The best virtual reality apps for android. Virtual reality for Android: rating of programs for glasses

The virtual realityis more and more included in our daily life. With the increase in gadgets, the number of specialized software for different operating systems... With them, you can practically everything: study the structure of the human body, travel the world, get into the other world, arrange tank battles etc. We have collected for you nine of the most interesting VR applications, already available for download.

1. Titans of Space

Used to study the solar system. With the program, you can feel like a cool astronaut. The software works at a scale of one in a million with 3D copies of planets, asteroids and other space bodies.
View: Android application.

2. Froggy VR

Most of the games created today are realistic. But this is not the case. Here, the player just moves the frog across the road. Also, the animal independently goes on a journey through the garden, wanting to have a snack.
View: iOS application.

3. Sisters

A surprise game that can be addicted very easily. To fully immerse yourself in it, you need to connect headphones. Then turn off the lights and start to get scared.
View: Android application.

4. Virtual Kaiju 3D

In the game, the user turns into Godzilla, who can destroy the entire city. And the more you destroy along the way, the better.
View: iOS application.

5. Volvo Reality

The application allows the user to move around the city and various local locations.
View: Android application.

6. InMind VR

It will be of interest to everyone who wants to study the human body. In it, users will find 3D models of red blood cells, as well as neurons and systems that consist of these elements. The study of subjects will be interactive.
View: iOS application.

7. Google Cardboard

A unique application for video glasses "Google" made of cardboard. With it, you can work with VR reality, travel through the virtual world.
View: Android application.

8. Roller Coaster VR (Android)

Immerse yourself in a virtual park where you can spend time on an impressive roller coaster ride. And they are the coolest, located in the original environment. You can even plunge into the water while traveling.
View: Android application.

9.VR Tank Training for Google Cardboard

Will appeal to those who love tank battles. The battle is not particularly difficult. The player sends his unit on a journey through the desert so that users have the opportunity to destroy as many enemies as possible.

Based on materials: medgadgets.ru

Until recently, all head-mounted displays (HMDs (Head-Mounted Display) - helmets, glasses, whatever you like to call them) provided, when viewing, mainly stereoscopic 3D-picture. displays boiled down mainly to watching various stereoscopic films, clips and videos, as well as the possibility of maximum immersion in a 3D game.

Just a few years ago, the situation with helmets began to change dramatically. First they talked about virtual reality (Virtual Reality, VR), and the Oculus Rift helmet suddenly became its most familiar symbol. Then, when a wave of interest rolled over added reality (Augmented Reality, AR), the Google Glass project, now abandoned commercially, but still developing in the laboratory, caused a stir.

Finally, quite recently they started talking about a video with a 360-degree view, and then even about such exotic as added virtuality (Augmented Virtuality, AV), or simply mixed reality (Mixed Reality, MR), a sensible definition of which no one has yet come up with. And on top of all this diversity, there is a fair amount of different sensors, sensors and controllers designed to navigate all this virtuality and / or to enhance the immersion experience through different senses.

Virtual reality, in turn, is a completely digital world, a digital surround environment that can simulate both reality and, with the same success, unreality.

However, even this simple difference has an exception: if you “install” a virtual camera with a 360-degree view in the digital VR world, and then record, for example, gameplay, then we will again talk about a 360-video, even though it is filmed in a virtual environment.

2.360 video versus VR: trajectory or free fall

Watching even the simplest 360 video, the viewer has the ability to turn his head and see what is happening from above, from below or to the sides.

In turn, when immersed in the digital virtual world, the user of the VR helmet has choice: directions of movement, interaction with the environment and / or virtual characters etc.

3.360 Video vs. VR: The Endless Story VS Movie End

The 360-degree movie is limited to the scene and timeline captured by the camera operator. Did you like it, want more? You can play the video again or wait for the next episode.

In the virtual world, like in a first-person shooter, you can wander endlessly. Tired of it? Let's go to the next level.

