Tim Nijland

The advantage of limitations

In terms of pure horsepower the GO is not a strong contender. Instead of the 6DoF technology that makes a room scale experience possible, the user is limited to a static 3DoF movement. This means turning in place, actual locomotion is not possible. This makes the Oculus GO for kiosk mode for VR apps safe to use, you could even watch presentations from the comfort of a chair. A revolving chair is advised for optimal comfort.

The supplied controller is simple and easy to use. With Oculus GO in kiosk mode it’s even possible to make a selection by merely looking at a thumbnail image for a true hands free operation. While other virtual reality products are equipped with special VR controllers that can even register individual fingers, this headset is much easier to use. The limitations turn out to be an advantage for the specific use of kiosk mode.

The superior specs are surprising

Don’t be fooled by the ‘slow’ mobile processor, or the lack of full motion detection. The 5.5 inch screen is equipped with 2560×1440 pixels with a minimal screen door effect. This translates to a sharp image with a refresh rate up to 72 Hz. Gamers will not be impressed, but for 360 video 60 Hz and higher is a fine refresh rate that allows for comfortable viewing.

The headband can be easily made to fit almost every head, two stereo speakers are built-in which bridge the gap between a headset and external speakers. The internal memory is not expandable but with either 32 or 64 GB there’s plenty of room for 4K and even 5K video.

You get what you pay for … and more!

At the release in 2018, the price of the Oculus GO was already competitive. In less than two years time the price has dropped even further. Yet the relevance as a video viewing device and as an entry level VR headset remains, the stacked App Store is filled with affordable apps for both private and business use.

Although there are cheaper alternatives, nothing comes close to the Oculus Home environment in combination with solid technical specifications. The slick design looks considerably more modern than more recent products with sleek lines, a neutral gray color and a no-frills esthetic.

Reliable hardware, superior software

Facebook, owner of the Oculus brand, created the original mobile software solution for the Samsung Gear VR. With their first standalone headset they collaborated with Xiaomi, a front runner in the field of mobile technology. So you get hardware that works and is tuned to the specific use it was intended for, combined with software that was honed to perfection during the Gear VR phase.

Do what you want

The Oculus Home Interface is a layer on top of an Android system. By circumventing the standard ‘skin’ it’s possible to unlock advanced features. This is important for Oculus GO in kiosk mode. By sideloading a special app anyone can turn this humble device into a POS system for business use.

Other devices like the Pico G2 also have the option to run custom apps, but the Pico system is more expensive and made by a much smaller company. Facebook does not endorse sideloading, however the process is reversible and does not harm the device in any way. Take control over your device and create new experiences!

Although the Oculus GO is not nearly the cream of the crop in pure technical specifications, it’s is still the best option for kiosk mode in several ways. Contact your dealer for expert advice and information about running custom apps.

2. Do the moonwalk

Artist Michael Jackson might be more famous for his moonwalk then astronaut Neil Armstrong who actually walked on the moon. Samsung and NASA collaborated in an impressive instore installation where visitors could walk on the moon. It wasn’t a real moonwalk obviously, but the carefully designed decor brought an authentic experience to the VR presentation. Not all magic happens in the VR headset!

3. Enjoy your drink

Tequila, you either love it or hate it. But even the heavy drinkers often have no clue on how this alcoholic treat is actually made, or even where it’s made from. Patrón decided to invite a 360 camera crew to film the entire production process from start to finish. This shoot took six months to complete, from growing Agave to opening the bottle. With VR Kiosk mode it would be possible for the viewer to select different stages in the process for a more personalized experience.

4. Try before you fly

Let’s preface this entry by stating that travel brand Thomas Cook is no longer in business and we’re not sure which Virtual Reality Agency developed this app. However, their clever 360 tourism videos are now used by several other tour operators and airlines to sell holidays and plane tickets all over the world. The concept is both simple and ingenious; create beautiful VR 360 videos across the globe and show them to potential travelers in their hometown. The VR Kiosk approach allows the user to choose their favorite holiday destination.

5. Take a hike

Speaking of travelling, Merrell is a brand of hiking boots for the more adventurous traveler. The new Capra boot was introduced using the “Trailscape” experience, a combination between a VR presentation and a set built to match the virtual experience. The participants would actually walk on a raised stage while watching a real mountain in the headset which made the entire experience very realistic. Virtual reality meets actual reality.

6. Bring color to the store

Home renovation is something you need to prepare for. If you don’t know the difference between paint and spackle, you might need to ask a home improvement store employee. Or try plastering a wall in virtual reality and get a feel for the process.

