Huawei has revealed to the world its own virtual reality (VR) headset called Huawei VR, and it works the same way as the Samsung Gear VR.
The Chinese company unveiled the headmount via Weibo and confirmed that the Huawei VR will work with the 5.2-inch P9 and 5.5-inch P9 Plus smartphones, which were launched early this month. The Huawei VR is also compatible with the Huawei Mate 8, which has a 6-inch screen.
The Huawei VR is very identical to the Gear VR. Users will have to insert a compatible smartphone at the front of the headset, strap it to the head and view content in virtual reality.
Although the Huawei VR is very similar and basic like the Gear VR, the two headsets will not go head to head. The latest Huawei offering will highly likely be available in the Chinese market only, and it remains unclear if the headset will be officially launched in other regions later.
However, the Samsung headset is targeted at the U.S., European and South Korean markets. The Gear VR may possibly reach other markets as well.
The Gear VR has a price tag of $99 in the U.S. and it is available for about Euro 100 in some parts of Europe. Huawei, however, has not revealed the price or availability of the Huawei VR.
In terms of content, the Huawei VR will be launched with loads of VR material to keep users busy. Owners of the Huawei VR can access about 4,000 videos and 40 games on the headset, and will be able to view a few hundred tours and panoramic images.
The Chinese company did not reveal the source of the content or how they can access the VR content.
VR is the next big thing in the technology industry. VR headsets are slowly but steadily gaining popularity, and many companies such as Sony, HTC, Oculus and more have announced their headmounts, which can be used for playing games or watching VR content.
The International Data Corporation estimates a massive growth in the VR industry in 2016 and in the coming years. Digi-Capital, a market research firm, predicts that the VR market will be worth about $30 billion by 2020, which reflects the growth potential of VR headsets.
Although the Huawei VR may initially be available in China only, the company could still launch the headmount in other markets in the near term.
