Virtual reality glasses for smartphones (VR)

For several decades now, a person has been dreaming of a device that will fully transfer him to the fantasy world, where he can transform into the role of a beloved character. When any action movie becomes a reality, and when viewing it will feel raindrops or drops from a great height. And now humanity is closer than ever to imitating these sensations thanks to virtual reality glasses. VR technology is a relatively young development, but every year more and more developers and manufacturers appear.

VR glasses for phones

At the moment, there are many models of VR glasses on the market, which are divided into several types according to their purpose:

• Connected to computers;
• VR glasses for smartphones;
• VR for game consoles;
• Standalone models that work without connecting to other devices.

Each of them has an excellent principle of operation and various equipment. So, for example, in advanced models, along with glasses, special sensors are attached that determine the location in space. This text will discuss the principles of operation of a mobile VR-headset.

How standard virtual reality glasses work for smartphones

The case for glasses consists of a partition for the screen and two lenses with visibility in the range of 110 degrees. This is done so that the user does not see the black edges with his lateral vision, while each lens complements the stereoscopic graphic distortion that creates the screen in VR mode. To better understand how this works, you can do a little test:

1. Focus your eyes on a specific subject;
2. Close one eye and remember the location of the object;
3. Close the other eye, while opening the first. If everything is done correctly, it will be noticeable that the object has shifted.

Lens Location

This test proves that the human eye sees various images. To achieve a similar result, the smartphone screen will be divided into two identical images with different distortions. Therefore, in order for the image to be displayed correctly and normally perceived by a person, distortion is used, which then the brain correctly processes. But this is only how the device reproduces the picture, but how does the definition of a person in space work?

Mobile phone location

The movement in space is handled by several sensors installed in the smartphone: an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which are designed to calculate the speed and position of the head, and a magnetometer helps to correct the direction of head displacement. These devices appeared long ago, but due to the fact that the performance of the equipment, the power of these sensors was noticeably weaker - the first helmet models rocked their users. This reaction is due to the fact that the processor simply did not have time to receive all the data from the sensors and the picture in front of the person’s eyes was very late. As you know, if the image in front of the eyes does not change for 50 milliseconds, then the body will begin to fail. Fortunately, this is extremely rare in new models.

Why you can use virtual reality helmets for smartphones

VR games

The first thought that arises before buying a VR BOX is why can you use it? Many companies are currently promoting their device, providing them with a variety of content ranging from games to movies, small animated stories and 360-degree video views in the YouTube app. Therefore, when buying a VR BOX, you don’t have to worry about buying a “pig in a poke”. Since, among other things, you can dive deeper into the world of games such as Minecraft, GTA and many others.

What is the principle of connecting a smartphone to glasses?

Mobile Phone Wireless

For many, it remains a mystery how the mobile phone interacts with glasses, but there is nothing complicated. Connection takes place in a few simple steps:

1. It is required to download a special application from Google Play or the App Store. Most often, for each VR model, its own program is created, which is indicated on the box or in the instructions, less often the connection is with third-party products;
2. Depending on the model of the virtual reality headset, the kit may include a control panel for interacting with a helmet on. If such a remote control is available, then you can put on a helmet with a phone inserted inside and start to start movies, games and everything else;
3. If there is no controller, then first run the VR application and insert the smartphone;
4. If there are image settings in the model and adjusting the focal length of the lenses - adjust for yourself;
5. Check with a movement of the head.

There is nothing complicated in setting up and connecting the device. Next, we will talk about the best models of glasses for a smartphone.

VR score

Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2

Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2

Xiaomi was one of the first to make an affordable and advanced device that is accessible to most people. Compared to the first VR Play, which was highlighted by a variety of appearance options, the second edition decided to refine the ergonomics, abandoning the design variety. The case is made of soft materials and has a pleasant fabric lining. At the moment, the first version of this helmet is available for sale, however, it is extremely not recommended to buy it, since it has many problems, both with the duration of use and with the ease of use, for example, due to incorrect positioning of the lenses, after a while the eyes started to mow. Next, let's talk about the features of this headset.

Features:

• There are several color options, all minimalist, among the colors available: black, gray and light brown;
• Glasses are suitable for a smartphone with a screen: from 4.7 to 5.7 diameters;
• The diameter of the lens is 38 millimeters with a viewing angle of 103 degrees. Focal length adjustment is available.

