#CES2018: Facebook's Oculus, Xiaomi partner for two standalone VR headsets
In a surprise move, at the ongoing CES, Facebook's Oculus VR has announced a partnership with Xiaomi for building standalone VR (virtual reality) headsets. Oculus stated Xiaomi is the global hardware partner for its Oculus Go headset announced last year. Additionally, they will also launch another new headset called "Mi VR Standalone" in China. The announcement was made during Qualcomm's press conference. Here's more.
There are two headsets: Oculus Go, Mi VR Standalone
Oculus VR's Vice-President Hugo Barra, the former Xiaomi employee, stated there would be two headsets. First is the Oculus Go, which would be manufactured by Xiaomi for most markets (except China). Second is the China-specific "Mi VR Standalone" headset that works just like Oculus Go. These are standalone headsets, meaning users don't need smartphones or PCs. They can run VR apps and games.
Xiaomi to work with Oculus developers and customize content
Mi VR Standalone will have the same design philosophy and core hardware as its Oculus Go. The Mi headset would support Oculus Mobile SDK so that existing developers can optimize their apps for Xiaomi's VR device. Xiaomi will work with Oculus developers and customize some Oculus Store content and bring it to Mi VR Store in China.
Both VR headsets have same advanced technologies: Xiaomi
Xiaomi stated Mi VR Standalone and Oculus Go will have the "same advanced technologies" like a 2K high-resolution fast-switch WQHD (Wide-Quad-HD) LCD screen, integrated spatial audio, next-generation lenses. The devices would have access to "vast content library of movies, 360° videos, and interactive games" available in Mi VR Store. Mi VR Standalone essentially caters to Chinese users' requirements: powerful video-player and localized social experience.
Oculus's integrated spatial audio technology
Xiaomi stated: "Mi VR Standalone features integrated spatial audio technology developed by Oculus. The audio drivers are built directly into the headset, making getting in and out of VR much faster. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack for a more private listening experience."
Both the headsets would use Qualcomm's processor
Oculus Go and Mi VR Standalone basically share the same hardware. The headsets would be built on Qualcomm mobile VR platform and come with Snapdragon 821 SoC. Oculus Go was announced in Oct'17. The standalone, affordable VR headset is priced at $199 (around Rs. 12,500) and is likely to be launched later in 2018. Details about Mi VR Standalone's release, however, haven't been revealed.
Devices are the same but with different logos
According to TechCrunch, Xiaomi's Mi Ecosystem Vice-President & Mi Lab Head, Thomas Tang, showed the headsets and joked "they're basically the same...with two different logos." Facebook is mostly banned in China; this could be the reason behind launching Oculus Go-like headset under Xiaomi there.
