Hi guys,
I am currently designing a phone case which is able to convert into a VR headset. The only issue I am having is that a lot of the apps currently available only orientate themselves to suit the google cardboard headset. My design requires the phone to be rotated clockwise to the landscape position, as opposed to anti clockwise with the google cardboard. I am just wondering what your opinions are on how long it will take for apps to become available which can orientate themselves either direction, and if this is really a major issue for my design.
Kind regards,
Niall
Related
I have a bluetooth headset for my helmet, which allows me to use my Wizard for GPS navigation. What I would like to do is mount my Wizard onto my handlebars in order to SEE where I am going, as well as hear the directions.
Anyone have a good recommendation for handlebar mounting one of these goodies?
Thanks,
Lowkee
it would be much easier to give you an answer if you can post a picture of your handlebars.
I also ride and there are way too many types of handlebars.
Ill tell you right now, I doubt someone actually makes one that fits a handlebar but Im sure you can mod an existing car one to fit but would you really trust your precious phone like that?
I was also looking for a bike mount and some way of waterproofing the XDA mini S. Eventually bought a tank bag with clear top map pocket.
Maybe this one is the rigth for you!http://cgi.ebay.de/Brodit-PDA-Halter-f-Motorrad-Schutzbox_W0QQitemZ130147547431QQihZ003QQcategoryZ68421QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem but cheaper is to use a tank bag but maybe you find a lowcost copy form china
I used a RAM-mount with a ball and attached it to the smaller sized "aqua box", which has screw holes to attach a RAM fixing onto. Makes for a very neat (and removable) solution! Did not fail me at 70mph on the M4 motorway in the rain here in the UK! In fact TomTom are now shipping their new version 2 GPS sets with RAM mounts. A Google search will find links to these products.
I fitted a see-through tank-bag base to my R1150.
Has anyone tried connectin the phone to an AutoCom. When I try this I cannot disconnect the internal microphone an get so much engine noise the caller can't hear me at speed. Any ideas?
AndrewB
I have an unusual question for the forum...my sister is completely blind and I have been looking into finding a phone for her. I have found Mobile Speaks software that works on Windows Mobile phones and also a Mobile Geo program that is a GPS program that works with Mobile Speaks to help the visually impaired navigate using a GPS receiver. I'm looking for a Windows Mobile phone that has a built in GPS sensor that she may be able to use without her sight. I've never seen an S740 in person and am concerned that the keys may be too flat for her to use since she may not be able to feel the different keys. Can anybody advise me on this?
Well, they are pretty flat. Of course she may have more sensitive touch than the rest of the people, however (for me) it is sometimes difficult to type in the dark with it. The keys arent easily distinguished one from another.
They are quite flat; but the 5 has a dot in the middle. After a tiny bit of practise I am able to text without looking on my screen... The "smart buttons" that perform actions are divided by the dial and end call buttons which are a bit higher than the rest. So I can get around quite well with it texting blind.. Still, I suggest you go to some local store to let your sister decide.
I've been reading up on using a Nexus 7 as a car stereo/head unit replacement. It seems that just about everything under the sun is possible with this and, because of its size, installations look awesome across the board.
The only thing I haven't been able to find a definitive answer to yet is hands-free phone operation. I know Tablet Talk will let you control your phone from the tablet, but that the audio will still be handled by the phone itself. What I'm curious about is whether or not there's some convoluted way to route your phone back through the tablet's bluetooth such that the overhead mic and speakers from the car's stock hands-free audio equipment would mesh with the phone, creating a stock experience.
Optional bonus: I've seen steering wheel controls handled pretty elegantly with some installs, but I wonder if there's an "answer" key mapped that the tablet would understand via Tablet Talk.
Does anyone have any insight on either of these pursuits? =)
Steering Wheel Controller for Android Tablet/Smartphone
If you are looking for a way to control your tablet from the steering wheel, have a look at our project 'App Your Car'.
www [dot] appyourcar [dot] com
App Your Car is a small and clever gadget, which, combined with your smartphone, is everything you need.
Our crowdfunding campaign already raised 30% of the needed funds. It would be amazing if you could help us to spread the word to the the community.
Please have a look at our website or campaign on Indiegogo
Thank you so much and all the best,
Florian
What are the best Google Cardboard sets in terms of features versus value you have found for the Nexus 6p?
Ideally, the phone would fit well and the set-up would include magnets, NFC, and a head strap. I am particularly interested in something that allows one to wear glasses at the same time as the set-up.
keever25 said:
What are the best Google Cardboard sets in terms of features versus value you have found for the Nexus 6p?
