Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

VR in your pocket: Spec releases $70 foldable Cardboard headset

By Justin Pot May 19, 2016

Love Google’s VR system, but wish it was more portable? Speck’s $70 Pocket-VR headset might be right for you, and it’s available right now, Circuit Breaker is reporting.

Compatible with iPhone 6/6s and Samsung S7 phones, this headset is built to the Google Cardboard specifications, meaning it’s compatible with Google’s VR ecosystem. $70 isn’t exactly inexpensive for what is essentially some plastic and glass, but the price is somewhat offset by the presence of an included phone case (which is also necessary for using the headset). It also folds up and fits easily in your pocket, not a common feature in VR systems at this point.

At first glance, this case is a phone-shaped object with a few odd gaps and curves. Unfolding it a little reveals some lenses, an obvious place to put your nose, and a place to connect your phone. Once your phone snaps into place with the included case, you’re ready to try out virtual reality.

Using the device is kind of like a 1980’s viewmaster: you’ll need to hold it to your eyes. It’s a little strange for a $70 VR headset to not actually strap onto users’ heads. But any fans of Google Cardboard who want something portable should still probably consider the Pocket-VR.

Amusingly, the site for the PocketVR warns users not to use the headset while driving. That’s probably good advice. It also says not to leave the PocketVR in direct sunlight, because it could start fires (something that’s also technically true of a magnifying glass).

Google announced that VR features will be baked into the next version of Android at the IO keynote this week, and that the system will be called “Daydream” from now on. So it’s a little strange to see anything referred to as a “Cardboard” headset, especially when it’s made of hardened plastic.

Still, it’s an interesting take on a VR system, and it’s always good to see more simple options pop up.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Justin's always had a passion for trying out new software, asking questions, and explaining things – tech journalism is the…

Computing

HTC’s stand-alone Vive Focus killed off its Daydream headset in the U.S.

htc vive focus portable vr headset facebook asia

Following Oculus' reveal of its Go stand-alone headset, HTC has unveiled the Vive Focus headset, offering tracking capabilities similar to its high-end namesake, without the need for a smartphone or PC to power it. The only downside to this midrange headset design is that it appears to have killed off any chance of a Google Daydream-compatible HTC headset coming to the U.S.

At the end of 2017, the state of the virtual reality industry is becoming interesting. Although there is more content than ever before, many users still lament the lack of AAA titles and experiences and there are still far more mobile VR users than those wearing high-end, PC-based headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. With that in mind, it makes sense that HTC is looking to release something that will occupy the middle ground.

Computing

Google Daydream View 2 vs. Oculus Go — which will be the better VR experience?

Google Daydream View 2 vs. Oculus Go

The market for mobile-based virtual reality is getting big rather quick. One of the first tastes was served up through Google Cardboard for Android phones years ago. It was soon followed by the Gear VR a premium experience co-developed by Facebook’s Oculus VR, to be used exclusively with Samsung's Galaxy smartphones. Not to be bested, Google opted for a premium experience of its own: the Daydream platform for VR baked into Android, and the accompanying Daydream View headsets.

On the other side of things, we're about to be bombarded with a group of standalone VR headsets, which aren't reliant upon either a PC or a smartphone. These standalone headsets might end up filling the middle-ground between entry-level mobile VR experiences and full-on PC-driven, premium setups. One of the first out of the gate will be the Oculus Go, which is set to come in "early 2018."

Computing

Watch the 2018 NBA playoffs from every angle, thanks to Intel, TNT, and VR

NBA playoffs

You'll soon be able to get closer to NBA playoff action, as well as your favorite team. Intel on Tuesday announced a multiyear partnership with Turner Sports to bring live NBA on TNT games from the second half of the 2017-2018 NBA regular season to virtual reality. The partnership is also aimed at making history by bringing live games from the NBA playoffs to virtual reality for the first time ever.

Intel's VR foray into live NBA games will begin at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles on the weekend of February 16 to 18. Following All-Star Game weekend, Intel will bring VR to "marquee games" from NBA on TNT in the second half of the NBA regular season. The schedule is full of must-watch games, including a 2017 Western Conference Finals rematch between the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.
Will Funk, executive vice president of property marketing and corporate partnerships for Turner Sports, told Digital Trends that Intel will also handle the VR live-stream for numerous games during the 2018 NBA playoffs. During the 2017 NBA playoffs, TNT broadcasted multiple games from every round, including the conference championship. "We will do at least some of the conference finals games [in virtual reality]," Funk said.
Sports in VR have been generally underwhelming, but being able to choose different perspectives around the arena to watch the game from has been its saving grace. Production company NextVR has been live-streaming NBA games in VR since the 2016-2017 NBA season , allowing fans to watch games from a courtside seat, under the basket, and occasionally right atop the hoop. Intel, Turner, and the NBA are still testing out camera angles, but hope to take fans even further into the action.