Oculus Go on the go

Oculus Go is a $199, fully standalone VR headset. It's the first of its kind.

A headset, and a controller. That's everything you need, no phone or PC required.

The Go does pair with a phone (Android or iPhone), but only to help set it up and make adjusting settings easier. You can also look at photos from your phone in VR.

There are PC-connected tethered VR headsets (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift on the left) and ones that work with smartphones (Google Daydream View, Samsung Gear VR, right). Oculus Go is in the middle: It has a similar headset design to Rift, but the function of Gear VR.

Of course, I tried wearing it outdoors.

Which you can do. But people will stare.

Go isn't really a "wear on the go" device. But you could set it up and stand anywhere, and experience VR just fine.

But you need to be standing still, or turning. Go lacks full motion-tracking for walking or leaning.

The headset feels great: the foam padding is comfy and the lenses have been redesigned.

The Go comes with a spacer for eyeglass-wearers to add a little more room inside.

Side straps and a top strap, but the top strap is removable if you wish.

The goggles press in on your face, but it's cozy and didn't fog up my glasses like some headsets.

Oculus Go doesn't support Bluetooth headsets, but there's a headphone jack. Or, you could use the very good built-in speakers.

Browsing apps on the phone app. Many are similar to what's been on Samsung Gear VR for years.

The included controller has a trigger, a clickable touchpad and two top buttons.. but no volume control (that's on the headset). It has motion controls for pointing and twisting the controller, like Apple TV or a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con.

The visuals look good: The LCD display is crisp and doesn't look as fuzzy as some headsets.

There isn't a focus-adjustment dial like Gear VR, but I didn't need one.

The Oculus app also helps alert you of upcoming events and flags those you're interested in or might be interested in.

The remote uses an AA battery, no recharging needed.

The headset recharges via Micro USB. A power adapter's included.

The speaker holes are cleverly embedded in the stiff side straps, and pipe spatial audio near each ear. It's like wearing 3D headphones.

A power button and volume buttons live on the headset.

You won't look cool with this on.

I connected with west coast colleague Sean Hollister in Oculus Rooms, a social meeting zone with a TV for viewing Facebook videos and a game table. The chat sounds good with the included speakers and microphones.

There are already hundreds of apps, so plenty of options. But I'm not sure there are many killer apps that would make you rethink VR.

And that's the one problem: Oculus Go isn't a whole new VR revolution.

But its price, at $199, is the best for an all-in experience.

(That $199 roughly converts to £150 or AU$255.)

If you have a VR-ready smartphone, you don't need Oculus Go. But it's the best way to try stationary VR and 360-degree videos in a compact package.

And you don't need to stick your phone in a headset.

The Oculus app controls headset settings. It's helpful.

My max time I can wear VR is about an hour.

I need an eye break afterward.

More phone app pics.

One warning: Be careful using a VR headset in bright sun. Don't expose your headset's lenses to sunlight.

I did by accident, and damaged the display. This happens with VR headsets.

Don't do this, ever.