
The idea of virtual reality (VR) isn’t new. The ball started rolling as far back as 1960, when Morton Heilig patented the stereoscopic-television HMD for individual use and, two years later, patented a virtual reality (VR) simulator called the Sensorama Machine. This machine was equipped with sensory equipment, such as a binocular display, a vibrating seat, speakers, an air blower and a device that could generate odours to match the scene in the film. What we have today is technology that is far more polished (without the odours thankfully), and ready for much more than just watching a video. Here are some of the VR headsets that you can buy right now.
Samsung Gear VR
Rs.7,900

There’s a limitation though. While you can take a 360-degree view of things, you cannot touch anything, interact or even walk up and down the scene. The motion sensors in your phone detect your movements, and allow you to control the games and apps. The Gear VR uses the phone’s battery during the time you spend virtually walking the streets of London—30 minutes of watching 360-degree videos and photos gobbled up 19% of the Galaxy Note 5 Duos’ battery. The only niggle is that once the phone is docked into the headset, it will heat up even while viewing basic 360-degree photos.
There is no doubt that this is a really neat VR headset to own, and offers a really immersive VR experience. But the real value is only if you already have any one of the Galaxy Note 5 (Rs.51,400 onwards), S6 (Rs.33,900), S6 Edge+ (Rs.53,900) or S6 Edge (Rs.40,900 onwards) smartphones, or plan to buy one anyway.
Lenovo ANTVR
Rs.1,299
Amazon.in

This headset takes its power from the phone’s battery, and after 30 minutes of watching 360-degree videos on YouTube, it registered just 11% battery drain. It is available in two colour options: black and white.
Zebronics ZEB-VR
Rs.1,375
Snapdeal.com

At this price, the ZEB-VR headset could just be your ticket to experiencing the world of VR without having to buy a new phone.