OnePlus 3 is set to launch on June 14, 2016, at 12:30 PM (EDT). A few weeks ago OnePlus announced that they are giving away free VR headsets(called OnePlus Loop VR headset) around the world to accompany their new phone launch. OnePlus teamed up with AntVR to build 30000 Loop Virtual Reality Headsets and fire them away on the FCFS basis. The Sale almost ended within 5 seconds and fortunately, we were able to get our hands on this headset. So here is a brief article in which we will share our experience with you and also tell you how to use it efficiently.
Table of Contents
OnePlus Loop VR Headset: Unboxing
Packing of OnePlus Loop VR headset was perfect and frankly quite attractive. You can check out the photos above. We were surprised that it was priced only at Rs. 299. Loop VR was wrapped up in a plastic cover along with a cleaning cloth and a small documentation. The top head strap was not attached, we have to attach it ourselves as preferred.
Both lenses had a thin film for protection and also both lenses can be adjusted for focus. There are two movements available for setting up the lens, left and right. However, there was no buttons or switches to control the selection in the VR. (This might be because OnePlus only want users to use this headset for their launch, not for other purposes)
You can say that the quality of the headset is brilliant as it was almost free. The side of the Loop VR was emblazoned with “Loop VR, Powered by AntVR” similar to that of Samsung Gear VR. Loop VR dimension measures 189 x 103 x 133 mm and weighs about 366 grams. Considering the price tag we can’t complain anything about it :D.
OnePlus Loop VR Headset: Smartphone Requirements
According to the specifications listed by OnePlus, it is compatible with most of Android or iOS device having screen size from 5″ – 6″. However, for having a better experience, higher resolution is recommended. Here we are using Moto X Style having 5.7″ display with 2K resolution.
For VR experience, you just have to slide your device into the front of OnePlus Loop VR headset. It will be held by small rubber bubbles. To say it is a quite good setup to hold the phone. While using it we have experienced that it holds the phone pretty tight.
Note: To have a good VR experience we will recommend using high quality headphones. In this case, we are using Sony XB-450 headphones.
OnePlus Loop VR Headset: How to use
For watching OnePlus 3 launch you just have to download OnePlus 3 Launch: The Loop from play store and slide the phone in the device with headphones on and enjoy. Guide on how to adjust the device in the headset is given later in this post.
Selection
However, if you want to use OnePlus Loop VR Headset as a regular headset then there are few things that you need to know first. First of all, it is not a cardboard compatible headset as it doesn’t have any navigation buttons on it. Hence for sure, it will not be either daydream compatible. So each time you have to select something you have to remove the device from headset select and then slide in again. Instead of doing this there are few apps available for VR headsets which support hover to select (more like staring to select). Also, we will discuss how to solve this issue later in this post.
Compatibility
Another thing to keep in mind is that every VR headset comes up with its own QR code which contains its settings like lens length, dimensions, type etc. However, we were surprised that there is no QR code available for OnePlus Loop VR Headset. So we went down to OnePlus forums where members were discussing it. There we found a modified QR Code (of AntVR) which works perfectly for this headset.
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Note: Before using any VR app it is recommended to scan the above QR code and set up the app for a better experience.
Currently, there is limited number of VR apps available on the play store. However, there are still many good VR apps available. Some of them are Cardboard, Full Dive etc. In the upcoming post, we are going to discuss some of the best VR apps available.
Update: Top 10 Best VR and Google Cardboard Apps
Adjustments
Now moving on, let’s discuss how to adjust the device in the headset. Open VR app of your choice. Switch to VR Mode (Smartphone screen will split into two parts left and right). Slide over your device into the VR headset. Now make sure that phone is on the level at all edges. Now, look through the lens of the headset. Close left eye and fix your eye on any position. Now close right eye and open left eye. If you see the same point at same position then you are ready to go otherwise slide your device for further adjustment.
Navigation
Since OnePlus Loop VR headset has no navigation buttons on it so let’s discuss the alternatives you can take to ensure the best possible VR experience. You have two alternatives:
- Mouse – You can use a mouse(wireless recommended) using OTG cable to select (using click) in any VR app. You can check out Redragon M613 Wireless Mouse.
- Bluetooth Remote – You can use a Bluetooth remote controller for selection which further can also be used in games as a joystick.
OnePlus Loop VR Headset: The Verdict
Build & quality of the Loop VR is more than average considering it was free. However OnePlus omitted a major thing, that is the navigation buttons which makes it a not compatible with cardboard. However, you can make it work using the steps discussed earlier. Apart from this, it works like a charm and it’s a lot more attractive than a piece of cardboard.
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