Price: 1200 - 1500 rubles

Google cardboard

Google Cardboard v2.0

Google has decided to approach the solution of the problem of accessibility of virtual reality from an unexpected angle. She released a device assembled from cardboard using lenses. Given the low cost of these materials, the device cost only $ 7 at the start, and later schemes were released that allowed anyone to assemble their own helmet. To do this, you will need: a piece of cardboard, magnets, lenses and an elastic band with Velcro. Now Cardboard is a whole system with a library of applications and various headset models that support Google’s development.

Features:

• Compatible with many applications from the Google Play store, including: Cardboard camera, YouTube, Proton Pulse (specially developed game);
• The availability and low cost of the device does not affect its functionality;
• Due to the simplicity of assembly, at the moment, it is quite difficult to find the original model in stores, since the Chinese produce fakes - they quickly got the hang of creating identical copies;
• Specifications may vary depending on the model you purchased, but overall, Cardboard supports screens up to 6 inches and lenses with a diameter of 37 millimeters.

Price: 500 rubles

Samsung Gear VR

Samsung Gear VR (SM-R324)

Samsung's proprietary development is by no means an expensive virtual reality glasses. They were presented as a great addition to the flagship devices of the Samsung Galaxy and are widely used by users. The case is durable, assembled without gaps and backlashes, plastic also does not look cheap and adds a pleasant feeling to use. These glasses were developed in collaboration with Oculus, therefore, synchronization is available with their proprietary developments, which are currently one of the most advanced on the market.However, many applications will be paid, including games. Also added a lot of nice features, which we will talk about in the features.

Features: 

• The headset has an adjustment of the focal length of the lenses, as well as a touch control panel, with which you can perform some actions without using an additional controller. Meanwhile, the controller is also included;
• The glasses have their own advanced gyroscope, proximity sensor and accelerometer, which improves the response for display on the screen, as well as the response to user movement;
• You can connect to the headset as smartphones with a microUSB connector and USB Type-C, which facilitates use and discards the need for adapters. There is also a connector for charging;
• Glasses are suitable for smartphones versions Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S7, S7 edge, S8, S8 + and Note 5 and newer;
• Weight is 345 grams, which is sensitive to the head and for some people makes long-term use difficult.

Price: 6,200 rubles

HOMIDO V2

HOMIDO V2

This is a novelty in the market, offering high quality optical lenses and is suitable for interacting with any smartphones on the Android and iOS operating systems. However, in spite of this - HOMIDO have already established themselves among users with the ease of use and thoughtful ergonomics of the device. Glasses are made from quality materials, does not creak and has no backlashes. It has its own application library, which will fully reveal all the features of the headset. A wireless connection allows you, without suffering from wires, and the mount will hold the smartphone securely without damaging the case.

Features:

• The optics of the glasses are fully adjustable and allows you to adjust the lenses according to the needs of the user. Both interpupillary adjustment (55 to 70) and focal length adjustment are available. This is useful for people with myopia or farsightedness. The viewing angle is 105 degrees;
• Compatible with phones with a screen diameter of 4.2 to 6 inches. The minimum screen resolution is 720p. For comfortable use, a resolution of 1080p is required, for a better experience, 1440r is required;
• The package includes high-quality lenses without distortion at the edges, providing a clear image throughout the spectrum. It will also contain a convenient carrying case, an additional front panel, a napkin for cleaning lenses and an adjustment belt;
• The mobile library of programs is updated weekly and already has about 2 thousand programs, there is also access to the workings of Google Cardboard. Enjoy 3d content, movies, games - completely free.

Price: 4000 rubles

VR Box VR 2.0

VR Box VR 2.0

One of the most affordable options for purchase, having an excellent combination of price and quality of goods. It is worthwhile to understand that the manufacturer initially positioned the helmet as a budget product, so some design decisions in it are very controversial. Therefore, some people decided to modify the purchased devices. Although these virtual reality glasses are universal for any smartphone, but this is not entirely true because not all models can be centered and positioned evenly.

Features:

• Depending on the phone model, connecting headphones to the headset may be difficult or even impossible due to which you have to make an independent hole;
• Complete with glasses for the phone is a remote control for easy control;
• There is an adjustment of the interpupillary distance (from 58 to 72 millimeters) and adjustment of the focal length (from 65 to 75 millimeters). The viewing angle is 100 degrees, the diameter of the lens is 42mm;
• Weight is 350g, which is why after a while, the neck begins to get tired, which makes long-term use difficult.

Price: 500-1000 rubles

Various types of virtual reality glasses were considered, and also, for what purposes, this technology can be used.The basic principle of connecting to mobile phones was examined and the best virtual reality glasses were examined on the example of 5 models. We hope this text was useful and will help to understand the choice of VR headset for the phone.