That’s what Lowe’s did with an in-store installation with actual walls and virtual paint. The user wears VR goggles and uses VR controllers to decorate the walls. This hands-on experience goes far beyond color advice and dives deep into the actual process of home decoration.

7. Happy Goggles

McDonald’s knows how to cater to their customers. Not only with burgers and fries, but also with forward thinking promotional concepts. The Google Cardboard smartphone holder is a clever way to turn a smartphone into a VR headset. McDonald’s took their iconic happy meal box and created a cardboard kit that allows the user to watch VR content.

This VR headset uses the famous color scheme this fast food franchise is known for, thereby pushing the promotional advantage beyond VR and into the real world. With VR Kiosk software the user can select from a collection of videos.

2. Customize the message

https://youtu.be/8l9qRDMVNRY
Even if a row of houses look identical from the outside, the interior will differ greatly. This provides a challenge for realtors when they want to present a house to a potential buyer. Using 3D models the colors and interior design can be virtually matched to the preferences of the client. This evokes the feeling of actually living in their new home, that might not even have been built yet.

The realtor can ask about personal preferences beforehand and customize the VR presentation. In some cases these alterations can be executed in real time, but this is not always feasible. With a kiosk mode for 360 video you can even present alternate versions of the same architecture.

3. Show prototypes for pre-orders

Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo often feature products that only exists as prototypes or slick 3D renders. With virtual reality prototypes can be demonstrated in a much more immersive manner, employing interactive features that will convince the prospective buyer.

Cars are a typical product that can be sold by merely showing a VR kiosk demo. Before a real life test drive the interested customers can experience the look and feel of the automobile, and convince them to pre-order the item. This works for all types of products that are still in the design phase, it can even influence the final product.

4. Make your brand go viral

https://youtu.be/Prf93PpKIbs
Many brands must go to great lengths to stay relevant. How can you convince that your snack is superior to other brands? Flavor alone won’t cut it, you need some additional brand building to get the word out. Doritos gathered a couple of YouTube Influencers and created a VR Battle.

The resulting videos can be displayed using a kiosk mode for 360 video, and of course on YouTube for all viewers. By coupling brands with relevant Influencers it’s possible to make a brand name or product go viral. Don’t think the Influencer strategy is only effective for a younger audience, celebrities have been used to sell products for literally centuries. With immersive VR presentations this type of advertising has received a welcome breath of fresh air.

5. Sell an experience, not a product

This benefit is related to Influencer marketing, but is not limited to using celebrities. Millennials are increasingly interested in experiences, ownership and consumables are less important for this generation of customers. That brings new challenges for manufacturers, how can you convince someone to buy a product if they would rather travel the world? By placing the focus on the experience and offering the ‘tools’ to travel around many brands have found a new way of promoting products.

For instance brands of trekking clothing, extreme sports gear or wearable technology place heavy emphasis on the things you can do with their products. Instead of showing a shining new Swiss Army knife, you will now see a weathered knife cutting through rope in a dense forest. With kiosk mode for 360 video at events it’s easy to present multiple scenarios that directly address the desires and needs of the customer.

Connect with the customer

Up until quite recently the standard method of advertising was showcasing the product and its features. Recently marketing professionals switched to addressing the needs of the customers and answering them with suitable products. Nowadays the emphasis is placed on making connections with customers, and providing a context for the products and services.

As the client has become more sophisticated, so should the marketing evolve to remain relevant to the customer. Virtual reality is a powerful new tool that companies worldwide are using to increase sales and brand awareness.

2. Let the audience decide the presentation

Not every visitor has the exact same interests. Using kiosk mode for VR apps the user can select from a gallery of 360 videos without additional assistance. By using a ‘gaze based’ interaction system there’s no requirement for a VR controller. Kiosk mode for VR apps provides a lower threshold for users to experience VR while creating a personalized experience.

3. Create interactive installations

Have you ever had the opportunity to cross a narrow plank across two skyscrapers? This is of course very dangerous, in virtual reality it’s entirely safe yet very realistic. Actually, this type of interactive VR demo has been around since the start of virtual reality headsets, and hasn’t lost any of its impact.

4. Visualize a worthwhile cause

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So, you have a charity or a different cause that you want to promote. Several charities have opted for a VR video in order to place people right in the middle of war-torn areas, or in hospitals showing the actual impact of diseases. It’s also an option to take a more subtle approach, and show how a donation can help a cause. By showing the power of people across the nation, or even the world joining forces it becomes clear that even a small donation makes a difference.

