that came out more than 5 years ago to one released last year. Also, no one's typing using wands, they're all using standard keyboards.
ulber 5y ago
I tried to with a Quest 2. Immersed VR was the only option I found for getting multiple virtual monitors with my non-VR-ready work laptop (it has to encode and stream the virtual monitors to the headset), but performance was not good enough for more than two screens at a reasonable resolution. I did see the promise of it though. Input was not a problem as I'm able to touch type without looking at the keyboard. Being able to position additional screens all around your main screen was amazing -- with physical monitors I only have space for two. Using a VR-ready machine to directly run the headset and some headless monitor emulator adapters might result in a better experience right now. With this kind of setup you can use other VR desktop software, e.g. Virtual Desktop.
- blazespin 5y ago
  Yeah in the end, this may be the only killer app for VR. Replacing multiple monitors. Think about all the space multiple monitor desk environments takes up in the real, and how little space a VR replacement takes up via the virtual. The other cool thing is the separation between home and work. Once the headset is off, work is done. That separation is actually very important, and ironically it's actually the worst thing about playing in VR while being the best thing about working in VR. Financially, we're possibly talking up to a $100K if you think about how much a fully separated and furnished home office can cost. That's a real value prop.
  - dendriti 5y ago
    For now, and I think for the next several years at least, if you can afford to purchase and drive a headset which comfortably replaces multiple monitors, you likely already have the space and resources to use multiple monitors already. I spared no expense on a fully kitted-out home office and didn't spend anywhere near $100k USD.
    - idontwantthis 5y ago
      It’s $420 for headset and 1 year subscription. You can’t buy 5 comparable monitors for that price. Or 3 like I use.
drusepth 5y ago
I've worked 8+ hour days in VR for weeks/months at a time over the years on an original Vive. There are a ton of benefits over traditional monitors (physical space, infinite monitors, text/output scaling, more interesting work environments, isolation from distractions, etc), but there are also some sizable drawbacks too (resolution, battery life, mad thirst, being unaware of your surroundings, etc). I imagine a lot of those tradeoffs have improved in newer headsets, but I definitely enjoy working in VR over just sitting in an office 90% of the time. FWIW I sit, use the wireless adapter, and just touch-type on a real keyboard though; I definitely don't try to type with wands on virtual keyboards!
mettamage 5y ago
I have worked like this on the Quest 2. What I found: - lower screen resolution to make HN readable - your IRL GF will react differently to you because she can’t see your facial expressions Note: n += 1
telxosser 5y ago
This is the issue to me as well. It needs to be so much better than my already awesome monitor, keyboard and desktop to make it worth wearing a ridiculous headset. I just don't know if it is really possible to improve on this setup enough. Monitor size is not an issue at this point. Input is not an issue. If work gave me a VR headset only I would just bring in my own monitor and keyboard.
Moldoteck 5y ago
Take a look here> https://blog.borodutch.com/i-moved-my-workspace-to-vr-heres-what-i-learnt/ https://blog.borodutch.com/i-moved-my-workspace-to-vr-heres-...

JacobThreeThree 5y ago

>that still doesn't solve efficient input The phone was an input downgrade from keyboard+mouse and VR as an even more severe downgrade. Anyone talking about VR, especially in the context of work, without mentioning the glaring lack of input bandwidth is engaging in marketing.

pharke 5y ago
Which is why the Quest 2 and Horizons Workrooms can track supported keyboards[0] and the next gen headsets will have full color passthrough. These problems are being recognized and solved as we speak. [0] https://support.oculus.com/articles/horizon/getting-started-in-horizon-workrooms/use-your-keyboard-in-vr/ https://support.oculus.com/articles/horizon/getting-started-...

georgewsinger 5y ago

> Has anyone actually worked this way? Yes =] ptom describes what this is like here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28678041 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28678041

BaconPackets 5y ago
Nice! Thank you, much better than the Wired piece.
BLKNSLVR 5y ago
Interesting that both choose to work from an 'orbital' view.

tluyben2 5y ago

If you work with Immersed (which I do every day) you just work on your laptop while you see 5 large monitors (virtual desktops) hanging over a large planet in space (for instance). It is really nice and I have been doing it for months; I kind of forget where I am as it is very good for focusing, especially with the right sound on as well.

