Virtual reality is the future and it makes sense that Huawei, one of the biggest technology companies out there, is getting into it. The Chinese company is introducing a virtual reality headset called the Huawei VR, not terribly original but it’s their first go. Much like the Samsung Gear VR it works in tandem with a smartphone, in this case it’s their upcoming flagship smartphone the P9. In fact the Huawei VR is akin to the Samsung Gear VR that I made the mistake of assuming it was made by Oculus, like the latter was. Functionaly they’re the same: You insert a smartphone into the front of the device, strap it onto your head and you’ve got a rudimentary VR headset. Yes it may not be as powerful or as immersive as an Oculus Rift or and HTC Vive.
Engadget reports that Huawei will sell versions that work with both sizes of the P9 and with the Mate 8. However, while the Huawei VR is similar to the Gear VR the two won’t compete directly; the Huawei will cater to the Chinse and Asian markets, places they have taken leaps and bounds over the past few years, while the Gear VR is targeting the Europe and the US. Pricing and availability weren’t announced for the Huawei VR, leaving it up for speculation if and when it will be available outside Asian markets.
However the exciting news about the Huawei VR is the content. The Huawei VR will come with 4,000 videos and 40 games that you can watch and play for free. Furthermore it’ll also include a few hundred panoramic images and tours.
Photos from Engadget.
