Best VR headsets for iPhones
Do want to give a VR headset as a gift to someone with an iPhone — or buy one for yourself? You can. You won’t get the best possible mobile experience, however, since the...
Merge VR Extends Retail Distribution into Europe and Asia
Head-mounted displays (HMDs) such as Google Cardboard helped to pave the way for more expensive virtual reality (VR) devices, by providing a cheap introduction to the technology. From that cardboard open source design numerous variations appeared, with one of the most popular being the purple foam headset, Merge VR. The headset has been available across the US, Canada and UK for awhile now, and today the company has expanded that reach even further.
Merge is focused on aligning with top-tier retailers and global partners, as such the headset is now sold in retail outlets in France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Spain and India. Spain’s El Corte Ingles that will carry the headset in more than 200 of its retail stores.
“With virtual reality topping holiday gift lists this season, growing demand has created new opportunities to share our universal, easy-to-use Merge VR Goggles,” said Merge EVP Dan Worden. “We get inquiries every day from people all over the world who want to buy the goggles, so it’s really exciting to announce that they’re now available in more countries, with more coming soon.”
Recently Merge VR announced it had passed more than 20 rigorous tests for the US, Canada, European markets for approved use by children 10 and over. And it revealed a new prototype controller called ‘Moonshot’ earlier this month. This is a universal motion controller for mobile VR, compatible with existing iOS and Android devices, along with Unity and Web VR.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Merge VR, reporting back with any further announcements.
Merge VR Drops Price For Festive Season
Today’s the day where retailers go discount crazy ahead of the biggest shopping season, hoping to tempt shoppers with deals galore. As VRFocus has reported over the last few days, the virtual reality (VR) industry is making sure it gets in on the actions with HTC offering hardware and software discounts, Oculus Store has a small sale on and more. But what if want to get someone a VR gift that doesn’t already own a headset, well Merge VR has thought of that and from today it’s offering a discount at select retailers.
From now until the end of the year Merge VR’s price will drop from $79.99 USD down to $59.99. That’s a nice chunky saving for the VR head-mounted display (HMD) that supports a wide range of smartphones.
“We’ve seen the appetite for VR grow exponentially over the past year,” said Merge EVP Dan Worden. “It has even become a ‘must have’ technology for many. We want people to enjoy a high quality, fun, and affordable VR experience.”
If you haven’t been keeping up with Merge VR news of late, you’ll have missed the fact that the company has now released a new colour choice, Moon Grey, available throughout North America exclusively at Best Buy for the holiday season.
Also this month Merge VR announced it had passed more than 20 rigorous tests for the US, Canada, European markets for approved use by children 10 and over. Lastly the company announced a new prototype controller called ‘Moonshot’. This is a universal motion controller for mobile VR, compatible with existing iOS and Android devices, along with Unity and Web VR.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Merge VR, reporting back with any further announcements.
New Merge VR Model Arrives at Best Buy
Merge VR has launched a new colour variant for its mobile head-mounted display (HMD) this holiday season: Moon Grey. The famously purple virtual reality (VR) HMD is now available throughout North America exclusively at Best Buy now.
The Merge VR HMD is universally compatible with mobile smartphones – both Android and iOS devices – and has been deemed one of the higher quality Google Cardboard based mobile VR devices. Merge recently announced that the Merge VR HMD has been safety tested and approved for ages 10 and up.
“Our signature purple headset has become an industry favourite, and we’re excited to offer the new Moon Grey colour to our customers,” said Merge EVP Dan Worden. “These exclusive goggles at Best Buy are sure to be a hot item this holiday season, which makes them the perfect gift for every tween and techie on your shopping list.”
Dedicated to making virtual reality fun, easy, and safe for everyone, Merge created VR START, a curated library for all users to find fun, high-quality VR experiences. Merge Labs has also recently revealed a forthcoming universal input solution, Moonshot. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest VR endeavours from Merge.
