Samsung might be trying hard in the virual reality arena with its Gear VR, however the company’s South Korean rival LG has remained largely silent. LG has now announced the launch of a plastic version of Google Cardboard VR device, which will be bundled free-of-cost with LG G3 smartphone in select markets.
Based on blueprint for Google Cardboard, VR for G3 (the name of the LG device) is made of plastic and includes select tweaks in the Google design to better incorporate the G3 features like the volume-rocker on the back.
“VR for G3 features a unique design that leverages the G3’s signature Rear Key layout, compared to other smartphones where the volume rockers are located on the side of the phone. This unique design also means VR for G3 takes full advantage of the flagship phone’s 1W speaker with Boost AMP to provide richer, clearer sound effects that complement the rich visuals,” LG explained in a press release.
Like Google Cardboard, VR by G3 also uses G3 for all the grunt work and enables the G3 owners to experience a variety of VR-compatible apps and games that they can be downloaded from Google Play. LG is also offering LG G3 buyers a free VR game, Robobliteration, using the in-box QR code.
“While still in its infancy, this is just the beginning of the virtual reality movement which until recently was expensive and inaccessible to everyday consumers. By leveraging Google Cardboard, not only are regular consumers able to participate in the VR experience, we’ll be able to introduce this technology to future developers who may one day show us how VR can be used to improve our lives,” said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications at the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.