Category: Merge VR

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Immersively Affordable: 5 VR Headsets You Can Buy For Less Than £80

Once an attraction in sci-fi movies, virtual reality (VR) has now become a reality of today. (No pun intended.) The technology has become so accessible that you can buy an affordable VR headset, stow your smartphone in it and explore virtual worlds like you were a part of them. Here is a list of 5 VR headsets you can purchase without breaking the bank. Please note: Prices are accurate as of the end of May 2018.

Merge VR

They are made out of flexible foam for the comfort of your face when you wear them for a long time. You can conveniently use this headset with any Android or iOS-powered device. The weight is just 340 grams, and what makes them special is their shock and water resistance.

You can clean them with a piece of cloth, use left and right buttons for input, and adjust lenses according to your needs. You can find them in special offers for as low as under £50 (GBP). The Field of View (FOV) for this device is 96o.

Merge VR HMD
Google Daydream 2

The second version of the Google Daydream is a huge improvement from the first iteration of these headsets that were only compatible with the Google Pixel lineup of smartphones. They weigh 261g and the main material they are made from is fabric. You place a smartphone in the headsets to make them work. The device features a homemade VR interface, which allows you to download content and apps from Google Play. You can navigate through the system while wearing your headset.

Furthermore, the VR headset can be controlled via a remote. The FOV of the Google Daydream 2 is an upgrade on the initial iteration – 100o compared to 90o. The headset is compatible with almost all Android smartphones. While the device is expensive, you can find it in some stores for under £60.


Samsung Gear VR 2

2017’s upgraded black Samsung Gear VR 2 might be a stylish VR headset but it is, perhaps surprisingly, among the heavy ones at 420g. It has a 96o FOV and easy to use control panel on the right side of the headset. It also features backward compatibility, but unfortunately it is compatible only with smartphones produced by Samsung. These too are among the more expensive VR headsets on the list but you can search for a special offer to get them for under £79.99.

New Samsung Gear VR and Controller
iVROX

Well, it would be pretty silly not to mention ourselves now, wouldn’t it? iVROX VR headsets are also among the cool-looking ones (if we do say so ourselves) due to their stylish design. Like other headsets, the iVrox is powered by smartphones. Eye strain is minimal due to the anti-glare lens combined with a 103o field of view. The VR headset is compatible with iOS and Android, allowing you to enjoy the wide variety of apps available on the App Store and Play Store.

You can of course also access iVROX’s own VR Store. They have a design compatible with almost any smartphone, provided the screen size is between 4 and 6 inches. You can also use the Bluetooth compatible remote control for a seamless VR experience. Get your hands on great deal to get them at under £49.99.

ZEISS VR ONE Plus

The highlight of these headsets is the ZEISS optics. They are eyeglass compatible and the head strap can be removed too. VR ONE Plus supports any smartphone between the screen size of 4.7-inch to 5.5-inch. It has a nearly 100o FOV. It is made of foam that you can detach when it wears out. These headsets are among the cheaper ones that you can conveniently get them at under £79.90.

Zeiss VR ONE PlusThese are some of the most affordable VR headsets on the market that offer an authentic virtual reality experience without disturbing your budget. While there are many other gadgets out there, with these you get the best bang for your buck.

 

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Merge VR Showcase How The Merge Cube Is Helping Students With Autism

Early this week Merge VR showed their support for Autism awareness by releasing a video that showed how their augmented reality (AR) technology was helping people with autism learn social skills and express emotions.

Merge VR - HOLO CUBE_2

The video, released on their Twitter account showcased Morgan’s Wonderland, a theme park and academy designed for special-needs individuals where students are using AR technology to help them learn and identify feelings and emotions. Thanks to the advances in AR technology the Merge Cube is able to delver powerful and memorable AR experiences along with making them completely interactive in physical space.

