Microsoft appears to be all set to take on Google’s cardboard VR with its own version of virtual reality box called VR headset. The head unit was first depicted on a website to publicize an upcoming hackathon in Russia to build virtual reality compatible apps.
Microsoft’s VR kit, just like Google cardboard, functions on insertion of Lumia into the slot thus displaying Lumia drives the VR unit. The event is scheduled to be held on October 17 in Moscow. Microsoft is marketing its event by saying that ideas are “successful” according to translation; the team will be given a VR-kit so they can keep building their application.
Virtual reality devices have been considered pretty costly in the past but Google with its simplified flat-packed VR headset changed the tradition. The headset was a simple cardboard made with glass lenses.
Microsoft, with its upcoming hackathon, is conveying the same idea except for the fact that the headset is built in particular for Windows Phone- based devices rather than Android –based smartphone flagships.
Microsoft has not yet revealed its plans on releasing its own VR kit commercially. The company is going to award participants in three categories including education, game and best VR corporate project. The winners will be announced at the event itself.
Many other companies are also showing immense interest in virtual reality including Facebook and Samsung. Facebook spent $1 billion to buy Oculus VR. Samsung on the other hand has also released the Oculus developed Gear VR.
Virtual reality is being expected to become the next big thing in the field of consumer technology. Microsoft is also rumored to come up with its augmented reality device called HoloLens which will soon be available commercially. The technology absolutely differs from virtual reality as it lays digital information over real world surfaces rather than demonstrating merely a virtual world.