5. Demonstrate products with prototypes

How do you show a brand new automobile that has not left the production line yet? Instead of showing a glossy brochure or a model, just let the interested parties look at a highly detailed model. Apart from walking around the car (or other product), the user can take a look inside the car or examine the engine. If the seats are available you can even place the prospective buyer in a virtual car for a truly immersive experience.

6. Create virtual tours with hotspots

Another interesting application of kiosk mode for VR apps is a more interactive version of the standard 360 video. This time the presentation features ‘hotspots’, icons that allow the user to follow a custom path. This is especially interesting for realtors, potential customers can take a virtual walk in a building on their own pace. This allows for the use of one standard VR app with custom tours that cater to the exact preferences of the individual users.

7. Preview of holiday destinations

https://youtu.be/nQ4HC6MID3I
With numerous apps to book flights, rooms and excursions, the tourism industry has to innovate to remain relevant. By showing beautiful 360 videos that can be selected using kiosk mode for VR apps the attendees at a show can choose their favorite holiday destination. If you really want to make the presentation special consider climate controlled booths. Show exotic videos in a warm room, or let the viewer feel the cold while watching the snowy mountains in a ski resort.

8. Prepare for an adventure

https://youtu.be/Cr-9ujLco50
Besides selling holiday arrangements, the traveler will also need the appropriate apparel. Show, don’t tell and demonstrate what an explorer would require to scale high mountains. This also works for more relaxing holiday destinations by showing the latest beach wear to travellers. Let the viewer decide by installing a kiosk mode for VR apps.

9. Create heatmaps for analysis

This is a more advanced feature that is aimed at the marketing professionals. Some VR headsets allow accurate tracking of the head movements. By collecting viewing data heatmaps can be created, these images show the most viewed elements of a 360 video. By analyzing the viewer behavior, marketing efforts can be improved for maximum results.

10. Offer visitors a roller coaster ride

There are several companies that have paired VR headsets with installations that can move according to the movements in the video. Using a sophisticated pneumatic system it’s possible to create realistic roller coaster rides at any location. Each video can be synced with movements so custom roller coaster rides can be designed for each unique application.

2. VIP seats for everyone

One particularly interesting implementation of VR technology is synced VR 360 video. Multiple participants can enjoy “the best seat in the house” at any location. Coach used this technology for a fashion show. The entire audience was equipped with VR goggles in order to view a fashion show from multiple perspectives.

Every individual viewer was virtually placed in the front row, with alternating camera angles for a more immersive experience. There was even some exclusive behind-the-scenes footage integrated within the fashion show for a true VIP presentation.

3. Scale the mountains

Is it possible to take 140 guests to snowy mountains in Northern Italy and show them the new winter collection? Sure, and you don’t need to scale a mountain to achieve this. Participants were invited to a rustic village in Italy that provided a comfortable and cozy environment.

Each guest wore a VR headset, using a wireless syncing tool all participants could enjoy a 360 fashion presentation. And yes, the models and camera crew did actually travel to the mountain top in order to record the footage! The virtual cinema was a hit with the attendees, this winter collection presentation by Woolrich was heavily publicized by the press.

4. Take the wheel

You don’t have to be a racecar driver to experience an exhilarating ride in a brand new car. You don’t even need a drivers’ license! Just look into a VR headset and enjoy the ride. Honda invited 1000+ guests at a show in Thailand to drive around a racetrack in a Honda Civic. In order to let the audience take the drivers’ seat without the risk of accidents, each participant received a Google Cardboard VR headset.

In the video a professional driver races at breakneck speed around the track. By placing the camera in the drivers’ seat instead of the passengers’ seat, the experience is both breathtaking and exhilarating. The Cardboard headsets can also be used as an affordable promotional giveaway.

5. Join me on a trip

The tourism industry has faced many challenges lately. Especially tour operators who have seen their customer base dwindle because of internet access. Why ask a tour operator for advice if the answer is just a Google search away? At the German Travel Fair ITB the main attraction is VR technology. Visitors can experience a virtual tour to exotic locations all over the world in a first person perspective.

Instead of viewing flat pictures online, the attendees can look around exotic locales, step into a virtual desert or take a refreshing dive into the ocean. With the Oculus GO Kiosk mode it’s possible for the user to make a selection from a number of videos, this results in a user-friendly experience and less strain on the sales representative. Kiosk mode for VR headsets is also a topic we discussed.

Why choose the Oculus GO?

This VR headset is easy to use, offers an enormous library of apps and the price has dropped considerably since the introduction. The screen is gorgeous to look at, and the Oculus Home software has been in development for a long time. Oculus took all the experience they acquired during the development of the Samsung Gear VR and put it in a self-contained device. A topic related for the Oculus GO is kiosk mode for Oculus GO.

