Explore New York with a virtual reality headset
Missing New York or waiting for your next trip? We have the perfect solution: a virtual reality headset. Tested and approved!
How does virtual reality work?
- The concept is straightforward: put on a VR headset and you’re fully immersed in the images—in this case, the streets of New York. With this simple equipment, you can move through certain New York locations in a remarkably realistic way, as if you were actually there.
- It’s a great way to explore New York from your couch. It’s also practical if you’re obsessed with New York, or if you want to see certain parts of the Big Apple before visiting for the first time.
What equipment do you need?
To explore New York in virtual reality, you need two things:
- A VR headset (Virtual Reality).
- A smartphone to find and stream 360° videos through the VR headset.
How do you find New York virtual reality videos?
Once you have your VR headset, go to YouTube to find videos available in virtual reality:
- Search for “360 video” in YouTube’s search bar.
- To find 360° videos specifically about New York, search for “360 video New York”.
- Click the “Filters” menu in the top left corner and select 3D. YouTube will show you a full selection of options.
- Tip: If a video isn’t available in 360° format, you can still watch it through a VR headset using the YouTube app. Go to the menu (three vertical dots in the top right corner) and click the “Cardboard” icon to adapt the video for VR headset viewing.
How much does a VR headset cost?
- VR headsets come at all price points, from around $10 to much higher. I recommend the Homido VR2, which offers good quality and works well with both iPhone and Android devices.
- There’s also Google Cardboard, an inexpensive cardboard headset launched by the search engine to make virtual reality accessible to everyone. It’s a simple cardboard box equipped with lenses and velcro straps that lets you experience VR’s potential. Google Cardboard now works with iPhones that have compatible VR apps installed.
- You can also find used VR headsets at very reasonable prices. Mine, bought secondhand, cost just $6. Ideally your smartphone should have a gyroscope, but mine doesn’t and it doesn’t prevent virtual tours at all. Enjoy your virtual visit!
