Affordable virtual reality from the brand Homido

In a short time, virtual reality glasses have become a must-have for many gamers. The most famous and undoubtedly expensive examples are Oculus Rift, Playstation VR and HTC Vive. These are full-featured VR environment solutions that require a personal computer to operate. But did you know that there are virtual reality viewing platforms that use the screen, sensors, and computing power of your smartphone to teleport you into a VR world. All it takes is an accessory like a Homido VR headset and the right software, and you're ready to experience VR without the need for a computer or tangled cables.

Introduction

Like Oculus Rift, Homido became a reality thanks to a crowdfunding campaign that ultimately exceeded all expectations. By the end of the campaign, the goal was achieved by 335%. Homido is one of the most consistent mobile VR equipment manufacturers that has tried to create the perfect mid-range VR headset.

The product line includes a small model-VR Grab, Homido Prime VR and higher-end V2, a 360-degree camera, and even an Android game controller. The target audience is a consumer who wants more than just a glimpse into the world of virtual reality, but at the same time is not ready to invest heavily in HTC Vive or Oculus Rift.

Homido VR Prime VR and V2

All Homido VR virtual reality glasses are essentially smartphone holders, which are an improved version of Google Cardboard, the search giant's inexpensive VR tool. Unlike the Cardboard, which has a folding cardboard mount, this is a well-made, plastic device with built-in electronics that doesn't need to be built.

Pros:

• Good VR experience
• Sturdy design
• Works on iPhone and Android
• Relatively wide field of view

Cons:

• No position tracking
• Medium immersion (realism)

Homido is much more practical, comfortable to use and actually looks like a VR headset. However, the premise remains the same. You insert your smartphone into a special compartment on the front panel and place the glasses on your head. This allows you to view VR content through the lens of the device. Another notable difference is the higher cost of the headset. For example, Homido Prime VR costs almost 5,000 rubles, and the V2 model costs a thousand more.

Design

The defining advantage of Homido is quality. The glasses are made of durable plastic with a matte finish, which gives them an excellent look. Around the back of the headset, you'll find a soft foam cushion that sits between your eyes and the device. It really blocks out all the light and also makes it comfortable to wear for longer periods.

Despite its simple design, Homido offers a good VR experience at an affordable price.

Mount

The Homido Prime VR and V2 have two straps that are used to hold the VR glasses in front of your eyes. The regular one, which is worn over the head, and the additional one, which runs from the top of the headset to the back of the main strap. We definitely recommend using both straps. This enhances the experience and prevents the device from sliding over the nose while moving.

Lenses

The problem with the VR headset design is that it can't be used with thick-framed glasses. They just don't fit inside the headset. However, the manufacturer has addressed this issue with their own True-Immersion Optics interchangeable lenses, which should make up for your performance. They are included in the kit and are available in three versions: nearsightedness, farsightedness and normal vision. Simply replace the lenses with the ones that seem to suit you best. This is pretty easy to do. Place your finger under the rubber frame of the lenses and they will easily come off so you can reposition them.

Good image clarity and 110° field of view. The distance between the lenses can be adjusted for any smartphone.

During the game, a fairly clear, sharp image and spatial vision are created. The sense of reality is further enhanced by a field of view of 100-120 degrees and a frame rate of at least 60 frames per second. The interpupillary distance (IPD) controller is especially pleasing.

Adjustment

There are two red knobs on each side of the headset and one slider at the top. These items allow you to adjust the image quality for the best experience. The knobs are designed to calibrate the distance between the eyes and the lenses. Slider - to adjust the interpupillary distance. The action button at the top helps you navigate the menu. As sometimes happens with VR goggles, after a while the glass may start to fog up, which was compensated by the manufacturer through special ventilation holes.

Holder

One of the most important design elements of the Homido VR glasses is the large plastic smartphone clip on the front of the device. Unlike systems such as the Samsung Gear VR, this feature allows you to use almost any 4-6-inch smartphone, both Android and iOS, with Homido. The phone holder is a sturdy bracket that holds your phone securely in place.

The smartphone is securely protected with pretty good adjustable brackets and magnets.

Gamepad Android

When using the Homido VR glasses, the disadvantage may be that some VR games require the use of a touchscreen. Then you will have to remove the phone from the holder during the game, and then return it to its place. By default, the device itself has a button for direct interaction with the application, but often it is not enough. This can be a huge problem in the midst of an amazing virtual reality experience. However, you can avoid this annoying "lag" with the help of a Bluetooth game controller, which is purchased separately. The Bluetooth gamepad is available at a price of 3000 rubles.

Homido Grab

This is a minimalist VR helmet with quality materials, a comfortable body and a built-in action button that eliminates the need to remove the headset to control your smartphone. The image quality is guaranteed by the superior lenses of the company's own design.

The main disadvantage of Homido Grab is the lack of optical adjustments and fixing straps. The user himself will have to hold the headset in front of his face. This portable VR headset is for those with short attention spans or a lot of stamina in their hands. The manufacturer has also seen fit to offer this model in many color options. Bright, light and inexpensive, it is definitely designed for young people and children.

VR Software and Content

In order to get the Homido virtual reality experience with a smartphone, you need to set up the device before use. It's relatively simple. You can download the official Center and Player software‚ and then install the VR content of your choice. Plus, it's certified by Google, so you have access to the full range of available Google Cardboard VR apps.

Homido Center is basically a directory of all the games and features that are compatible with the headset. All you have to do is choose the right app, download it and install it on your phone. Center is updated every week. It currently contains over 2000 apps and videos available for you to use on your device. Searching the App Store and Google Play also reveals a good selection of VR apps that is constantly growing.

Homido Player allows you to watch 360-degree videos on YouTube, iTunes and other platforms. Of course, it doesn't have any video content, so you'll have to look it up online or buy it.

Fortunately, the internet browser in the Player app provides direct links to YouTube videos, many of which are nature, flying, etc.

Conclusion

The Homido VR glasses currently available are by far the best of the many plastic headsets on the market. Of course, they cannot be compared to expensive high-end devices like the Oculus Rift and HTC Live. But this type of mid-range VR headset is a pretty good solution for those who are interested in virtual reality, but are not yet ready to spend hundreds of dollars on more advanced brands.

Homido not only gives you a much-needed insight into the VR environment, but also offers good VR entertainment at a very affordable starting price. Unlike Google Cardboard, these glasses are much more comfortable, have a wider range of vision, and the adjustment options give you a clearer image. All this definitely deserves your attention. And if you need a device made from something more durable than cardboard, you can safely buy a Homido VR headset.