4. 360-video against VR: “And there is an abyss at the bottom of a well, like in Bermuda - forever”

Whatever happens before your eyes when watching a 360-degree video, the viewer continues to be a spectator, just like in a regular cinema, except with the ability to turn his head in any direction and see additional details.

While traveling in the virtual world, it is not necessary to stay still. You can move physically - at least until you bump into a real wall, or until the cable runs out, if the VR headset is not mobile, but “tied” to a desktop PC.

5.360 video versus VR: economy class versus not yet clear what

What are the costs to watch a 360-degree video right now? It's very simple: you most likely already have a suitable smartphone, a device like Google Cardboard can now be purchased for very little money on the day of order or in a matter of days.

There are already thousands of 360-degree videos available for viewing, their number is constantly increasing, while among the videos there are already real films.

VR reality worth mentioning is mostly tight so far. Most of even high-profile VR projects with strong funding and a clear commercial purpose, such as Oculus Rift, SteamVR (HTC Vive) or Sony Morpheus, are still under development, and all this stuff is expected on sale in the next six months, at best, and even then not everything.

Despite the powerful preparatory work of many software companies, including Russian ones, with a variety of virtual worlds at first it will not be very good either. Not to mention the price in the first few years and perhaps the most painful issue: the compatibility of VR content for different VR platforms.

Total: What to do now?

So far, VR headsets and VR glasses for full digital virtual reality are shown mainly as samples at various exhibitions, while the owners of development kits, meanwhile, continue to create and improve new ones. virtual worlds... It will take some time before the first VR gadgets appear in retail, and then some more time will be needed for their prices to begin to be friends with common sense.

But right now, you can take Google Cardboard or something more convenient with the same principle of operation, insert your favorite smartphone into it, and today enjoy stereoscopic 3D films, clips, cartoons and videos, plus, if you wish, periodically “dive ”Into the rapidly expanding world of 360 ° video. Among other things, it is also inexpensive.

Now virtual reality technologies are actively promoted by a variety of companies. AND it comes not only about these accessories for such expensive products as PS4 or top-end Samsung smartphones. In principle, every user can now buy tolerable virtual reality glasses, because they cost around two to three thousand rubles. The main thing is that the smartphone matches them. And today we will talk about how to use VR glasses after purchasing them.

What do VR glasses need to work?

Operating system: Android not lower than KitKat;

The dimensions of the smartphone must correspond to the notch in the glasses;

A set of sensors: accelerometer and gyroscope.

Optionally, you can add a resolution of at least Full HD. In principle, this cannot be called a necessity. But from personal experience, I will say that with HD on a five-inch screen, the gaming experience deteriorates significantly, because the picture is grainy and of poor quality. Accordingly, if this HD remains at 5.5 inches, then the pixel density will drop even more, leading to more distortion Images.

Otherwise, the process of using virtual reality glasses for a smartphone is extremely simple. First, we stock up on the appropriate software and media (apps, games, movies, and so on). Then we run the desired program, insert the smartphone into a special recess inside the glasses, fix it - and that's it! Now let's go through the software. And we will start, of course, with games.

VR Glasses Games

Very cool content is created by Fibrum studio. Many toys provide an opportunity to go through a demo level in order to check out the gameplay and answer the question “Do I need to buy full version? ”. Among the coolest creations are Space Stalker, Zombie Shooter and Roller Coaster (well, where without it ?!). However, the list of VR games from Fibrum studio does not end there. The graphics in them can hardly be called realistic, but the gameplay itself is addictive, that's for sure.

Although the roller coaster can be found in Google play in huge numbers from many other developers. Another interesting toy is Survival Horror 3D. A kind of horror that looks terrifying in virtual reality glasses (even adjusted for the graphic part). But at this point, a very important thing needs to be mentioned: a considerable percentage of similar applications require an additional accessory to control the character. It could be a wired joystick, but it's better to buy a Bluetooth controller. It is more compact and there will be no problems with wires.

