Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsSet your expectations right and you will not be disappointed!
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2018
Okay, so I've tinkered with Google Cardboard with my iPhone. But of course, that's pretty limited. It was neat, but no something I'd pay much money for. I spent a good chunk of time reading up on early reviews prior to the official release and decided on the Oculus Go. I had my expectations set appropriately. I wasn't expecting it to blow my mind as if I'd stepped 10-20 years into the future of tech. It's $200, and I understand how much technology you can really fit into that price point.
That said, this is pretty darn awesome!! Part of my decision for Go vs. waiting for the Lenovo stand-alone, is that Oculus Go pairs up with the Gear VR store. Soooo many more apps and games in there... some 4-5 times more. And when you're talking 250+ vs. 1000+, that's significant! And while 6dof would have been nice, I can't see paying TWICE the price for it.
My initial/primary use for it is to view my home media. I run a plex server at home, and Plex supports this device. It would actually be the only way I currently have to watch a couple 3D videos I have at home (don't you hate when friends/family buy you a gift you can't use yet). The video is not as nice as watching it on a high end TV. But you know what... those cost $600-2000 and is just a TV. Yes, you can see pixels. But after a while, I tune it out. I'm of the generation that remembers growing up with 320x200 TVs. Hell, my college TV was an old 13" VHS/TV combo I'd had since I was 10 years old hooked up to my commodore. So, still WAY better than that!
Anyway... I got mine on Friday. The Plex app is good, but needs work (that's on them, not the Oculus Go). I started playing some games as well, and am really enjoying the VR experience. My wife was a little less impressed, but she also expects iPhone OLED reality. I explained the state of the tech to her and she was a little more understanding, but wants her Ready Player One experience already. LOL.
My main cons (but not negative enough to take a way a star, for me):
- The battery life could be better. 2-3 hours is a lot, but it's amazing how much you lose time when that thing is on your head. They say you're not supposed to have it plugged in to charge while wearing it, but no explanation. I'm not sure if it's about the heat of battery charging while also using it, or if it's a CYA legal disclaimer. But if it takes 3 hours to charge (what claims/reviews say) and 2 hours of play time, that means even if it is pluggged in and charging, it will drain faster than it can charge.
- The fabric on the mask is good, but could be a tad softer. I've read some other VR goggles are uncomfortable and can't be worn for more than 30 minutes. This is better than that. But it does have some pressure points and leaves a good indentation on your face after wearing it for an hour or two.
- The lenses fog up at first. From what I read, this is a common issue with these headsets. Seems like they would work on some sort of vents or something to promote airflow. But once they warm up (either by warming them [someone suggested a hair dryer for a moment] or after 10-15 minutes of wearing them), the fogging goes away.
The $200 is well worth the price! I do hope for improvements with software updates. I think if people have their expectations set appropriately (do some research, watch a few video reviews), they will not be disappointed with the Oculus Go. It's fun and it's priced at a level that I do think will launch VR much more into mainstream. I do hope that more apps/games come out, and that 1000+ app store grows to 10000+ apps. I would love to see more adaptations of mainstream games, although, I suspect processor power wouldn't be able to handle them well with battery life.
I'm still exploring the store to find new apps. I want to check out some of the virtual gatherings (wish I had time today to watch the live launch of XSpace rocket for Bangladesh). I don't expect my opinion/review to downgrade, unless I encounter a system failure that Oculus fails to support.
If you're new to VR and not expecting a Ready Player One experience just yet, I think the Oculus Go is a good choice.