Kim Simpson from the academy at Morgan’s Wonderland talks about how the user of AR and the Merge Cube is allowing students to learn in a way that is more suited to them. By making the learning visuals and interactive, it means that the students are able to take in and process the information better along with aiding in developing motor skills and non-verbal communication. Kim Simpson even notes that for lessons she takes material directly out of the notebook and uses AR to deliver it to the students. You can see the video in the below tweet.

Merge VR released the Merge Cube back in November 2017 and since then it has continued expand its applications to allow users to access new experiences. This includes what Morgan’s Wonderland is doing by using it to bring their lessons into a new reality and create more engaging learning environment for their students. Thanks to being viewable with either a head-mounted display (HMD) or through a mobile device with the installed app running.

Last month Merge VR showcased how they were using the Merge Cube to allow for more interactive learning experiences with the reveal of the Museum Viewer application. The app, in conjunction with the Merge Cube would allow users a chance to get up close and person with museum items and historical content and hold it in their hands, turning and viewing it as they wished.

VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest on the Merge Cube in the future, so stay tuned for more.

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Merge VR Show Off Museum Viewer For Merge Cube

The company behind several virtual reality (VR) and augment reality (AR) products, Merge VR, has shown off a new feature coming to its Merge Cube.

Merge Cube Museum Viewer 01

The Merge Cube works by allowing the user to interact with a physical object and works with a VR head-mounted display (HMD) to let the user see a range of different content. This includes games, educational demos, a map of the solar system and much more. Now, Merge VR have shown off the latest feature for the Merge Cube in the form of Museum Viewer. This will allow users a chance to explore many artifacts in the palm of their hand thanks to the Merge Cube or even place them down to walk around them in 3D space. All the artifacts are to scale meaning the viewer can get closer than ever before to the objects which also have text boxes with information on display as well.

Museum Viewer is designed to be used within classrooms as another means to allow students to engage with education. Interacting with historical objects in 3D space allows for engagement like never before and could see a rise in the number of students interested in the subjects.

Since it’s release back last year the Merge Cube has gone on to sell over one million units, hitting this milestone back in November 2017. As Merge VR continue to develop new products that make use of AR and VR technology, including their $30 (USD) Merge Mini VR HMD that is planned to release this summer, more features for the Merge Cube are sure to be introduced as well.

The Museum Viewer, as demonstrated in the below video, takes advantage of a smartphone or tablet to allow for the interaction with the Merge Cube. In the video users are able to select from a number of different artifacts and move around them with either their device or the Merge Cube. It is an interesting way to allow for more engagement with history and one that could see its application applied elsewhere.

VRFocus will continue to bring you all the latest on the Merge Cube’s Museum Viewer feature and Merge VR in the future, so stay tuned for more.

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Merge’s Mini VR Head-Mounted Display Launching Summer 2018 For $30

The market for light weight and cheap virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) is growing, as is demand, so it only makes sense that more companies would step up to the plate in order to deliver everything customers need. In this case, customers want small, light weight VR HMDs that their kids can use, at an affordable price so they don’t have to worry about trusting children to use equipment that costs more than a week’s salary. This is where Merge VR step in, and they’ve brought with them the Merge Mini.

We took a look at Merge’s 6 Degrees of Field (6DoF) augmented reality (AR) blaster, in addition to the Merge Mini HMD at CES 2018, Las Vegas. Aimed at children ages 10 and up, it’s a markedly younger market than what other HMDs aim toward, but this makes sense. Merge have been offering HMDs in classroom bundles, indicating that HMDs built for a younger market – and therefore smaller heads – is definitely there.

The Merge websites describes the Merge Mini as such; “Merge Mini is the perfect introduction to virtual and augmented reality! Small, lightweight marshmallow-soft, and compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, kids 10+ can comfortably explore virtual and augmented worlds.”

What’s nice is that owners of the Merge Mini HMD will be able to visit miniverse.io and see a variety of titles that they can download and use for their new HMD.