Google Play is not only rich in shooters and racing in terms of VR games. Here, in addition to Traffic Racer or Mountain Sniper, you can even find a wingsuit jumping simulator. Or a fly simulator. Or spaceship... Or a combat aircraft. I could list endlessly, but I think everything is clear. In general, the choice is up to the user. After spending at least an hour or two searching, you can find some good toys for VR glasses, from passing which we will get no less pleasure than from passing through ordinary games.

Now we will talk about unification software with multimedia, namely about watching movies with virtual reality glasses. Actually, after the games, this is the second reason that prompts people to buy the appropriate accessories. This is especially motivating for those who like to go to the cinema for a show in 3D. What could be better than having your own cinema close at hand, and with the ability to pause the movie at any moment? And although there are quite a few similar applications on Google Play, we will consider only one player, because it has everything that we need.

VaR's VR Player is a multimedia player for viewing both 3D videos and VR videos with a laconic but stylish and intuitive user interface. The application allows you to play files that are already available directly on the smartphone (selection either through the gallery or through a directive browser). In addition, if the video is hosted on a site, you can simply enter its URL in the corresponding menu so as not to download files and not waste time on it. If, of course, traffic allows it.

This program for android platforms distributed absolutely free and now, after several updates, appears in Google Play with the postfix “Pro”. The only purchased content costs 259 rubles, and with its help we can turn off annoying ads. By the way, it is the only drawback of the application. At least in my opinion. Although ratings and reviews on Google Play, my point of view, most likely, only reinforces. As an analogue of the application, you can call the AAA VR Cinema program.

Want a lot of VR videos? It's doable!

There is a special software for this. If you bought Google Cardboard, then I recommend downloading the corresponding application. But if virtual reality glasses are from another manufacturer, then universal software tools come to the rescue. Now I will talk about how to use the Fulldive program and what it has to offer, as well as how to watch VR videos directly from Youtube.

As for the Fulldive program ... In my opinion, the name “Full immersion” justifies the functionality of the program 100%. He, in principle, is not interested in what type of headset the user has. And this favorably distinguishes it against the background of the same Cardboard, developed specifically for the owners of the VR glasses of the same name.

First of all, the Russified assistant will tell the novice user about the control in the application, and also show what is located and where. As for the "arsenal", the number of videos collected in the shared library is simply off scale. What's especially cool is that they are categorized. So, if you are tempted to watch a couple of short-length horror films at night, you just need to move the virtual cursor over the corresponding category and wait until the filtering occurs.

FullDive contains information not only about videos, but also about games. It's a pity, of course, that there is no direct upload option. Instead, the program will generate a link and save it, but the user will have to go to Google Play on their own and download from there. The reason for this is, most likely, the fact that not all VR games are free. However, I already talked about this at the beginning of the article, when we talked about the Fibrum studio and other "creators" of games in terms of virtual reality. Now a little about Youtube.

This type of content is suitable for both advanced users and those who are just starting their acquaintance with VR technologies. In such videos, filmed using “360 degrees” technology, the user has no freedom in terms of movement. He sees only what the fixed camera was able to capture around him. But who said it shouldn't be cool? I assure you: skydiving and roller coasters look pretty impressive, especially on smartphones with a good screen resolution.

To watch such videos, you do not need to download special applications. Nowadays, many Android smartphones come with a preinstalled Youtube application, where you can find these “vidos”. If this program is not available, then simply refer to the browser version of the site. In any case, the request will be the same: 360. After turning on the corresponding video, you will need to click on the VR headset icon in the lower right part of the player.

Play GTA 5 with VR glasses? Easy!

There is one interesting program called Trinus. It allows you to synchronize your PC / laptop with your smartphone via either a wired USB connection or wireless (via a shared Wi-Fi hotspot). The point is that after synchronizing the images from the monitor, it is also displayed on the smartphone screen, and, thanks to the presence of a gyroscope, our head movements will be perceived inside the game itself. The effect is especially noticeable in games with the possibility of sniper shooting: Sniper Ghost Warrior or Counter-Strike at worst. But note that such a connection can be made with all games. And to play solitaire in VR-glasses or dissect in a car in GTA 5 is already the user's choice. But let's take a closer look at how to configure Trinus to work.