dr_kiszonka 5y ago
Just curious how it works: do you touch type and never use mouse?
- BLKNSLVR 5y ago
  Not sure about mouse operation, but the touch typing is mentioned in two separate sections: 1. Yes, you have no vision of the keyboard, so learning to touch type is essential 2. Lying down position, right hand on laptop keyboard, left hand on external USB keyboard (two-handed touch typing). They've committed wholly and solely to pursuing this solution.
  - shafyy 5y ago
    Horizon Workrooms offers keyboard passthrough, which works amazingly well. You just see your keyboard in VR along with your real hands, when you look down. No more touch typing!
    - anonymousDan 5y ago
      Is this basically AR then? Or do they create a virtual representation of your hands/keyboard?
      - shafyy 5y ago
        Exactly. It's AR. It basically overlays the video at exactly that part in VR. This is the "reverse" approach to AR. With Hololens etc. you see the real world and they overlay the screen over your real world. With the Quest, it's called passthrough, and you see everything on screens but real-time video from the real world is mixed in.

jimmySixDOF 5y ago

The article is pretty low effort except for the short optics physiology section there is not much detail. This reddit thread from a couple months ago [1] was more to the point although they contend 5k is where the text gets clear enough however in my experience the Quest2 works fine wirelessly in PCVR mode for getting things done in ImmersedVR or iSpatial. Input has been the main constraint, but using the Logitech K830, which was specifically integrated by Oculus as a proof of concept, with the latest passthrough hand positioning in Infinite Office mode -- there is no difference to typing at a normal keyboard anymore. Its amazing. The Oculus Web Browser is pushing what you can do with things like PWAs (Miro has one) and support for SaaS tooling like Office 360 for example - so you dont even need the PC. The experience of working in VR is definitely rough arround the edges today but my expectation is this will improve to the point where XR (VR/AR) is just as normal as sitting at a desk today -- but with the additional benefits of a 3D space made open to imaginative enhancement. [1] https://redd.it/r1kfd7 https://redd.it/r1kfd7

IAmEveryone 5y ago
They called three different experts and incorporated their answers. I don't remember any instance of, say, some blogger actually calling someone. The tactic seems to be completely unknown outside of traditional media. So, yeah, it's a style people here don't like. It doesn't quite get the bit-per-sentence ratio of, say, a phone book. But there's more effort in there than meets the (strained) eye.
- ballenf 5y ago
  I understand what you're saying, but I don't think traditional media is keeping up with the dozens (or maybe hundreds) of podcasts and YouTube channels that bring in hard experts. The experts traditional media typically find are frequently kind of "soft" experts that are strong in charisma more than expertise. But that's just my informal take on it. (And I know you said "blogger", but I think it's fair to include podcasters and YT in that category given that's more likely where you'd find a former blogger these days.)

greggman3 5y ago

This blog post goes into one person that claims they've spent 1000s of hours working in vR https://blog.immersed.team/working-from-orbit-39bf95a6d385 https://blog.immersed.team/working-from-orbit-39bf95a6d385 And when it hit HN https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28678041 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28678041 For me, the Vive is too heavy for this. I have not personally used a Quest 2 more than 5 mins (not willing to use an FB account) but it is arguably slightly more comfortable than a Vive headset (not saying it's comfortable enough, only that it's less uncomfortable than a Vive)

