Xiaomi is far from done in the VR scene, releasing a second headset called the Mi VR.
For those who don't know, the Chinese device maker first stepped into the VR space with the Mi VR Play back in August. It's fairly basic, offering pretty much what the Google Cardboard does with a different flavor, but it did cost only 1 yuan or about $0.15 — yep, that's right — to beta testers.
On that note, the new wearable tech appears to be better than the previous entry across the board.
What The Mi VR Brings To The Table
Xiaomi is taking things up a notch with the Mi VR this time around, equipping it with a dedicated motion sensor and system-level optimizations — a combination that promises to deliver ultra-low latency at 16 ms and reduce motion sickness when partnered with a powerful smartphone.
That said, it's comparable with the likes of the Samsung Gear VR and the Google Daydream View, as it uses a mobile device as a display and to run things.
More than that, it's bundled with a 9-axis inertial motion controller, which is sort of similar to the Daydream's controller, and that's arguably one of the most compelling reasons to nab the VR headset. Just to be clear, it still features touch control support.
Smartphone Compatibility: The Right Tools For The Right VR Headset
To no one's surprise, it'll work with high-end Xiaomi smartphones, including the Mi 5, the Mi 5s, the Mi 5s Plus and the recently unveiled Mi Note 2, which houses a Snapdragon 821 and 6 GB worth of RAM under the hood.
As for compatibility with handsets from other brands, it's still unclear.
The MIUI VR Store: Content To Last For Days
In a bid to get everybody on the VR bandwagon, Xiaomi rolled out the MIUI VR store, and it's loaded with more than 30 apps and over 500 immersive videos to keep everybody engaged for a long time. Also, there's at least 200 registered developers to keep churning out content for days to come.
Global Availability And Possible Pricing
Competitively priced, it'll hold customers back by only 199 yuan or about $29. However, Xiaomi has yet to give word regarding availability beyond China.
The Bottom Line
Assuming it'll launch internationally, the Mi VR seems to be a great addition to the VR headsets in the current market and the perfect successor to the Mi VR Play. On top of that, there's a chance it'll be the go-to wearable tech that can offer an immersive experience for budget-conscious consumers.
With all said and done, feel free to let us know what you think of Xiaomi's Mi VR headset in the comments section below, especially if you want to grab one.
