Birthday
tao • 23 Jun 2022 •
It’s my birthday soon and I have been umming and ahhing about what to ask for this year. My usual response is “nothing, please” as I either can’t think of anything I would like or need, or that I know money is tight, so opt for nothing.
I like to think I am quite minimalist when it comes to possessions. I really only own 2 pairs of shoes, running trainers and some smart shoes in case an occasion arises where I need to wear them. I wear clothes that are as old as my children and getting new ones just feels like a hassle.
But I have been thinking more about getting the Quest 2 VR headset. It’s cheap enough that I could ask for it as a present, but I am worried that it will become another gadget that just sits in the corner after the initial buzz of interest. I watched a few videos yesterday about the Quest 2 and wasn’t floored by the games on offer. Not being much of a gamer myself, I would be more interested in the “experiences” the headset could offer. But I am not sure the graphics will be good enough, especially as I don’t have a gaming PC to tether it to.
I would also balk at paying for games. I am a pirate (arr!) so would want to explore any options for getting free content. I am sure there is a massive industry of hacked and copied VR games out there, so it might be interesting to dive into that world too. I quite fancy trying the VR adult material too - just out of interest mind you to test the immersive elements of VR… I won’t be buying a haptic vibrating groin suit to go with it.
But I also worry that I will feel to self-conscious using it. I imagine myself picking it up after dinner, the wife watching TV and me getting in her way, virtually killing a zombie or flying across a landscape in VR chat. Is is really something that is compatible with my lifestyle? We don’t have a lot of room at home, so I would be limited in my play space. I might have to end up staying up late to get some good VR-time in, which won’t be great as I would feel like I would have to be quiet all of the time.
Would it be another iPad Pro? Obsessed about, used a bit and then relegated to occasional use by other family members?
Probably.
As well as being minimal, I am also good at talking myself out of owning something when I don’t really need it. Perhaps I do need some new socks after all?
Comments
It’s the jokes said in half jest that deserve recognition. I’d say, go for the haptic vibrating groin suit 😉😂
Thanks @therealbrandonwilson - I read your review and do like the look of it, I just worry that it will be another flash-in-the-pan idea/gadget that I obsess over for a short period and then shelve. When I wanted an Alexa, I was convinced I was going to write apps for it and built it into our personal family hub. But after a few days, all it did was turn the lights on and off and put the radio on whilst we were out to deter any burglars who can’t stand droll news reports. Did you feel the need to update to the Elite strap or anything like that? Which model did you get? The 128GB I guess, based on the price you mentioned? Is that big enough for holding games? I also worry that I will get one and then a new model will come out in time for Christmas.
@jasonleow I suppose the only issue is that I need someone else online to control and interact the haptic groin adapter. No doubt it will be some fat neckbeard in a basement rather than a cute geek girl 😂
I opted for the 256, but I bet 128 is fine. I did get a third-party strap with the extra battery that fits better and is a great back-up during a marathon ping pong session. And you worry too much. 😜
I did some research earlier on pirating games/apps for the Quest and it doesn’t seem too onerous to set up. If I get one, I will definitely give it a go.
Not sure if you saw my write-up of the Oculus: https://bewellthy.substack.com/p/my-trip-into-the-metaverse. I’m happy to say that months later, I’m still using it most days of the week mainly playing ping pong. Now where to buy the haptic vibrating groin suit…