zelos 5y ago
I have a Quest 2. It's definitely a massive improvement and I really wanted to enjoy it, but I can't spend more than 15 minutes wearing it without feeling ill. It seems to be getting worse with time rather than better. I played 3 Beat Saber songs in a row yesterday and felt slightly sick for an hour afterwards. The idea of squinting at a text editor using a fraction of a VR screen for hours at a time feels insane to me.
- Zircom 5y ago
  I had the same issue until I got a headrest/noseguard that actually blocked everything off. Before the noseguard didn't fit right and would show a little bit of the floor and I would wanna vomit within 10 minutes, but after everything was fine. This is the one https://smile.amazon.com/Interface-Replacement-Accessories-Breathable-Occlusion/dp/B098JK5LTQ/ https://smile.amazon.com/Interface-Replacement-Accessories-B...
trevorkoob 5y ago
I tried the exact setup of this 1000+ hours person, having been excited by the concept of a monitor-less office for years. My current setup is multiple 4k monitors in pixel-doubled resolution. It is relatively easy on the eyes and not too expensive ($300ish/monitor + VESA). I am working remotely and when I travel I have to work from my laptop and I would love to have a headset to replicate the multiple monitor experience on the go. I have been hoping for this since the HTC Vive. HTC Vive - simply too low resolution. Screen door effect visible. Also software such as Immersed was not available. Replicating this 1000+ hour setup went as follows: 1. Buy a Quest 2. Meta has its issues however I have an account so no real issues on the Meta side other than Meta itself. Resolution is clearly superior to HTC Vive, with no obvious screen door effect. As the original poster mentions - the strap that comes with the Quest is terrible, and you will have to spend at least $100 to get the Quest to the point where it can be used continuously for long periods without the device itself being a distraction. 2. Immersed - Major issues with this software. Thankfully they give you a "pro" trial so you can try this without paying. Main issue was painlessly delivering what I wanted: screen closed multiple 4k-equivalent virtual monitors. On mac (preferred), there were issues with HDMI spoofing that I probably could have fixed with dongles had I desired. On windows the situation was better, but still finicky with resolution setting and seamless disconnect/reconnection. Would like to see more focus on integrating better resolution control as I imagine most users of the program want to use it as I do - without regard to attached monitors. Turns out I should have done my homework before hand because a little math demonstrates why I was fooling myself that I could work with this setup: via https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/99s1yr/what_resolution_do_headsets_need_to_hit_before/ https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/99s1yr/what... Measure the width of the monitor with which you usually work, call it W. Then measure the distance your eyes are typically away from it while you work, and call it D. Finally, determine the horizontal pixel count of your monitor when you work (like 1920 for a full HD monitor), and call it HPC. The resolution of your monitor in the center is then R = 1 / (2 * tan-1 ((W / HPC) / (2 * D))), in pixels/°. This resolution is the one you want. (For example, my resolution is 66 pixels/°, given I have a 28" diagonal 4k monitor that I view from 24" away.) The OG Vive's resolution is 11.4 pixels/° in the center. That's the resolution you have. To reach my monitor's resolution, the Vive's pixel count would have to be six times higher, or 6480x7200 per eye, everything else being the same. Quest 2 resolution per eye is 1832 x 1920. There is no way I could enjoy doing my job which consists of reading all day with such poor resolution, and I think we are a ways away from a solution. Foveated rendering is a possible solution, however I don't see an easy answer.

jayd16 5y ago

>the poor precision from the dual wands Even the original Vive is pretty accurate. Are you just complaining about the fact its not a keyboard? You just won't be able to type on anything better than a keyboard. You can always just use a VR tracked keyboard and have it show up in VR if that's what you need. That said, whats nice about VR is the spacial and non-digital input you can get from that a mouse and keyboard do not do as well. If your job is modeling or level building for a game it can be pretty neat. Not sure I'd try to program in it just yet.

psyc 5y ago

Yes, I worked with a Quest 2 and Virtual Desktop for 1 month while my monitor was being repaired. I personally had no issue with the resolution. 1080p looks good to me and I worked with that or worse for 35 years anyway. The major issue was not being able to see the keyboard. I can touch type the alphabet only. Vague feelings of discomfort arose after a few hours. All in all it was effective but I was very happy to have my (1440p) monitor back.

nomel 5y ago
The keyboard passthrough works good enough, in Horizon Workspaces. It's completely usable for me. As far as I know, they haven't opened it up the ability to do passthrough to other developers yet, which is unfortunate since I much prefer Immersed. So, this is also my biggest problem with it, so much so, that I'm trying to transition to a CharaChorder keyboard, where the concept of looking at the keys doesn't really exist.
- blensor 5y ago
  Passthrough is available for all apps for a while now https://youtu.be/Qd6cTbm_HDE https://youtu.be/Qd6cTbm_HDE But I don't think that includes keyboard passthrough only. So it would be trivial to make a fully passtrhough app but not one where only the keyboard is visible. Unless you make that static and ensure that the keyboard does not move
  - filoleg 5y ago
    > But I don't think that includes keyboard passthrough only. It does for certain keyboard models[0]. You can bring them into VR without bringing anything else, and their position will be tracked in VR even if you move them. 0. https://support.oculus.com/articles/horizon/getting-started-in-horizon-workrooms/supported-keyboards https://support.oculus.com/articles/horizon/getting-started-...
shafyy 5y ago
In my own experience, the biggest hurdle to not work more in VR is headset ergonomics. When we will have lighter and more comfortable headsets, it will be a great experience. As you mentioned, screen resolution is already good enough and keyboard passthrough is pure magic.

