LG, Google Cardboard to bring VR to the G3
South Korean electronics company LG, in partnership with Google, has now made another step to bring the VR technology to the masses. LG has recently announced that it will be giving out free VR headsets called VR for G3 to everyone who purchases the LG G3 smartphone. These headsets will work with the G3’s Android ecosystem, paired with the latest VR-compatible apps and games available for download on the Google Play Store. The headset itself is patterned after Google Cardboard’s blueprint, and is made of plastic.
This is a new milestone for the two companies in boosting their presence in the VR world. LG has been known to make one of the best-performing Android smartphones in the market today, and Google has been recently involved in their development efforts for virtual reality technology with the Google Cardboard. One advantage of the adoption of Google Cardboard for the LG G3 VR experience is its relatively cheap cost, and its light and compact form factor. Unlike most VR headsets that are in the market today, Google’s solution is more flexible for its compatibility with a broad range of smartphones. The Samsung Gear VR only works with its Galaxy Note 4, whereas Cardboard can be used in other Android devices.
Cost is also considered by LG as the Cardboard is cheap to make – the VR headset comes free with every purchase of a new G3 handset. And with the powerful performance and graphics of the G3, its users are well assured of a realistic and immersive VR experience with the custom Cardboard VR headset. With the unique design of the G3 which has its power and volume controls on the backside, unlike most phones that have it on either sides, its users can easily reach for the controls while using the VR gear.
With the Google Cardboard, the LG G3 can take advantage of some of the headset’s features. These include support for magnetic gyroscope sensor on the G3, activated by the neodymium magnet ring on the VR for G3. Thanks to this alignment of sensors, the VR experience on the smartphone can be enhanced by allowing the user to interact with the interface without even touching the display. The overall setup takes less than a minute since the G3 only needs to be inserted on the VR headset’s phone slot.
The VR for G3 promotion will be introduced to select markets later this February. A free VR-enabled game app is also bundled with the purchase.
For more information on the VR for G3 headset and the LG G3 smartphone, please visit the following websites:
http://www.lg.com/global/g3/index.html
http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/9/8006117/lg-g3-google-cardboard-plastic
http://www.engadget.com/products/lg/g3/
