Since Facebook launched the Oculus Rift and HTC launched the Vive, the tech economy players are flocking to the market of virtual reality. And the latest and Qualcomm, the maker is behind the SoC used on most high-end Android smartphones.
The company recently introduced the Snapdragon VR820, a reference model which should cost the same as a tablet upscale segment (between 300 and 500 dollars in the US). Unlike products from HTC and Facebook, it is an all in one helmet, which means the user does not have to plug it into a computer or a console.
Under the hood, there lies a Snapdragon SoC 820, the same used by Android smartphones upscale segment released this year, and he has two AMOLED display of 1440 x 1440 pixels. This is above what offers the Oculus Rift. However, the refresh rate is 70 Hz is below the headphone Facebook.
A reference model for future low-cost helmets?
The Snapdragon VR820 is not really intended for marketing, since Qualcomm will instead make a reference platform that will inspire other manufacturers. And through the work of the company, these manufacturers can reduce their cost of R & D and offer virtual reality helmets at competitive prices (while using Qualcomm components).
Moreover, the site Ars Technica notes that Qualcomm used the same tactic on the smartphone market: with its reference models, many Chinese manufacturers have been able to develop smartphones that can be sold at unbeatable prices.
The VR820 should be available towards the end of the year, and the first devices inspired it could be marketed as soon as early 2017. It now remains whether consumers will be interested in helmets all in one, while could also buy smartphones compatible with platforms like the Gear VR Samsung or Google Daydream.
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