And why not?

Officially Facebook does not allow sideloading which makes it harder to use for 360 video kiosk mode. There’s no expandable memory, you’re stuck with the standard 32 or 64 GB.

The underdog: PICO VR

Although the brand name might not sound familiar, the Asian company PICO was already working on virtual reality hardware before Facebook took the stage. Actually, you might say they were pioneers in this field. Because they were innovators, they also made mistakes along the way.

The motion tracking based on magnetic fields was clever yet poorly implemented, the brand seemed to be too ahead of its time. If Google or Apple had purchased this manufacturer like Facebook bought Oculus, then PICO might not have been the underdog in this match.

Why choose the PICO VR?

In broad strokes the PICO G2 is almost identical to the GO, but there are subtle differences. For one, there’s no requirement for a Facebook account. In fact, you can set up multiple devices quickly which is great for 360 video kiosk mode. Also, the system allows sideloading, which opens up new possibilities for custom VR apps.

There is a special G2 4K edition available with a gorgeous 4K resolution screen that leaves the GO in the dust. And the removable face padding shows how easy this system can be integrated in events and professional presentations.

And why not?

The app selection is pretty sparse, and it’s not a brand that you can purchase at any electronics store. The price is higher compared to the GO, which can add up when purchasing dozens or even hundreds of headsets.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for room scale VR, look elsewhere. Both VR headsets are limited to looking around in place. Movement is only possible using an external controller. For 360 video kiosk mode and other seated applications both headsets offer a fantastic image quality that stands among the best of any VR headset currently available.

For the price and perhaps the brand name Oculus GO is still the champion. However, the streamlined installation and the pro features make the PICO VR headsets very interesting for corporate use.

For consumers the GO is certainly the best VR headset in this field, for business applications both devices have specific pros and cons. Contact a specialized dealer with knowledge about both products to make an informed choice.

2. Hands-off approach

You can take this benefit literally because there’s no requirement for a VR controller or manual interaction while using VR headset in VR kiosk mode. The menu navigation is strictly “gaze based”, meaning the user simply looks at a thumbnail and the presentation will start.

The head movement functions as a controller, so the user doesn’t need to hold a VR controller to select options. This might seem like a small feature, in practice it makes a big difference for the user experience.

3. Ease-of-use

The K.I.S.S. method is fully implemented with the VR headset kiosk mode. This of course means Keep It Simple Stupid, why add features that are not used? The ease-of-use is not limited to the client, but also applies to sales reps and other professionals that will use the virtual reality content to make their pitch.

The representative can hand over the VR headset and let the user operate the device all by him- or herself. The workflow is seamless because the hardware and software is completely configured for a hassle-free operation.

4. Time-saving

Watching a five minute video should take five minutes, not ten. If you hand over a VR headset, the user should be able to get started almost immediately. If not, this will not only break the flow of the presentation, it will also waste precious time.

With the VR headset in kiosk mode a salesperson spends less time explaining, and can spend more time selling. You are also to service much more participants in a shorter period of time. Time is money, every step along the way can be one too many.

5. Safety

There are several ways in which safety comes into play with virtual reality presentations. For instance balance. Room scale VR is impressive, but walking around in VR is definitely not for everyone. With 360 video the user may remain seated. Also, accessoires like VR controller tends to break or ‘disappear’ from an event booth quite frequently. Less hardware means more safety.

The possible flailing of arms (and sometimes legs) while using VR can be greatly reduced by offering gaze based navigation in the VR headset kiosk mode. By limiting the system you can also avoid “hackers” altering the software on the device.

Using VR headset kiosk mode

For VR headset kiosk mode to work, some special software needs to be installed onto the device. Depending on the system this should not be difficult. Also, the process is reversible. That means the original software can be restored for regular use. You might void the warranty with modified software, contact your supplier for more information and all possibilities.

2. Create a ‘booth bubble’

Event halls and other venues are created for versatility, but often lack style. If you have a booth at an event with numerous participants you need your location to stand out. Using VR headsets is a fun addition, but you can go beyond offering a virtual reality presentation.

Create a seamless experience where reality and virtuality work in conjunction to seduce the visitors. Dress representatives in lab coats and invite people for an ‘experiment’, or create a jungle to showcase adventurous holidays. Create a unique ‘Bubble’ for visitors to enter.

3. Offer customized presentations

Showing the same brochure, video or PowerPoint presentation to all participants forces you to aim for the most common denominator. No one is a ‘standard’ person. By offering customized presentations and experiences you will grasp the attention of every person that visits your event.

