The list of consumer tech companies yet to launch a VR headset is shrinking by the week.
Huawei has announced its very own phone-based virtual reality headset in a bid to take on Samsung and LG, according to reports online.
Early images of the Huawei VR depict a headset that looks very similar to the Samsung Gear VR – it even includes a touch-pad on the right side of the headset.
It’s said that the major difference between the two headsets is that Huawei VR features a USB-C port, not Micro USB. That’s because the Huawei VR is compatible with the new Huawei P9, which features a USB-C connection.
https://twitter.com/statuses/720954208527245312
But here’s where it gets tricky. Confusingly, there seem to be conflicting reports on how the Huawei VR headset actually works.
Some publications are suggesting that the Huawei VR has a built in screen – just like the LG 360 VR – and the smartphones simply provide processing power (1,2,3,4). Other articles are claiming that the Huawei VR works like the Gear VR, whereby the Huawei P9 screen acts as the headset’s display (1,2,3).
It’s reported that the Huawei VR was announced today at the company’s Chinese P9 launch event. The Chinese smartphone giant is said to have announced that the VR headset would ship with 4,000 free movies, 40 games, 150 panoramic tours, and 350 wide images.
https://twitter.com/statuses/720933863946633216
Huawei is reportedly planning a China-only launch for the headset initially, but other markets may see a release in summer.
Related: Best VR Headset 2016
Earlier this year, Clement Wong, Huawei’s VP of Global Product Marketing, revealed exclusively to TrustedReviews that the company was “heavily investigating” virtual reality.
Wong was light on details, but added: “VR is a very hot topic now, and I think we don’t miss any good product that can provide the best user experience – no matter VR, or whatever else.”
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Have you bought a VR headset yet? Tell us why (or why not) in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
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.