Of course, the biggest point here is that the Merge Mini HMD will be on sale for only $30. This is, of course, a HMD that you slide your phone into – it doesn’t have its own display or processor, thus the price – but it’s still competitive with other smartphone HMDs, and of course the form factor is perfect for children, giving them a great introduction to VR technology, while not weighing down the wallets of parents too much.

You can test whether your device is capable of running Merge Mini applications right here, and see the Merge VR website for more information. It’s certainly fascinating, and we’ll have more information on Merge’s Merge Mini as we get it, so make sure to keep reading VRFocus.

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Merge Cube Hits Milestone with 1 Million Units Sold

The ability to interact physically with augmented reality (AR) holograms may seem like something out of science fiction, but it is possible with the Merge Cube from Merge VR. Since the product’s launch earlier this year, it has proved successful, and has now passed a significant milestone of over 1 million units sold.

The Merge Cube is aimed at children, giving them something physical to hold that can then provide a selection of content designed to be fun, educational and family-friendly, featuring mini-games such as a virtual pet called an Octopet, or educational content such as Galactic Explorer or a holographic anatomy lesson titled ‘Mr Body’.

The Merge Cube is available to buy from Walmart, Best Buy and Target, as well as online through retailers such as Amazon. Merge VR believes that many of the devices sold so far are intended to be Christmas gifts. Lending credence to this suspicion is the fact that Merge Cube has been identified as one of 2017 hot holiday gifts by publications such as Toy Insider and Good Housekeeping, and has even scooped up awards such as the Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award, and the National Parenting Products Award (NAPPA).

Merge Cube Package

Merge VR are still hard at work ensuring there is content available for the Christmas season, however. Developers who have an app suitale for use with the Merge Cube that can be made ready for release by 25th December, 2017 are encouraged to get in touch with Merge VR immediately so the app can be reviewed and submitted to the Merge Cube Miniverse website.

The company have been supportive of smaller and independent developers, earlier this year launching a $1 million (USD) fund to help developers build apps for the Merge platform – not just the Merge Cube, but also Merge VR’s line of VR goggles.

VRFocus will bring you further news on Merge VR and

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AR Becomes Physical as Merge Cube Launches

During CES 2017 in January, virtual reality (VR) headset maker Merge VR unveiled a new product and a toy that uses augmented reality (AR) called Holo Cube. Since then it’s been renamed the Merge Cube, and the company has announced that it’ll be available to purchase exclusively from Walmart this week.

With AR gaining more prominence through apps like Pokemon GO and Apple’s ARKit, the Merge Cube does things a little a little differently by giving users something they can hold to see holographic objects. Using a virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) like Merge VR’s own purple device, users can then dive into the company’s Merge Miniverse to select from a curated range of family-friendly content.

Merge Cube Package

Some of the Merge Miniverse AR apps include:

  • Th!ngs:​ ​A collection of holographic mini-games where users can hatch and play with their very own Octopet, battle alien forces, and even hold a campfire in the palm of their hands.
  • Mr. Body:​ ​A hands on, holographic anatomy lesson that gives a close-up view of the vital organs and their functions, and makes learning about the human body fun.
  • Galactic Explorer​: ​An educational game that lets users hold and interact with the solar system. They can watch as planets orbit the Sun, explore the texture and color of each planet’s surface and discover interesting facts as users navigate the universe.
  • Dig!​: ​A world-building game that lets users build and mine to create holographic 3D worlds they can hold in the palm of their hand, save their creations, share with friends, and even download and build off others’ pre-built worlds.

“We’re excited to bring the Merge Cube to Walmart stores and physically put this technology into people’s hands. With this first-of-its-kind product, people can experience the wonder and amazement of interacting with holographic, 3D content in a natural and intuitive way,” said Merge Founder Franklin Lyons in a statement​. “Our Merge Cube and Goggles allow users to interact with more than just a screen – now they can build worlds, explore the human brain, visit foreign lands and more through the power of VR/AR.”

