Carl Zeiss is best known for its lenses, but the company has now introduced a new virtual reality headset. The device, called the Zeiss VR One, takes a similar approach to the Samsung Gear VR by using a smartphone as the screen and processing unit.
Unlike Samsung’s headset, however, the VR One does not include additional tracking sensors or a built-in touchpad. Instead, it focuses on a simpler design. The headset uses a slide-in tray system that allows different smartphones to be fitted securely inside the device. At launch, trays are available for the iPhone 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S5, with support for more devices expected. In general, smartphones with screen sizes between 4.7 and 5.3 inches are compatible.
The headset works with existing virtual reality apps designed for platforms like Google Cardboard, making it relatively easy to access content. It also supports 3D media from services such as YouTube and Google. In addition, Zeiss introduces its own ‘AR Cube’ system, for which a software development kit has already been released. This suggests that more dedicated content could follow in the near future.
Pre-orders for the VR One are now open. The headset is priced at 99 dollars or 99 euros, including one adapter tray of your choice. According to the initial information, shipping is expected to begin before Christmas.
If you own an iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S5, the headset can already be pre-ordered.
- Europe: http://vr-one.eu/de/VR-ONE/VR-ONE.html?XTCsid=thbrfembi54dufbvelbbh5jjr6
- USA: https://www.total3dsolutions.com/vrone/
- Asia: http://zeiss.sytes.net/zeissvrone