You can find software for a personal computer on the developer's official website, and mobile version applications - on Google Play. I want to warn you right away that the trial version allows device synchronization only for 15 minutes. Then the connection is dropped, and it will have to be established again. In fact, you can do this indefinitely. But the only question is the comfort of such use.

With a wired connection, the performance will be better, but the wire will reduce mobility. I recommend setting the balance between picture quality and speed in the settings of the smartphone version of the program, but on the computer, set the resolution in games to 800x600. Moreover, the game itself should be launched in windowed mode... This will help save precious FPS and avoid frame drops as much as possible.

Other useful programs

Several more applications were developed by Google for curious users. These are Google Street View, Google Arts and Culture and others. Let's dwell only on Street View. The rest of the software can be easily found in the wilds of Google Play.

I remember that at one time many fans from the Google service, which allowed them to navigate the streets of almost any city in 3D. Users, in turn, were given the opportunity to look at many points of the globe at all 360 degrees. In fact, the travelers were able to “ride” through the selected city virtually. Nowadays, many users still resort to using the desktop version of the service in order to be partially ready for a real expedition.

Nevertheless, owners of VR glasses will be interested in trying to adapt the service for a smartphone application. However, if your headset does not include external control buttons, you will have to fork out for a Bluetooth controller or its wired counterpart. There is simply no other way to navigate the streets.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is enough content for VR glasses on the Internet and, in particular, on Google Play. Games, movies, videos - all this leaves no chance to get bored. Today I gave examples best apps, gave the basis for the use of virtual reality technologies. And in favor of what to make a further choice, the user will decide for himself. We can only wish for a strong vestibular apparatus, since only this will stop us in the process of using VR glasses.

Virtual reality is increasingly entering our lives. Video glasses from Oculus, for example, are no longer surprising, and many gadget lovers have them. In addition, Google is generally ahead of the rest with its cardboard gadget Google Cardboard, where a smartphone can be used as a screen. Samsung, Sony and other manufacturers already have similar systems. Accordingly, the number of VR software is growing, including iOS, Android and specialized systems like Oculus. Today Medgadgets offers to consider a selection of such software for iOS and Android.

Titans of Space (Android)

Study program Solar system, allowing you to feel like an astronaut of the distant future. The software operates on a scale of 1: 1,000,000, and the model of our system includes three-dimensional copies of planets, asteroids and other cosmic bodies.

Froggy VR (iOS)

Most games these days are very realistic. however, Froggy VR does not belong to this class of toys. Yes, the game does not need perfect graphics, since the only task of the player is to move the frog across the road. In addition, the frog will travel around the garden, hoping for food.

Not a bad model of VR glasses with an open design type -. Easy to reach and pull out your smartphone. At the same time, the back cover tightly enough and carefully holds the smartphone inside.

Sisters (Android)

Unusual. Strange. Addictive. This game is a complete surprise. For a complete immersion in the gaming universe, plug in your headphones, turn off the lights, and be ready to be scared.

Another open design: easy access to virtual reality from.

Virtual Kaiju 3D (iOS)

Are you familiar with the movies about the giant dinosaur Godzilla? Then forward, to new accomplishments - now you are Godzilla, and it is you who need to destroy the entire city. Actually, locality must be wiped off the face of the earth. The more destruction, the more points.

Google Cardboard (Android)

Yes, Google has released a special app for its cardboard video glasses. It helps to understand how to work with virtual reality, and also opens up the possibility of traveling around the world, of course, virtual. These are Google Earth, Street View, and some other services.

Roller Coaster VR (Android)

You've probably already come across something like this - this is a virtual amusement park with one and only attraction: a roller coaster. Moreover, the slides are very steep, and the surroundings are very original. During the trip, you can even find yourself in the water.

VR Tank Training for Google Cardboard

A real gift for tank lovers! Here you can arrange real tank battles. This program is not as difficult as WoT, but for fans of tank battles, this is what you need.

The player needs to send his battalion across the desert and destroy as many enemies as possible.

