LG has recently announced a Cardboard-like virtual reality headset that uses the LG G3 as the display, much in the way Google Cardboard does.
The new headset takes things in a different direction from Samsung, for example, which has actually created a full-features virtual reality headset that has its own display.
"LG today announced a free VR for G3 giveaway for customers who purchase new LG G3 smartphones," said LG in a statement. "LG's VR for G3 works with Google Cardboard and enables G3 owners to experience a variety of VR-compatible apps and games that they can download on the Google Play store."
The virtual reality and augmented reality space has become more important in the tech world over the past couple of years, with many largely expecting virtual reality to become a big part of consumer electronics.
One of the most anticipated headsets is the Oculus Rift, which is largely expected to be one of the most popular virtual reality headsets when it is released, especially in gaming. Oculus VR was actually bought by Facebook last year for a whopping $2 billion, showing how important large tech companies think the virtual reality space will be in the future.
Many, however, suggest that the future of virtual reality could be a little simpler than the fancy and full-featured Oculus Rift.
Last year, Google announced Google Cardboard, which allows any compatible Android phone to become a virtual reality headset simply by strapping the device into a cardboard case with two lenses.
LG's virtual reality offering is simply a more advanced version of that, being made out of plastic instead of cardboard.
It seems as though the uprising of budget virtual-reality devices could end up overtaking devoted virtual reality headsets in popularity.
Why buy a whole new device for virtual reality when you could simply use your phone? Phones already have GPS and the appropriate sensors for head tracking, and as phone resolutions get better, they are becoming more appropriate as virtual reality devices.
It is likely that if virtual reality does become a mainstream concept, used by the general public, smartphones will be at the forefront of that tech revolution, with specialized devices being used for specialized applications, such as more intense gaming.
Similar to the way things are currently, where hardcore gamers use things like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, more casual gamers now use devices such as their smartphone or tablet.
In the near future, developers will need to concentrate on creating Google Cardboard-related apps to take advantage of the virtual reality revolution. As the technology continues to be developed, more advanced virtual reality apps are likely to be released to Android and iPhone.
