There has been a lot of attention given to Virtual Reality (VR) headsets this past year or two, from the innovative Oculus Rift to the affordable Google Cardboard. However, up until this point popular and prospective headsets have faced off in a war over price and practicality. I Am Cardboard has just announced a new Kickstarter project christened the XG Virtual Reality Headset, which they are claiming will give users the best of both worlds:
“After the success of our virtual reality cardboard kit, we wanted to push the envelope even further. Reading countless feedbacks and suggestions from the community has resulted in the next, most logical step in VR progression and development: the creation of the XG VR.”
Instead of being designed using cheap materials, the XG Virtual Reality Headset offers unexpected luxury and comfort while still remaining affordable. Besides its durable plastic design, the headset uses lenses with a special anti-reflection and anti-fingerprint coating. It also sports a foam pad that, in contrast to the often abrasive surfaces we are more used to. The device is currently retailing for less than 70 dollars.
For Android users, the XG headset will also support a special “Bluetooth clicker,” which allows unsupported phones the capability of supporting the screen touch events normally reserved for Google Cardboard’s magnet clicker.
Like the many iterations of Google Cardboard, the XG Virtual Reality Headset comes to life by inserting your smartphone into the inside compartment as a head-mounted display, where it functions as both the eyes and brain of the machine. It supports a large variety of phone sizes, ranging from the small iPhone 5 to the sizable LG Nexus 6.The XG Virtual Reality Headset supports Google Cardboard apps from the Google play store, as well as many of the VR apps on the iPhone app store.
The XG Virtual Reality Headset supports Google Cardboard apps from the Google play store including Google Maps and Google Camera’s Photosphere feature, as well as many of the VR apps on the iPhone app store.
The headset is planned for release in May 2015. As of today, it has already surpassed its $20,000 funding goal at close to $40,000. Early funders can expect to get their head in the game for as low as $59, or $69 for the additional Bluetooth clicker feature. The Kickstarter project’s funding period ends February 27.