The Merge Cube will be rolled out to Walmart stores this week, retailing for $14.99 USD, compatible with iOS and Android devices. While the Merge VR headset is available worldwide for $59.99.

Last month the company launched a $1 million fund for VR and AR developers building apps for the Merge platform. “With an innovative product like Merge Cube, we wanted to expand our support of the dev community to encourage innovation and creativity for all AR/VR platforms,” said Merge VR Co-founder Andrew Trickett​. “The Goggles and Cube, paired with original apps and those coming in from third-party app developers, provide a hands-on, educational virtual space for a new generation.”

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Merge VR, reporting back with the latest updates.

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MergeVR Offering Classroom Sets of its VR/AR Headset

MergeVR is known in virtual reality (VR) circles for its Merge Cube product that allows users to physically interact with augmented reality (AR) holograms, and for its soft and comfortable MergeVR headset. The company is now making that same headset to schools and educators.

Class sets of the VR goggles will be available ad discounted educational rates. The goggles will be certified refurbished headsets that have gone through a testing process to ensure quality. The aim of providing the reduced price, kid-friend VR headsets is to allow students to learn in a direct, immersive way. To fly through outer space to better understand the solar system, or to comprehend the complexity of live under the ocean by swimming alongside gigantic blue whales.

Merge VR HMD

“We truly believe the Merge AR/VR Goggles are the best option for use in schools. They’re easy to wipe clean, extremely durable, and can be dropped without worry. The adjustable lenses and flexible construction allows them to fit any size face. The goggles also have both left and right input buttons which is an important consideration for accessibility. These features just aren’t available with other VR products,” said Merge Co-founder Andrew Trickett. “Schools districts and teachers have reached out to us regarding their needs for bulk orders, so we’re really happy to offer the class sets and to help more students experience the power of learning through virtual reality,” continued Trickett.

Merge is also offering demonstrations of the MergeVR goggles and the Merge Cube at ISTE, an educational technology conference that attracts over 18,000 attendees every year. Teachers, administrators, technology coordinators and others related to the education sector will have a chance to try out the technology.

Further information can be found at the official MergeVR website.

VRFocus will continue to report on VR and AR use in education and training.

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Merge VR Launches $1 Million Fund for VR/AR Developers

Merge VR, the company best known for its soft purple virtual reality (VR) headset for mobiles, has announced the launch of a $1 million USD fund for VR and augmented reality (AR) developers building apps for Merge platforms.

The company already has several studios involved with the fund including React VRX, Draw & Code, Steelehouse Productions and Chicken Waffle, and it’s openly inviting developers all over the world to join them in shaping the future of immersive content: “We created the Merge Developer Fund to broaden our support of the dev community,” said Jeremy Kenisky, Merge VP of Creative in a statement. “The Merge Cube introduces an entirely new experience to the world, and the developer fund provides an awesome opportunity for devs to get creative and be ambitious.”

Merge VR - HOLO CUBE

The Merge Cube was unveiled at CES 2017 where it won the award for “Most Unique Product.” It utilises AR to allow users to hold and interact with holograms.

“When a kid can pick up a physical object and see it turn into something else in the palm of their hand — then play with it, it’s magic,” says Chad Lee, CEO of React VRX. “Developing products that create this magic is exciting for us. We can design so many interesting things around the cube and hope to partner with Merge to make it ‘Toy of the Year’!”

“As soon as we encountered Merge VR and their vision to open up immersive technology to a younger audience, we were inspired,” says John Keefe, Co-founder of Draw & Code. “Now, the Merge Cube is quite literally putting this exciting tech into the hands of the next generation.”

The retail release of Merge Cube is due to happen soon – although no date has yet been announced – and for studios wishing to create content Merge Cube Dev Kits are available at no cost, with more than 400 have already been delivered to developers around the world including museums, schools and Hollywood studios states the company.

Developers interested in learning more or applying for funding can visit dev.mergevr.com/fund.

