LG and Google have teamed up to offer
free virtual reality experience to new LG
G3 owners. Dubbed VR for G3, the
wearable announced by LG is based on
Google's 'Cardboard' VR headset design
and will come bundled with new
purchases of the smartphone in select
regions this month.
LG says users can club the headset and
G3 smartphone together and experience
several VR apps on Google Play. G3
buyers can also download the VR game
"Robobliteration" using the in-box code.
To recall, Google introduced Cardboard,
an affordable VR headset in June last
year during Google I/O 2014. At the
event, Google distributed the Cardboard
headset to all I/O attendees and also
posted DIY instructions for people to
make their own version of the headset
using cardboard, lenses, magnets, velcro,
a rubber band, and (optionally) an NFC
tag.
LG's new VR for G3 features a Rear Key
layout design based on the G3's design.
The VR headset and smartphone can
also be used with the Bluetooth headset
LG Tone Infinim, which launched in
November last year. Additionally,
scrolling through apps on the
smartphone is possible without touching
the display, using the scrollable
neodymium ring magnet on the side of
the VR for G3 that works with the
handset's gyroscope sensor.
"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," sai
Chris Yie, Vice President and Head of
Marketing Communications at the LG
Electronics Mobile Communications
Company during the launch. "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."
"With Google Cardboard, we wanted to
create more immersive and delightful
experiences for anyone on their mobile
devices," said Andrew Nartker, Product
Manager for Google Cardboard. "We are
excited about VR for G3, and the rich
ecosystem of developers and
manufacturers who are innovating with
Google Cardboard and making VR more
easily accessible."
With the VR for G3 giveaway, LG is
targeting its rival Samsung, which last
year launched the expensive Samsung
Gear VR, a headset that works only with
the flagship Galaxy Note 4 phablet. The
promotional offer may also serve to reviv
LG G3 sales or can be a clever tactic by
LG to clear the stock before the LG G4
comes out.
http://m.gadgets.ndtv.com/wearables/news/lg-partners-google-to-launch-free-vr-for-g3-headset-659052
