Virtual reality helmets are currently growing but relatively expensive in general. An alternative exists, use your Smartphone (if compatible) as screen and place it in glasses in cardboard or plastic which are already more accessible financially. I had the chance to test a HTC Viva, but with its almost 1000 euro posted, I wanted to even if a much cheaper solution could be satisfactory. To do this, I tested the headset reality virtual immersed for Smartphone Android and iOS.
Content of the box and technical characteristics
1 x headphone virtual reality immersed
1 x fabric in microfibre (14 x 13.5 cm)
1 x operating manual (several languages including French, English,…)
-Black plastic
-Foam reinforcement
-Size 16 x 11 x 10 cm
-Adjustable lenses to view
-Compatible for Smartphone Android and iOS screen of 3.5 to 5.7 inches
The test
The helmet presents itself as an alternative located between on the one hand reality helmets virtual dear as the Oculus Rift and the HTC long live, and on the other side the Cardboard cardboard of Google. At first glance it looks solid, black and light plastic. We note the presence of a black adjustable elastic headband for keeps him in the head. This makes it compatible for the young and the old. It is also possible to adjust the elastic on top for not the headphones based too much on the face. The foam is there to make the link between the headset and you, and it’s quite nice. It is not a high-end headphones Moss, but it is enough to not hinder you.
The front has the door to place your Smartphone. You can first download virtual reality applications, YouTube offers this option, and numerous other app by typing VR on the stores are already available for Android and iOS. If you are in need of inspiration a few proposals are made on the packaging of the box of the helmet.
Then there is a removable tab plastic, pushed the with your Smartphone, Center it correctly and straight, launch your app and that’s it, you can close the door and start watching.
For a better visual comfort, it is possible to set the eye distance between the two lenses, and for the update just to rotate the lens until each eye sees net. The setting for the first time can take 10 minutes, after it goes faster, but it will be whenever necessary if several people with different visions use it. It is recommended by the manufacturer do not use more than 2 hours per day to avoid eye fatigue, because the screen is still close to your eye.
The headset is compatible with most of the Smartphone that has a gyroscope and an accelerometer, I tested with several model and in some cases, the side buttons of the phone can be in front of the clips but do not, support no problem on that side there.
In use, the fluidity of movement and vision will be defined not by this helmet but with your Smartphone, make sure that your phone is compatible to virtual reality technology before purchase.
Conclusion
This helmet has a good value for an introduction to virtual reality. It is nicer than cardboard helmets, and much less expensive than high range with integrated display helmet. Showing between 35 and 40 euros, he finds himself 20 times cheaper than the live HTC for example. Certainly not the same technology and not the same opportunities but with a good Smartphone, the experience is still on the make you. This helmet is a good start I think.