Xiaomi has finally introduced its VR headset in China, and…it’s basically a sleeker-looking, fancier – and likely more comfortable – Google Cardboard. Dubbed the “Xiaomi Mi VR Play,” this VR headset is currently available for public testing in China.
According to Xiaomi, the Mi VR Play’s beta testing program allows consumers to purchase the VR headset for a mere 1 Chinese yuan, which comes up to only 60 sen. This in in line with Xiaomi’s vision of “bringing the VR experience to a much wider audience” with this low-cost VR headset.
As far as first impressions go, the Mi VR Play does look rather comfortable. It features “Lycra fabric,” which is said to be known for its elasticity. Xiaomi also mentioned that the material is soft enough to be suitable for most people. Other than that, the VR headset also employs a zipper design to keep any compatible smartphone – devices with displays between 4.7 to 5.7 inches big should fit – secure in the headset along with a single button on top of the product.
To appeal to more consumers, the Mi VR Play also comes in a variety of colours and designs. Apparently, it is also possible to customise the design of the headset to users’ liking, which is quite interesting. Not surprisingly, Xiaomi’s VR headset has an app dubbed Mi VR – only available in China for now – that provides a wide variety of contents as well.
Seeing how the Xiaomi Mi VR Play is only available for public testing in China at the moment, it probably wouldn’t be available outside of the country anytime soon. Nonetheless, this VR headset may be the start of something bigger for Xiaomi.
Update 5 August: this article has been updated with more information from Xiaomi.
(Source: MIUI Forums, Android Central)