Merge VR’s Moonshot Controller Showcased in Action
Earlier this week VRFocus reported on the announcement of Merge Labs’ universal motion controller, Moonshot, as revealed at the Virtual Reality Developers Conference (VRDC), San Francisco. Compatible with a variety of platforms, both virtual reality (VR) and more traditional systems, the Moonshot controller will soon be made available to developers.
A motion-control input device, Moonshot features motion tracking and a variety of input buttons. It’s not yet been confirmed as to whether Moonshot replicates the Google Daydream View controller’s 3 degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) or offers greater depth input, though given the demonstration in the video below VRFocus believes that 6 degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) should not be expected at this point.
The Moonshot universal motion controller will be compatible with the Samsung Gear VR, iOS and Android devices, Web VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens and more. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on the Moonshot controller and the Merge VR head-mounted display (HMD).
Merge VR Reveals New Controller Prototype
Virtual reality (VR) company Merge Labs has today announced a universal motion controller at Virtual Reality Developers Conference (VRDC), San Francisco. Known as ‘Moonshot’, the universal motion controller for mobile VR is compatible with existing iOS and Android devices, along with Unity and Web VR.
The Merge VR head-mounted display (HMD) launched late last year and has become a popular choice for mobile VR gaming and experiences thanks to its unique design and affordable price point. VRFocus recently featured the Merge VR HMD in a guide to the best mobile VR headsets. This new universal motion controller however, is not limited to just the Merge VR HMD as might be expected.
“As the VR industry matures, we will see a standardisation of input devices over proprietary solutions, and with today’s announcement, we are excited to help push this forward,” says Founder Franklin Lyons. “We believe that developers should have access to as many potential customers as possible, which is why we are releasing a universal motion controller that will support all mobile devices, including existing iOS and Android devices, as well as emerging platforms such as webVR.”
Merge Labs revealed an input device for Merge VR last year, though the product never launched. Now it seems work has continued on the motion controller in order for its reach to extend beyond one HMD.
Lyons adds, “Developers thinking about building mobile VR experiences using a motion controller are also thinking about how they can reach the largest audience possible. And Merge is committed to giving them tools they need to achieve this.
Further details on the Moonshot universal motion controller are not available at present, however developers can sign up for the waiting list today at www.dev.mergevr.com. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on Merge Labs’ universal motion controller and the Merge VR HMD.
Merge VR Approved for Children Aged 10+
Virtual reality (VR) headset manufacturers – such as Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) – have generally set a minimum age of 12 for users to be able to demo and play on their devices. This is because children are still growing, and naturally companies don’t want kids playing VR for hours at a time just in case. But this rule isn’t across the board as headsets such as Google Cardboard are utilised in schools to teach younger kids on a range of subjects. Now Merge VR has announced that its mobile VR head-mounted display (HMD) has passed more than 20 rigorous tests for approved use by children 10 and over.
The Merge VR headset is a more robust version of simple Cardboard style devices, made of a soft foam that’s more comfortable to wear, working with a range of iOS and Android smartphones.
“Our mission from day one has been to make virtual reality simple, accessible, fun, and safe for the whole family,” said Founder Franklin Lyons. “The 10+ age rating and the VR START portal emphasize that we are dedicated to making VR a fun and safe way to learn, play, and explore.”
The following safety tests for the US, Canada, and Europe were carried out to achieve the age rating:
The Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
USA Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
US California Proposition 65
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA)
EU Toy Safety Directive Testing
ANNEX XVII
AfPS
EC Directive and its amendments
Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH)
While there are numerous portals such as the App Store, Google Play, and YouTube to discover and download immersive content Merge VR does have its own, VR START, which highlights the best in VR apps, videogames, and 360-degrees experiences for all ages.
VR has been shown to have lots of uses in education, from transporting back in time to see ancient wonders, heading into space to learn about the solar system, or going inside the cells of plants to understand how they work.
Checkout the VRFocus Guide to the Best Mobile VR Headsets, and we will continue our coverage of Merge VR, reporting back with any further announcements.
