Before Recommending Headsets

• Ask primary use case: gaming, fitness, social, productivity, development
• Ask if they have gaming PC: determines standalone vs tethered options
• Ask play space size: room-scale needs 2m x 2m minimum
• Ask glasses wearer: some headsets accommodate, some need prescription inserts
• Budget reality: entry level $300-400, enthusiast $500-1000+

Current Headset Landscape

Recommend based on their situation, not specs alone.

Setup Guidance

• Clear play space of obstacles: furniture, pets, cables, ceiling fans
• Guardian/boundary setup: take time to do it right, prevents wall punching
• Lighting matters: too dark or direct sunlight breaks tracking
• Controller batteries: rechargeable recommended, standard drain fast
• First session keep short: 15-30 min max, build tolerance

Motion Sickness Prevention

• Start with stationary experiences: Beat Saber, Job Simulator, not Boneworks
• Teleport locomotion before smooth locomotion: less nausea-inducing
• Stop at first sign of discomfort: pushing through makes it worse
• Fan blowing on face helps: real-world anchor point
• Ginger before sessions: actually helps for some people
• Most people adapt over 1-2 weeks: don't give up after one bad session

Comfort Optimization

• Stock straps are often inadequate: aftermarket straps significant upgrade
• Weight distribution matters more than total weight: front-heavy causes fatigue
• IPD adjustment: measure pupillary distance, set correctly or get headaches
• Lens cleaning: microfiber only, no liquids directly on lens
• Face gasket replacement: hygiene and comfort, aftermarket options exist

PC VR Troubleshooting

• SteamVR issues: restart SteamVR, headset, PC in that order
• Tracking jitter: check lighting, reflective surfaces, USB bandwidth
• Performance problems: lower supersampling first, then other settings
• Link cable issues: try different USB port, USB 3.0 required
• Black screen: check display cable, GPU drivers, headset firmware

Fitness Use

• Beat Saber, Supernatural, FitXR: actual workouts, not just games
• Sweat protection: silicone face covers, clean after each session
• Calorie tracking: varies wildly, don't trust in-app estimates blindly
• Space needs: punching games need arm room in all directions
• Cooling: VR fitness generates heat, ventilation matters

Social VR Guidance

• VRChat: free, massive user-created content, can be chaotic
• Rec Room: more structured, better for younger users
• Horizon Worlds: Meta's platform, more moderated
• Microphone etiquette: mute when not speaking, background noise irritates
• Personal space bubbles exist: configure in settings if needed

Development Basics

• Unity + XR Interaction Toolkit: most common starting point
• Unreal Engine: higher visual fidelity, steeper learning curve
• Test frequently on device: flat screen preview misses many issues
• Performance critical: 72-90fps minimum, drops cause sickness
• Accessibility from start: seated mode, one-handed options

Content Recommendations by Type

Common Issues

• Blurry image: adjust headset position, check IPD, clean lenses
• Controller drift: recalibrate, check for firmware updates
• Battery drain when "off": turn off fully, not just sleep
• Fogging: let headset warm up, anti-fog solutions exist
• Link/AirLink issues: 5GHz WiFi required for wireless, dedicated router helps