Fully-integrated VR solutions like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Samsung Gear VR get all the hype, but the budget-friendly Google Cardboard is still alive and kicking, and this ~$25 headset is a great starting point for anyone interested in virtual reality.
You probably remember that when Cardboard launched in 2014, the headsets were actually made of...cardboard. Lately though, Amazon’s been overrun by plastic headsets that look great at first glance, but are usually lacking one key feature: A magnetic button.
That button is essential for most Cardboard VR apps: It’s often the only way to select options in menus, move around in Street View, and interact with games. And yet, almost every inexpensive headset leaves it out, forcing you to buy and pair a separate Bluetooth remote.
Luckily, HooToo’s new VR headset bucks the trend by including it in the form of a trigger on the side. It’s also comfortable, durable, adjustable, and affordable. Compared to my old headset, which was literally made of cardboard, HooToo’s is much easier to use, and provides a clearer, more immersive image.
It also works with almost any smartphone, from the tiny iPhone SE all the way up to 6" phablets and the iPhone 7 Plus. On paper, it’s most comparable Mattel’s excellent View-Master Deluxe VR, but with a head strap so you can keep your hands free, not to mention a lower price.
While Cardboard doesn’t support high-end games or controllers, it’s great for watching 360 (or regular) videos, immersing yourself in Google Street view, and even practicing public speaking. So if you’ve been curious about the concept of VR, HooToo’s headset is one of the best ways to get a taste for it before investing in a higher end system.
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