However, this doesn’t mean more work for the staff if you use a VR Kiosk that allows the user to select their own personal experience. For instance offer a travel video selection with the option for skiing in the mountains or relaxing on a warm beach in the sun.

4. Create a larger canvas

In real life more square meters means a larger investment. In virtual reality space is infinite and virtually free. Your audience can travel through time and space just by wearing a VR headset while sitting stationary in a chair.

There are also ‘room scale’ VR events that allow the user to move, even then the virtual space can go far beyond the restrictions of the location.

5. Share the experience beyond the event

Creating custom VR content such as 360 video can be expensive, however you’re not limited to the event and the visitors. For instance, you can give a Cardboard smartphone holder (with your company logo of course) with a link to the 360 video or app for personal use. This allows the visitors at the event to relive the experience at home.

Even more so, they will become your ambassadors while showing your presentation to friends, family and colleagues. You can even create a supplementary VR experience for home use that ties in to the event.

6. Make it part of your current campaign

Virtual reality and real life are actually very close to each other. Although it’s possible to create a virtual campaign from scratch, often the new content will be based on an existing concept or goal.

This will allow for a cross-media campaign that will reach a wider audience and engage your audience more. Show a participant a 360 video of an actual museum in a VR Kiosk mode and give them a coupon for this location. Or a real-life spinning wheel at an event that awards prizes and/or a trip to a special presentation in the VR Kiosk. There are numerous ways to make virtual reality part of your campaign.

These are only six reasons for VR at your next event. Need more inspiration? Ask the experts and create a custom experience at your next event.

5. Lenovo Mirage

Last but not least is the Lenovo Mirage, that offers a sharp image quality with a 2560×1440 resolution. The quality can be compared to the Oculus Go, this device is a bit easier to configure which makes it more suitable for kiosk applications.

However, the purchase price is considerably higher compared to the Oculus Go because of the better movement tracking. Unfortunately that particular function is not used for 360 video.

As you can see there are plenty of options for a headset with 360 degree video kiosk mode, contact your supplier for more information.

How does VR headset kiosk mode work?

Most standalone virtual reality headsets are Android based, with a custom ‘skin’ that will vary depending on the brand. In that regard, these devices are very similar to Android smartphones. This operating system allows ‘sideloading’, which allows loading custom software to the system. For instance a video gallery interface, or a ‘kiosk mode for VR applications’.

By using a VR headset in kiosk mode you can hand the device over to someone who can operate the device autonomously. This a great feature for events and marketing using a ‘hands off’ approach to virtual reality technology.

The best VR headsets for 360 video

One great advantage of using virtual reality kiosk mode is the relatively low strain on the device. This means you can use one of the cheaper headsets that are commercially available. Of course there are some devices that are more suitable than others. Here are our five favorite picks for use with VR headset kiosk mode:

2. Samsung Gear VR

In broad terms the Samsung Gear VR is a more advanced Cardboard, this time using a plastic shell and a high-end Samsung smartphone. For several years the Gear VR set the standard for a VR headset in kiosk mode.

New standalone devices have since surpassed this innovative solution. The image quality depends on the hardware used, although even the lower end options offer a very good resolution and color reproduction.

3. Oculus Go

This device is basically a Gear VR without the phone. This time all the required hardware is on-board, making the Go a product that’s easy to use and more affordable compared to a Gear VR shell and a Samsung smartphone. Circumventing the standard system to use in VR headset kiosk mode can prove to be a bit cumbersome, but it’s definitely possible.

The Go has become the most popular alternative to the Gear VR, even if the parent company Facebook pretends this feature doesn’t exist. The screen resolution is 2560×1440, the device memory is not expandable.

4. Pico G2 4K

This is a lesser known device, but the easy installation of a VR headset kiosk mode makes it a popular choice for business use. The regular G2 already offers a crisp 2880×1600 image, the 4K version offers an amazing 3840×2160 resolution.

This comes with a higher price tag, but the complete package including removable foam pads and expandable memory makes this a wonderful option for professionals.

5. Lenovo Mirage

Last but not least is the Lenovo Mirage, that offers a sharp image quality with a 2560×1440 resolution. The quality can be compared to the Oculus Go, this device is a bit easier to configure which makes it more suitable for kiosk applications.

However, the purchase price is considerably higher compared to the Oculus Go because of the better movement tracking. Unfortunately that particular function is not used for 360 video.

As you can see there are plenty of options for a headset with 360 degree video kiosk mode, contact your supplier for more information.