Introduction: Stream PC Desktop to Phone for Virtual Reality (Now With Head Tracking!)
I've loved virtual reality for a long time. Although you won't need one, I finally got my hands on a 3D Printer, and was able to print a VR headset.
Unfortunately, this doesn't come with any electronics. I've been using my iPod Touch as its screen.
This tutorial will teach you how stream your PC to your Android or iOS device with minimal lag, and head tracking. I've been able to watch movies and play PC games such as Portal in stereoscopic 3D, with full head movement.
Let's get started!
Step 1: Currently Available Apps for Streaming
There are five programs that I use to stream my desktop to my phone/iPod. All of them have different pros and cons.
1. Kinoni Remote Desktop is probably the least laggy streamer out there. It can be downloaded at http://www.kinoni.com/
Pros:
I ran many games like Portal and saw no perceptible lag while in game.
High framerates.
Free!
Cons:
The audio quality isn't great.
Android only.
2. Trinus Gyre is definitely the second best. The streaming is just above average, but what really puts it ahead is its built in head tracking. The moment you start streaming, depending on your settings, the mouse should move automatically as you rotate your head. It can be downloaded at http://oddsheepgames.com/?page_id=134
Pros:
Built in head tracking? Yes, yes, yes!
Relatively high framerates.
Cons:
Android only.
Head tracking needs a some work.
Costs money (5.27 USD for the app; the PC streamer is free)
3. Kainy would have been second on this list a few months ago, I didn't know about Trinus Gyre yet (it might not have been out). It can be downloaded at http://kainy.com/download.html
Pros:
Kainy can stream up to 60 FPS (frames per second) with minimal lag.
Cons:
Free version has ads, which makes it unsuitable for VR gaming.
Android only. (Support to iOS supposedly coming soon)
4. Splashtop is number four because it only streams at 30 FPS, with pretty noticeable lag/jitter. It can be downloaded at http://splashtop.com
Pros: iOS AND Android compatibility! Yay!
Free on Android!
Cons:
Slow, especially on iOS devices. Like, really slow.
Costs money for the iOS app (5 USD)
Unusable for VR gaming.
5. Teamviewer is actually not that bad considering that it was originally intended for business. It can be downloaded at http://teamviewer.com
Pros: iOS AND Android compatibility! Yay!
Free!
Cons:
Lag, Lag, Lag. Everywhere. Unusable for VR gaming.
Step 2: Head Tracking
I have 2 favorites for head tracking.
1. A Small Gyro Mouse is actually incredibly fast. If there's any lag, it's imperceptible to me! I ordered a Tronsmart one at http://www.amazon.com/Tronsmart-TSM-01-Keyboard-Mo...
Pros:
Wireless
No lag that I can notice
Relatively accurate tracking
Rechargeable batteries included, along with a charging cable.
Pretty small.
Cons:
Looks a goofy when you mount this to your head, whether it's by rubber banding it to your headphones or anything.
Difficult to mount reliably to headset. Easier to just mount to headphones.
2. Trinus Gyre was mentioned in the previous page. If you didn't read it, it's a streaming program that uses your smartphone's gyroscope to emulate mouse movement. Download here: http://oddsheepgames.com/?page_id=134
Pros:
No need for extra sensor.
Looks better than putting a remote on your head. (That's what the Tronsmart Air mouse looks like)
Cons:
Android only.
Only as fast as your WiFi and your smartphone.
Tracking is still in development; it needs some work. (Slight lag, drift, etc)
Step 3: Conclusion
Now that you have read this tutorial (and hopefully downloaded some software too) you should be able to play some VR games with your mobile phone VR headset.
I hope you enjoyed!
If you have any questions, please PM me!