Price: US $ 2.32

Best VR App for Android

It's time to take stock. And they are as follows: the editors of Medgadgets consider the best of the listed applications for Android - Titans of Space. This is both entertainment and learning - two in one.

Best VR App for iOS

Well, here, undoubtedly, the most attractive application for the user is VR Tank Training. Tanks, tanks, tanks, they are everywhere!

With the invention of smartphones game industry got more opportunities to involve people in virtual reality, in this special world, where everyone can try on all sorts of social roles: from an ordinary ice cream seller to a world-class athlete.

The first impression of the game and the desire to come back and play it in the future largely depends on the quality of the graphics, musical accompaniment, a logical plot and level map. Based on these parameters, VR games from each genre were analyzed and the 15 best apps in their category were selected.

• Best RPG - Heroes of the Seven Seas VR
• Best shooter - The lost Future;
• Best Horror - House of Terror VR
• Best Adventure - Stellar Dive Experience VR
• Best Historical Excursion - Jurassic VR 2;
• Best Arkanoid - Proton Pulse Google Cardboard
• Best Educational Game - Cleanopolis VR
• Best Attraction - Roller Coaster VR;
• Best Kids Adventure - Squeed! VR;
• Best Arcade Game - Deep Space Battle VR
• The best strategy is Divinity defense VR;
• Best Action Game - Galaxy VR Virtual Reality Game
• Best Economic Simulator - Perfect Burger VR;
• Best Sports Simulator - Golf VR;
• Best Runner - Tunnel Twister VR.

Best RPG - Heroes of the Seven Seas VR

Date of issue: 2016.

Embark on a brave journey on your ship, the main goal of which is to find an ancient artifact, because it gives the owner omnipotence. In pursuit of treasure, the player will have to win in the sea and land battles, get weapons in battle, resist storm winds and hurricanes.

High quality 3D graphics, stylish sound accompaniment allow for a while to become part of the events of the 16th century: to fully enjoy the atmosphere sea \u200b\u200bbattle, walk along the old streets, conduct dialogues with the local population.

Best shooter - The Lost Future

Genre: shooter.

Date of issue: 2017.

The city is destroyed, zombies are attacking! Defend against enemy attacks using a six-barreled machine gun. To defeat the army of the dead, the player will be forced to resort to various cunning tricks - to place traps and mines, erect protective barricades, and also monitor the timely replenishment of ammunition. Interest in the game is supported by a gradual increase in the level of difficulty in different locations.

Best Horror - House of Terror VR

Genre: horror.

Date of issue: 2017.

In this game, as in real life, the gamer is not limited in his movements. The essence of the game is to get out of the mysterious house safe and sound. Twilight reigns in the rooms, the mansion is full of dangerous traps. To safely bypass monsters and avoid trouble, the player must constantly move, solve various puzzles, sometimes even take on the role of a detective. Only a cold mind and accurate calculation will help to survive in this very strange house.

Best Adventure - Stellar Dive Experience VR

Genre: adventure.

Date of issue: 2015.

The game will allow you to plunge into the world of space. Drawing individual locations is impressive in its realism. So far, only two planets (Earth, Mars), the Moon and a near-earth orbital station are open for travel. However, the developers promise to expand the number of locations over time. To quickly complete all tasks and move in space, you need a joystick.

Best Historical Excursion - Jurassic VR 2

Genre: historical excursion.

Date of issue: 2017.

To look at the world through the eyes of prehistoric lizards of unprecedented size, explore the life of an exotic island, move in huge leaps and even fly, defend against fellow predators or, on the contrary, attack - all these actions can be performed by playing Jurassic VR 2. An excellent simulator for exploring a prehistoric the era of the dinosaurs. In addition to the main location "Island", there is also a "Museum", the exhibition halls of which are filled with stuffed dinosaurs. Thanks to a special camera, it is possible to observe the wondrous creatures in real time.

Best Arkanoid - Proton Pulse Google Cardboard

Genre: Arkanoid.

Date of issue: 2015.

