4 Cool Uses For Your Old VR Headsets

The virtual reality (VR) market is rapidly evolving, with new headsets boasting higher resolution, wider fields of view, and more advanced tracking. While consumers upgrade to models like the Meta Quest 3, Sony PlayStation VR2, and Apple Vision Pro, a question arises: what becomes of older VR technology? The answer, according to recent analysis, is that these devices retain significant utility beyond gaming, offering opportunities for fitness, productivity, social connection, and even mental wellbeing.

Beyond Gaming: Repurposing Older VR Headsets

VR hardware has advanced quickly, prompting many to consider upgrades. However, early models – including the Meta Quest (original), HTC Vive, and first-generation PlayStation VR – are not yet obsolete. These headsets remain capable of running many VR applications, particularly those that don’t demand the highest processing power or display resolution. This opens up a range of possibilities for extending the life of these investments.

Did You Know? The Meta-owned app, Supernatural, continues to provide support for VR headsets as old as the Meta Quest 2.

Fitness and Wellness Applications

VR’s immersive nature lends itself well to fitness routines. A growing number of VR apps cater to workout enthusiasts, offering experiences ranging from boxing and dance to high-intensity interval training and cardio. This allows users to pair their older VR headsets with devices like smartwatches to track health goals. Because physical activity inherently carries a risk of damage, utilizing an older, less valuable headset for workouts is a practical approach.

Boosting Productivity with Virtual Workspaces

Older VR headsets can also be repurposed for professional use. Applications like Immersed, vSpatial, and Meta Horizon Workrooms enable users to create virtual workspaces for collaboration. Alternatively, these headsets can function as external displays for laptops or desktop PCs, providing multiple virtual screens for enhanced productivity. This approach can free up newer, more powerful headsets for demanding tasks while leveraging older hardware for simpler applications like spreadsheets and word processing.

Expert Insight: The ability to repurpose older VR hardware demonstrates a potential shift in consumer technology, moving away from rapid obsolescence and towards extended usability through diverse applications. This could have implications for manufacturers and consumers alike, influencing purchasing decisions and product lifecycles.

Social Connection and Mental Wellbeing

VR provides unique opportunities for social interaction and mental wellbeing. Platforms like Rec Room and VRChat offer virtual hangouts with mini-games and shared experiences. For those seeking relaxation, VR meditation apps – including Innerworld, Tripp, and Guided Meditation VR – create immersive environments for breathing exercises and mindfulness. Dedicating an older headset to these specific purposes allows for compartmentalization, separating gaming from social or meditative experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fitness apps support older VR headsets?

Fitness apps like FitXR, PowerBeatsVR, and Supernatural each provide some degree of support for older headsets, including the Meta Quest 2.

Can an older VR headset be used for work collaboration?

Yes, apps like Immersed, vSpatial, and Meta Horizon Workrooms allow users to create virtual workspaces for collaboration with colleagues.

What are some VR apps for social interaction?

Apps like Rec Room and VRChat have entire communities based around social interaction, offering opportunities to play mini-games and even watch movies together.

As VR technology continues to advance, how might consumers balance the desire for the latest hardware with the potential for repurposing existing devices?