Microsoft VR Kit Is A Low-Cost, Lumia-Based Virtual Reality Solution To Rival Google Cardboard

Dave Calpito, Tech Times 29 September 2015, 10:09 am

Software giant Microsoft seems keen on creating its very own virtual reality kit, which is presumably aimed to rival the Google Cardboard. The company looks like it is presently working on a Lumia-based VR kit, which it calls just like that: VR Kit.

Microsoft was spotted inviting developers to join the company's hackathan in Russia on Oct. 17. The web page for the invitation appears to have been taken down, but not without a message in Russian that says it will be back, and not before people were able to take a screenshot.

Microsoft cloned Google Cardboard. pic.twitter.com/3l423oitoo

— Stefan Constantine (@WhatTheBit) September 28, 2015

The invitation for the hackathon was specifically targeting participants who have VR application ideas in mind. The software company said developers who will present the most impressive ideas will be rewarded with a VR Kit so they can continue building their apps.

The hackathon will have three categories: education, game and best corporate events. Winners for the three categories will be announced at the event.

Microsoft is already working on its augmented reality technology dubbed the HoloLens.

How The VR Kit Works

It seems that Microsoft's VR Kit works similarly to Google Cardboard. As the photo the company used in the page promoting the contest suggests, Lumia owners should need to insert their phones in the VR Kit. The user should hold the device to their face to experience the VR world based on apps that will be developed at the event next month.

In June last year, we reported that Google made an interesting announcement at its I/O conference: the introduction of Google Cardboard.

Google gave the attendees of I/O its Google Cardboard VR headset. The gadget includes various components, including the cardboard design, magnets, NFC tags, lenses, Velcro, as well as a rubber band. The rubber band is used to strap a smartphone to the VR headset.

Google Cardboard is deemed as the search giant's foray into virtual reality.

When it was first introduced to the public, the device only supported limited handsets, including the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Galaxy S4, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, as well as Motorola X.