The main task of the game is to hit the constantly falling ball and break colored obstacles with it. With each level, it becomes more and more difficult to do these simple manipulations. Fortunately, for this there are various bonuses that help in difficult situations. The last level decides the whole outcome of the game - you need to defeat the boss, and this is extremely difficult. Incendiary music, neon lights, bright design will not let even the most sophisticated gamers get bored.

Best Educational Game - Cleanopolis VR

Genre: educational.

Date of issue: 2015.

The city is dying, residents are in danger, the level of CO2 emissions into the air has exceeded the norm. Only you can save the population from imminent disaster. Travel to the dirtiest neighborhoods and help restore environmental sustainability. The game has 4 locations to explore. With the help of mini-games, you can pump your abilities and reduce the amount of harmful emissions. There is a cinema in the city, which shows an educational film about the problems of climate change.

Best Attraction - Roller Coaster VR

Genre: attractions.

Date of issue: 2017.

Ride a wobbly minecar across dizzying serpentines railroad through the impenetrable jungle, the ruins of ancient castles, the depths of the ocean. Fans of extreme sports will appreciate lightning-fast ups and downs, sharp overcoming of obstacles, unexpected turns that will take your breath away. Don't forget to buckle up!

Best Kids Adventure - Squeed! VR

Genre: children's adventures.

Date of issue: 2015.

In the wizarding world, you cannot do without your help. This time, hurry to the squids - tiny fairy creatures - and defend them from enemy invasion. The player must navigate the river and follow the instructions left in the boat.

Best Arcade Game - Deep Space Battle VR

Genre: arcade, shooter.

Date of issue: 2016.

The hero will have to control the spaceship, surf the vastness of the Universe, participate in shootings. Orientation skills and quick reactions will help you get out of the water even in the most unforeseen circumstances. Defeating his enemies and overcoming obstacles, the player earns experience and money, which can be spent on improving and opening new locations.

Best Strategy - Divinity Defense VR

Genre: strategy.

Date of issue: 2016.

Protecting your property at all times was considered a good deed. Protect your fortress from enemy raids. Combat constructions from which fireballs are fired will help you in this. You can also deal with opponents with your own hands, but this will require a special Vico VR sensor.

Best Action - Galaxy VR Virtual Reality Game

Genre: action.

Date of issue: 2016.

It turned out that alien life exists, but it is not as friendly to earthlings as we would like it to be. The hero will have to survive in the conditions of space battles and dangerous races. The realism of the labyrinth tunnels deserves special attention, from which an alien is ready to jump at you at any second. However, even once in the desert, do not lose your vigilance, because the open area is fraught with no less danger.

Best Economic Simulator - Perfect Burger VR

Genre: simulator, economic.

Date of issue: 2017.

The work of the service staff is not as easy as it seems, you will be convinced of this by trying on the role of the cook of a small diner. Only hamburgers are produced here, but their fillings are so varied that they will attract even the most fastidious gourmet. The player's task is to retain visitors, serve them on time and receive a salary. The most important thing in the game is not to mix up orders, as precious time is wasted and the client can leave without paying.

Best Sports Simulator - Golf VR

Genre: sports simulator.

Date of issue: 2017.

Classic golf in virtual reality can pull you out of the outside world for several hours without you even noticing it. As in real sports, the player will experience that indescribable feeling of excitement, thanks to which he wants to play more and more. Interestingly, the game of golf is gradually becoming more difficult due to the vagaries of the weather, for example, it can suddenly snow or rain, or the wind can carry the ball in the wrong direction. This gives a special charm to the game, bringing it closer to real conditions.

Best Runner - Tunnel Twister VR

Genre: runners.

Date of issue: 2016.

Before the eyes of the gamer there is a rather wide pipe along which a small ball is rolling. The task is to control the ball in such a way that it collects other balls on its way. In places in the tunnel, breaks are formed that need to be jumped, otherwise - "Game over!" There is no end-edge to this game and, accordingly, there is no logical conclusion either. However, you can choose it as a way to easily kill time, delighting the eye with pleasant graphics, and ears - incendiary music.

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