Do you have enough firepower in your computer to run virtual reality games but think the Rift and the Vive cost a fortune? That might be one of the most serious issues, as their demos are quite hard to find, and honestly we still don't know if virtual reality deserves such a leap of faith. The middle ground is to turn to software platforms like VRidge, which simulates a virtual headset with the help of a compatible smartphone.
The price problem
The Oculus Rift costs $600 with its dedicated controllers. The HTC Vive jumps to $800, and some users see it as a superior solution, but beyond the platform, the underlying conflict is the same: the first generation of virtual reality is expensive, and the available content isn't convincing. Obviously, both companies offer public demos (which require being in the right place on the planet), yet the market doesn't seem interested in changing the economic parameters, at least for now. That leaves us searching for much more budget-friendly alternatives. If we're lucky enough to have a compatible Android smartphone and a case or Cardboard kit, the first thing that appears on our path is VRidge.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/r-liCBtlYiAHow VRidge works
Basically, it's a virtual headset simulator, made up of an Android app and a client that installs on your computer. The connection between the client and the mobile device is done via WiFi, and once confirmed, all you have to do is open the game. VRidge developers maintain a list of compatible games, and there we find very interesting names like Minecraft, Elite: Dangerous, Subnautica, Project CARS, and EVE: Valkyrie, but there are others with OpenVR and SteamVR support that can work without major hitches. The VRidge app requires at least Android 5.0 on the device, and regarding lag, the delay is one or two frames per second.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/9slTcsF3pTECompatibility
The trial version of VRidge is critical to determine if our mobile device is compatible. As a reference, smartphones based on Intel chips, the Kirin SoC, and some variants of the Galaxy S4 are listed as not supported. Instead, the tested and confirmed models are LG G3/G4, Samsung Galaxy S5/S6/S7 (+Edge), Samsung Galaxy Note 3/4/5, Google Nexus 5/6/5X/6P, Sony Xperia Z2/Z3 (+Compact), OnePlus One, and HTC M8/M9. If all goes well, you can purchase the full edition of VRidge for just 15 euros.