corndoge 5y ago

Many people got a very bad impression from Oculus DKs and the Vive. Vive basically was a half baked tech demo compared to the new hardware. Terrible lenses, very heavy and uncomfortable, possibly the worst controllers ever made. VR (Quest 2, Index) is actually good now, 5 years on from that - give it another shot.

habeebtc 5y ago

> Has anyone actually worked this way? I tried with the Samsung Odyssey+ a few times. I used the counterbalance and extra support kit (it is a bit heavy), and it's quite nice with those. Still some pressure on my nose bridge, so have a bit of adjustment to do. Touch typing takes a bit of getting used to, but it works well enough. I already am using a trackball 100% of the time (I know, I'm a monster), so I don't have to worry about knocking stuff over with my mouse. The real problem is that since I have a WMR headset, none of the really good virtual desktop softwares people use are available. The ones that are, aren't that great, for various reasons. Then there's the issue that my laptop is a surface book 2. Powerful enough to run VR smoothly, but while the system fan is blasting at full volume the whole time. Also it seems to slowly drain the battery. So it's really not an all day affair regardless of usability. I don't want to use my gaming PC (which is more than up to the task), because then I have to basically let my company own it, in order to meet the security policy requirements. I'm concerned if I do that, that I'll never really get all the bits off again short of a reimage. I haven't ruled out buying a dedicated HDD to swap out (I have a hot swap bay).

forgotmyoldacc 5y ago

Curious why you would compare a first-gen VR headset that came out more than 5 years ago to one released last year. Also, no one's typing using wands, they're all using standard keyboards.

ulber 5y ago

I tried to with a Quest 2. Immersed VR was the only option I found for getting multiple virtual monitors with my non-VR-ready work laptop (it has to encode and stream the virtual monitors to the headset), but performance was not good enough for more than two screens at a reasonable resolution. I did see the promise of it though. Input was not a problem as I'm able to touch type without looking at the keyboard. Being able to position additional screens all around your main screen was amazing -- with physical monitors I only have space for two. Using a VR-ready machine to directly run the headset and some headless monitor emulator adapters might result in a better experience right now. With this kind of setup you can use other VR desktop software, e.g. Virtual Desktop.

blazespin 5y ago
Yeah in the end, this may be the only killer app for VR. Replacing multiple monitors. Think about all the space multiple monitor desk environments takes up in the real, and how little space a VR replacement takes up via the virtual. The other cool thing is the separation between home and work. Once the headset is off, work is done. That separation is actually very important, and ironically it's actually the worst thing about playing in VR while being the best thing about working in VR. Financially, we're possibly talking up to a $100K if you think about how much a fully separated and furnished home office can cost. That's a real value prop.
- dendriti 5y ago
  For now, and I think for the next several years at least, if you can afford to purchase and drive a headset which comfortably replaces multiple monitors, you likely already have the space and resources to use multiple monitors already. I spared no expense on a fully kitted-out home office and didn't spend anywhere near $100k USD.
  - idontwantthis 5y ago
    It’s $420 for headset and 1 year subscription. You can’t buy 5 comparable monitors for that price. Or 3 like I use.

drusepth 5y ago

I've worked 8+ hour days in VR for weeks/months at a time over the years on an original Vive. There are a ton of benefits over traditional monitors (physical space, infinite monitors, text/output scaling, more interesting work environments, isolation from distractions, etc), but there are also some sizable drawbacks too (resolution, battery life, mad thirst, being unaware of your surroundings, etc). I imagine a lot of those tradeoffs have improved in newer headsets, but I definitely enjoy working in VR over just sitting in an office 90% of the time. FWIW I sit, use the wireless adapter, and just touch-type on a real keyboard though; I definitely don't try to type with wands on virtual keyboards!

mettamage 5y ago

I have worked like this on the Quest 2. What I found: - lower screen resolution to make HN readable - your IRL GF will react differently to you because she can’t see your facial expressions Note: n += 1

telxosser 5y ago

This is the issue to me as well. It needs to be so much better than my already awesome monitor, keyboard and desktop to make it worth wearing a ridiculous headset. I just don't know if it is really possible to improve on this setup enough. Monitor size is not an issue at this point. Input is not an issue. If work gave me a VR headset only I would just bring in my own monitor and keyboard.

Moldoteck 5y ago

Take a look here> https://blog.borodutch.com/i-moved-my-workspace-to-vr-heres-what-i-learnt/ https://blog.borodutch.com/i-moved-my-workspace-to-vr-heres-...