A Guide to Mobile VR: Merge VR
This is the unsung hero of mobile virtual reality (VR): Merge. The Merge VR head-mounted display (HMD), or goggles, may come off as something for a younger audience, or perhaps even less experienced, but there is practically no difference between this and the likes of the Google Cardboard or even verging onto Samsung Gear VR. Really, this does all come down to preference and what you like visually, but that is all that should legitimately change your opinion on this HMD.
Phone compatibility
As previously stated, it is the same as a Google Cardboard – it is compatible with iPhone and Android. What it officially says is “The Merge VR Goggles are compatible with nearly any iOS and Android device from the last two years.” Realistically, most people will have updated their phones in the past two years, especially if they are considering new tech such as VR, so it has a great amount of accessibility.
Design
This is what sets it apart from all other mobile HMDs. It has a distinctive purple colour, and it is actually made out of a hard foam, so there is no chance of either losing it or breaking it.
There are dual input buttons which is a new way of interacting with the VR app you are using, and (dare I say it) is probably one of the most intuitive designs for buttons on a mobile HMD when there are no controls to be had. On top of this there is also anti-fog ventilation, which is the equivalent to having a cup holder in your car: not essential but certainly useful.
There is also a handy little removable compartment that lets you engage with augmented reality (VR) applications, something that pretty much none of the other HMDs take into account.
Accessories
There is no need for accessories as the buttons on the HMD do all the work for you.
Type of Content
Not to sound like a broken record, but it is just the same as the Google Cardboard. Anything that is available on either the Google Play Store or iTunes is right up Merge VR’s alley. So, in reality, there is a fantastic amount of content for this HMD.
How much does it cost?
Merge VR is available for $79 (USD), which isn’t too different when converted to GBP. When considering that this is exactly the same as the Google Cardboard – bar a few of design choices – it can come across a little pricey. But, considering all other high-end HMDs would require you to have a very up-to-date phone along with the HMD, it is still a manageable price.
| Google Cardboard | A Guide to the Best Mobile VR Headsets | Google Daydream |
| Merge VR | Samsung Gear VR |
A Guide to the Best Mobile VR Headsets
Mobile virtual reality (VR) is the most accessible form of taking in bite-sized fun experiences, but it can quite often be hard to choose which mobile-based head-mounted display (HMD) you should pick as there are a fair few to choose from, very much unlike PC-based VR HMDs. Below is a guide to each of the major mobile-based HMDs and links to brief over views of each one.
Mobile-based HMDs took off before PC-based ones, and so they have made a more substantial impression on consumers as it is quite often the first form of VR they invest either their time or money in. Yes, there are clear differences in each of them, but each of them are fantastic in their own right. The HMDs that have been chosen are the Merge VR, Google Cardboard, Google Daydream, and Samsung Gear VR.
You may have heard of the Google Cardboard or Samsung Gear VR more than the other two, but take it from us that you should give each one careful consideration.
The Google Cardboard and Merge VR HMDs can be classed as very similar headsets, but both give a completely different experience in terms of user interface and tending to consumer needs. The Cardboard is known for its basic quality, and that is what gives it charm and usability. However, the Merge VR Goggles has many additional features that very much appeal to what we need as consumers and our want of a low maintenance headset.
The Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View are clear head-to-head rivals, but each one can trump the other depending on what you want out of the headset. What the Samsung Gear VR has over Google Daydream is that it has been around for much longer, and it has had more than enough time to be tested and adjusted to the needs of consumers and developers, and continues to. However, the freshness of the Google Daydream mixed with the incredible backers who are supporting it with developments really makes some noise on the scene.
Check out the guides below for each of the HMDs listed above for a way to get all the info you need without skimming through websites and being fed information you don’t necessarily want.
| Google Cardboard | A Guide to the Best Mobile VR Headsets | Google Daydream |
| Merge VR | Samsung Gear VR |
For more on the latest guides in the world of VR, as well as all the news, updates, and features, make sure to check back with VRFocus.