Aiming to replicate Google’s Cardboard virtual reality project, Microsoft is reportedly working on its own VR kit for its Windows devices.
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Reports coming out of Microsoft Russian Federation claim that a new VR kit strikingly similar to the Google Cardboard is being provided to developers at a hackathon later this month and it apparently isn’t related to the HoloLens in any way.
What will be interesting is whether Microsoft officially announces the kit at the event, and if it will detail pricing or release information for the general public and other developers. As you can see in the image at the top of this post, the kit works by inserting your Lumia into a cardboard box and then holding it to your face. Users slide their phone into the box, and view apps that are formatted for viewing through the lenses up close. However, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Microsoft get into the VR game with a cheap, cardboard-based product assembled by the user.
There are three categories for the event including game, education, and best corporate apps.
But virtual reality has one main attraction: fun/entertainment and that’s what Microsoft VR kit wants to make even more approachable.
The Microsoft hackathon is scheduled to take place in Moscow on the weekend of October 17.
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If Google Cardboard is anything to go by, the kit will offer a fun, accessible virtual reality system, but won’t be suitable for critical NASA missions. Winners will be chosen in each category. It doesn’t appear that the company is yet making the VR Kit available for all to build or at least purchase online, but perhaps it may do so in the future.
