LG is taking a stride into the virtual reality game with the smartphone-powered 360 VR and 360 CAM.
Considering how the technology has been making the headlines since last year, the fact that another contender steps into the foray doesn't come as much of a surprise. On top of that, LG is one of the most prominent brands in the tech world, so this development is quite expected.
LG 360 VR
Just like the Samsung Gear VR, the LG 360 VR needs a smartphone to function, and it'll only be compatible with the recently unveiled LG G5 – for now, at least. The big difference is that Samsung's virtual reality headset requires the user to place a compatible device into the headset, whereas LG's unit only has to connect to the smartphone through a cable.
That makes it a lot lighter than having to hold a Galaxy S6 or Note 5 plus the Gear VR itself hands-free, not to mention the LG 360 VR already weighs less at 0.26 pound than Samsung's unit at 0.70 pound sans smartphone.
According to LG, the 360 VR can simulate a "130-inch TV viewed from two meters away." On that note, it sports two 1080p OLED screens inside with 960 x 720 resolutions per eye that clocks in at 639 ppi each along with a USB Type-C connector, a removable light blocker, confirm and back buttons for basic navigation and a 3.5-millimeter input jack.
One quick word about the audio – it seems a pair of headphones is more or less a necessity to experience virtual reality with this device because without it, the sound will come from the LG G5, which is likely to be a bit far away from the users' ears or in their pockets.
Now, the headset has some pretty big advantages for being small and lightweight, but it does have a minor drawback: people can't wear glasses while using it. Of course, the lenses can be adjusted to provide a clear look into the virtual reality world.
Regarding content, it will support 360-degree images, videos and anything else the Google Cardboard can offer. LG didn't release that much info in this department, but it's a start.
This may have turned out to be a comparison story that pits the LG 360 VR against the Samsung Gear VR, but nevertheless, what these details indicate is how LG intends to jump into the market with a remarkable device and how it stands up to what is considered as the best virtual reality headset so far.
LG 360 CAM
The LG 360 CAM is exactly what it sounds like: a device that can capture 360-degree photos and videos via a pair of 13-megapixel 200-degree cameras, providing 2K footage. It's loaded with a 1,200 mAh battery, 4 GB of internal storage that's expandable with a microSD card and three microphones to record 5.1 surround sound.
Whatever this device captures can be viewed on the LG 360 VR and G5, including other smartphones. That means sharing won't be an issue.
Also, LG and Google partnered up in this undertaking, allowing users to upload their 360-degree media to YouTube 360 and Google Street View.
Pricing And Availability
LG revealed the 360 VR at the 2016 Mobile World Congress with an expected rollout date sometime this spring, but the company did not mention anything about pricing details yet. With that said, there's a possibility that it'll launch soon after the LG G5 hits the shelves in April.
The same goes for the 360 CAM, as availability and pricing details are scarce at best.
Photo : LG | Flickr
