These days, virtual reality is more and more common in discussions in the high-tech world. While there is a lot of focus on trendy gaming scenes or VR experiences, there are actually some pretty good arguments for using VR as a productivity tool The best example is a VR desktop app.
We set out to answer the question: “Is it really possible to work with a VR desktop computer?” using two popular apps. The short answer is yes, but there are some serious trade-offs here.
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What is desktop VR?
Before we go any further. Let’s take a look at what a virtual reality desktop is. Basically, it is a virtual environment that offers a projection of the screen of your own computer.
In other words, you will see a virtual screen displaying the same information as on your physical screen. But instead of being on your desk in a room or office, it is in a virtual space.
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What do i need to run a VR desktop?
You may have heard that in order to use virtual reality on your computer, it must have huge specs. This is true when it comes to high quality VR video games that require mid to better gaming grade components. However, when it comes to a desktop VR app, this is not at all the case.
The exact minimum specs will vary from application to application, but if you have a recent quad-core laptop with Iris Plus or similar GPU, it will probably work fine. In our case, we are using the Oculus Quest to work with the virtual desktop. So the system requirements of the computer itself are not that important.
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The VR environment is handled by the Quest’s internal GPU, not the computer. If you’d like to learn more, check out our Oculus Quest review article. Another nice benefit of using the Quest’s virtual desktop apps is the wireless transmission feature. Although your network equipment must meet the requirements.
So, to summarize, you need three things to run a virtual reality desktop:
- a desktop that meets the minimum requirements.
- virtual reality desktop application.
- VR headset compatible with the application in question.
So now you know what these applications are and what you need to use them, but why do you need it? Let’s take a look at the benefits of a virtual desktop.
What are the advantages of using desktop VR?
There are several main advantages to using a virtual desktop solution. First, you can have as much space as you like with monitor configurations that would be impractical in real life. Most people cannot afford or host a six-monitor rig, but in a desktop VR program that supports this feature, you can.
The second big advantage is that you can create an environment in which you can work with concentration without distraction. Pair your VR headset with good noise canceling headphones for peace of mind.
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Another big advantage of this VR desktop system is its portability. If you are traveling and you often have to sit and work in hotel rooms or other places where you can only use a laptop, it is not too difficult to take a VR headset with you and have as big a screen as you need in VR. Not to mention, you can use it as your own movie theater or big screen video game rig!
If you’re using a desktop installation, a virtual desktop is ideal. Because you can place the virtual monitors however you like in terms of ergonomics.
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Finally, this is a fantastic privacy measure. If you turn off the monitor, then only you can see what is currently on the screen. This feature will appeal to many.
There are undoubtedly more reasons to choose a virtual desktop than this one, but we think these are the three main use cases. Now that we’ve covered the theoretical questions, let’s take a look at two of the best virtual desktop applications you can get today.
Virtual Desktop (Oculus Rift – $ 13.99, Oculus Quest – $ 20)
It’s probably the most famous virtual desktop app out there, and it certainly got the first bids for a title that describes the genre! This app is only available as a paid software, but it has been around for a few years now and the developers have invested that money back to make the program polished and stable.
Quest’s virtual desktop works wirelessly. Our Windows computer was connected to a router via Ethernet, and our headset was connected via a 5GHz wireless AC adapter. Whether we are working or playing video games, we experience no lag. The screen was perfectly crisp, save for the “wire-wire” pixel grid effect that most VR headsets have at the moment. And this is not at all the fault of these applications.
The virtual desktop is highly optimized and easy to move and resize screens. The virtual desktop supports multiple physical monitors, but as far as we can tell, it doesn’t support creating virtual monitors, which you don’t actually have in the physical world.
The program is incredibly stable and polished. It was extremely easy to use and it has decent integration with the new Oculus Quest hand tracking feature. Which for the most part means you don’t need to use touch controllers.
Apart from the lack of virtual monitors (and lack of variety in the environment), the main drawback is the lack of a free version of the application. Still, it’s worth every penny for anyone looking for a flawless and reliable personal virtual reality work environment. However, it’s worth noting that the macOS version of the app is still in development, so this is a Windows-only option for now.
Immersed Virtual Reality (Oculus Quest – Free / $ 14.99 / $ 29.99)
Immersed VR is a newcomer to the world of virtual desktops, but already making waves. The good news is that there is a “Free Forever” tier for this Oculus Quest and Oculus Go app. In the future, the company plans to expand to other platforms.
Immersed supports one virtual monitor on the free plan and up to five on the paid monthly tier. It also offers a more varied environment. You get public (free) and private (paid) collaboration in the virtual space with other users. A sleek virtual webcam and advanced features such as hand tracking will appear. It works best on Windows, Mac and Linux!
While Immersed isn’t quite as perfect as Virtual Desktop, it’s worth a look, and since it’s free it’s worth a try!
Can you work in virtual reality?
We spent many hours in VR doing the usual day to day activities that we would do with a monitor. Although there was a period of adaptation, it soon became quite natural to work in virtual reality space rather than in the real world. The virtual monitors Quest created looked pretty good, though not nearly as sharp as in real life. However, this is offset by their large apparent size and, in the case of Immersed, the ability to create multiple virtual monitors.
Writers who have to look at the keyboard to type will certainly not be easy, but if you can work with the keyboard and mouse without having to see them, and you have a comfortable enough headset, a virtual desktop can be a great place to work! –