For further updates on Merge VR and the Cube, keep reading VRFocus.

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Merge VR Unveils AR Toy HOLO CUBE

Merge VR is best known for its purple, Google Cardboard inspired head-mounted display (HMD) of the same name. But the company hasn’t stopped there, and for CES 2017 Merge VR has now announced its first foray into augmented reality (AR) with a new toy called HOLO CUBE.

Whilst wearing its smartphone VR headset, HOLO CUBE uses AR technology so users can hold and interact with holograms in new ways. For CES 2017, Merge will showcase several AR experiences out of the dozens its already created – from drawing with music to caring for a virtual space pet to building a mini-block world. Pairing the toy with its VR headset frees up users hands to interact with HOLO CUBE, rather than having to hold a smartphone with one or both hands as other AR apps do.

Merge VR - HOLO CUBE_2

“Toys are the tools we use for growing up, and our HOLO CUBE offers brand new ways to learn, play, and connect with others,” said Merge VR Founder Franklin Lyons. “Rather than using the typical interfaces of 2D screens, we’re developing physical products that merge the real world with the digital, and creating new ways for imagination and creativity to flourish.”

“We want to unlock an entirely new digital world for children that’s always safe, exciting, positive, and playful,” added Merge VR co-founder Andrew Trickett. “HOLO CUBE continues what we started with our revolutionary soft goggles, and it’s just the beginning. We are developing an entire line of products that will create more magical experiences for kids everywhere.”

As well as HOLO CUBE, Merge VR will be revealing several new colours for its headset at the show. In addition to the signature purple, other colours will be available from today via the company’s website.

In November Merge VR announced a universal motion controller for VR called Moonshot. This will be available for demos at CES, with dev kits being released later this year. Keep reading VRFocus for all the latest news on Merge VR.

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‘HOLO CUBE’ Lets You Hold And Play With AR In The Palm Of Your Hand

‘HOLO CUBE’ Lets You Hold And Play With AR In The Palm Of Your Hand

When I first tried out the Samsung Gear VR, I immediately reached out with my hands. I didn’t have a Leap Motion attachment and I knew that my hands weren’t actually tracked, but the overwhelming sense of presence when I tried VR for the very first time was enough to momentarily fool me. For a few seconds, I really wanted to touch the digital world in front of me.

Now Merge VR is trying to make that sort of sensation actually possible with its new device simply called the HOLO CUBE.

The HOLO CUBE works by assigning a litany of QR codes and patterns to each side of the box, which are tracked and read by your phone’s camera. The phone is placed inside of a Google Cardboard-esque Merge VR headset with a little window so it can see the cube at all times. The visuals are then interpreted as various objects, games, puzzles, and other effects to create the sensation that instead of holding a small cube in the real world, you’re actually interacting with a magical box of light and wonder. It’s a clever trick, but we haven’t seen how well it works for ourselves yet.

“We want to unlock an entirely new digital world for children that’s always safe, exciting, positive, and playful,” said Merge VR co-founder Andrew Trickett in a prepared statement. “HOLO CUBE continues what we started with our revolutionary soft goggles, and it’s just the beginning. We are developing an entire line of products that will create more magical experiences for kids everywhere.”

Some of the experiences included range from drawing small works of art, creating music, caring for a tiny handheld pet, building blocks, and solving puzzles. The HOLO CUBE is just the first step in this direction of tracked objects we can interact with. A more robust environment may look something like what we saw from Perception Neuron’s Project Alice earlier this year.

“Toys are the tools we use for growing up, and our HOLO CUBE offers brand new ways to learn, play, and connect with others,” said Merge VR Founder Franklin Lyons. “Rather than using the typical interfaces of 2D screens, we’re developing physical products that merge the real world with the digital, and creating new ways for imagination and creativity to flourish.”

Merge VR is showing the HOLO CUBE at CES 2017 this week in Las Vegas, NV and we will report back with impressions and more detailed thoughts when the opportunity arises.

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