Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus has launched Loop VR, a virtual reality headset that will allow owners to order the upcoming OnePlus 3 smartphone before anyone else.
The company teamed up with AntVR to build 30,000 OnePlus Loop VR headsets, all of which are being given away for free to customers on a first come, first served basis.
Those lucky enough to get their hands on a headset will be able to order the forthcoming OnePlus 3 through the specially built Loop VR platform.
The OnePlus 3 is expected to arrive before July 2016, but is yet to be given an official release date.
But with the new headsets due to ship from June 6, it seems we could see the phone arriving shortly after – at least for Loop owners.
You can try your luck here, although it’s not looking good for UK customers at this point – at the time of writing, the OnePlus store in the UK says the headset is unavailable.
Related: Which VR headset should you buy?
Based on the company’s stated ambition to launch the ‘world’s first global shopping experience in VR’, it seems the Loop VR platform will be little more than a virtual shopping mall at first.
However, there’s every chance the OnePlus 3 will come with built-in VR capabilities, which could be accessible using the new headset.
Weighing 366 grams and featuring a 100-degree field of vision, the Loop VR headset is said to be compatible with most 5 to 6-inch devices, which slot into the visor in much the same way as the Gear VR.
The latest move from OnePlus is similar to the OnePlus 2 launch where the company sent out 30,000 Google Cardboard-style viewers so fans could watch the phone’s launch event.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
