Xiaomi has leapt into the VR arena with the reveal of its own headset, dubbed Mi VR, alongside the new MIUI VR Marketplace.
Just like its staunch rival Huawei, Xiaomi has tackled the emerging virtual reality arena with the reveal of its new headset, dubbed Mi VR.
Compatible with the Mi 5, Mi 5s, Mi 5s Plus, and new Mi Note 2, the Mi VR sports a 9-axis inertial motion controller; Xiaomi punts that the system, which is comprised of a dedicated motion sensor, system-level optimizations, and a high-performance smartphone will significantly reduce motion sickness. If that wasn’t enough, Xiaomi claims that the system will benefit from a latency of just 16ms.
The Mi VR system will sell alongside its own dedicated remote controller, similar to Google’s own Daydream VR controller.
Read: Mark Zuckerberg shows off live VR chat using the Oculus Rift
Of course, releasing a virtual reality product in Xiaomi’s home territory of China could prove to be a challenging endeavor, where many of Google’s services are banned. Instead, the company has opted to launch its own storefront, dubbed the MIUI VR marketplace.
The MIUI VR marketplace contains a reported sum of over 500 panoramic videos, 30 VR apps, and will launch with over 200 registered developers.
The best part of Xiaomi’s Mi VR headset will undoubtedly – for many – be its price; the unit is set to retail for ¥199 in China, which roughly equates to R410 ZAR when rounded up.
Only time will tell if Xiaomi’s bespoke marketplace will prove a hit, as Google increasingly bets on VR with low-cost Cardboard headsets in addition to its Daydream VR initiative.
Read: Google is working on a VR version of Chrome
What are your thoughts on the Mi VR headset? Would you buy one for your Xiaomi handset? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
