Huawei launches VR headset that works with Mate 8 and P9

Huawei has launched its own virtual reality headset at an event in Shanghai, marking the smartphone manufacturer's first foray into the VR space.

The headset is designed in much the same way as Samsung's Gear VR, reports Engadget, with users able to slot their Huawei P9, P9 Plus and Mate 8 devices into the front of the headset in order to power it.

Despite the relatively low 1080p screen resolution, the company is boasting about its 360-degree audio offering, while it also features 20ms low latency, 95-degree field of view, and an anti-blue light filter that will protect the user's vision.

In terms of design, the headset is very similar to its direct rivals, with a front panel that snaps off and on to reveal the chamber for your smartphone. Around this are a touch panel, back button and volume keys situated on the device's right side.

Content includes more than 4,000 free movies, 40 free games, 350 panoramic images and 150 panoramic tours. While some of this content, specifically the movies, won't be VR videos, this information comes ahead of both release date and price, which are still to come.

Huawei revealed it wants to compete with companies such as Samsung and Apple at its recent annual analyst conference, taking place in Shenzhen, using its technical expertise to build premium devices and developing its reputation among customers.

The Huawei VR now sits alongside the HTC Vive, Playstation VR, Oculus Rift and Microsoft HoloLens, with Google today announcing it had added 360-degree live-streaming to YouTube.

Caroline Preece

Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.

You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.