Ideally, the phone would fit well and the set-up would include magnets, NFC, and a head strap. I am particularly interested in something that allows one to wear glasses at the same time as the set-up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Following. I too am interested, and I wear glasses. Based on what I've read, the better units come with optical options for near and far sighted people. That would in theory negate the need for glasses? I have personally not used any of the VR units and have only recently become intrigued by them once I bought the 6P.
Hopefully someone will offer up some good options based on experience. While on the topic, what's the difference between Optimus Prime vs. using our phones? Or does the Optimus Prime use a phone? Have it's own screen? Do you have to buy "game/experience specific" titles? Or are there apps? Again, I'm new to the game.
I'm waiting for my Shinecone VR to come in, although it doesn't have a magnet. The advertised FOV is ~ 110*. I only have a Google cardboard at the moment, so my standards aren't exactly mind blowing. I'll be happy to post details when it arrives.
Bump
Also, interested in any recommendations.
530farm, cheers from across the bridge in the 650!
So my Shinecon VR headset came in yesterday. Had the opportunity to thoroughly try it out in short bursts of time. That means I haven't watched a movie on it.
Place of purchase: AliExpress (Amazon has it too but I purchased from AE because I knew my Nexus 6P was going to take a while to arrive anyways)
Price: $27 from AE (there's a range of prices)
Phone tested with headset: Nexus 6P
Comfort:
In comparison to the original Google Cardboard, it's obviously more luxurious and comfortable. The Shinecon has faux leather all around the areas that contact your face, except for the nose. The nose area is where a bit of light leaks in, but can easily be remedied with a bit of foam. However, I decided to leave this open as a port for ventilation because the phone can get warm depending on what type of VR content you're consuming.
The head straps are also made of good quality Velcro, so it's easily adjustable. The placement of the straps also seem pretty ideal, as the headset doesn't seem to be torquing my head downwards too much while in use.
Features:
The Shinecon has a few knobs to tweak the lens' position. There is a single knob on top that adjusts the distance between the lens. There's also knobs on either side of the headset that adjusts the fore/aft of the entire phone to bring the display into focus.
The phone loads into the headset with a spring/clamp mechanism. However, I found it difficult to load/unload my N6P mostly because the phone itself is pretty large for the mount. I wouldn't recommend any phone larger than the N6P for the Shinecon, but there's a tiny bit of wiggle room if you insist. The clamping mechanism also seems rather fragile, as the plastic bends pretty easily. The tabs for the clamp are also rather thin. If it does break, the clamp/tray can be removed with a few screws, and you could load the phone into the headset with some foam. Once the phone is loaded into the tray, all you do is fold the front "door" back into position and a magnet keeps things closed. The magnet seems sufficiently strong to hold my N6P without any problems. There is also an extra backplate that can be removed (attached via magnet) to allow better ventilation of your device, as well as exposing the camera for augmented reality, etc.
The front door also has a gap on either side of the headset, allowing for easy access to any ports on the phone that are on the top or bottom of the phone's edges. I could easily charge my N6P and use headphones while using the Shinecon.
Viewing Content:
Since this headset does not include any of its own software, I can only talk about the experience provided by 3rd party apps. I used Cardboard Theater to view my own content, and tested other VR videos with VRSE and Youtube. Everything was very simple to use, and the lens were of great quality. Picture was very clear, and the FOV was fantastic. Using Cardboard Theater, I was able to adjust "how far I am to the screen." In other words, it felt like I was on the front row of the theater with very good immersion. Not much black space on the edges of the field, which was a problem on the original Google Cardboard headset. I don't know if the advertised 110* FOV is accurate, but I'm pretty satisfied with what I'm seeing.
Build Quality:
Overall build quality was better than expected. Everything fit together very nicely. Nothing was squeaky. There were no loose threads on the leather. The hinges did not creak. The lenses weren't scratched or warped. I basically had no complaints. Especially given the very cheap price, I would definitely buy it again. This headset was slightly more pricey than a few other Chinese brand headsets, but the quality and FOV/immersion seemed to justify the slightly higher price tag.
TLDR:
I liked it. I would buy it again.
If you liked the review, a simple press of the "thanks" button will do! If you have questions, you can ask here or PM me. Keep in mind, I'm just a VR n00b, but this headset has served me well for the 2 days I've had it.
Anyone know of any good headsets? I got the white Vigica one from Amazon but the buttons kept getting smushed making the volume go all the way up or all the way down.
If you're rocking one, which one?
I have the view master by mattle and it works perfect. Any questions just ask
purchased at target for 25$
Edit: no volume button smashing, but they are easily accessible to change volume if needed
Headsets
Hello,
There's an unfortunate truth about the Nexus 6... It has a 6" screen. The majority of headsets are being geared towards 5.5" and smaller. I've purchased and used 3 headsets with my Nexus 6 though, so I can share some experience there.
The first headset was the Blisstime Google Cardboard
One of the cheapest headsets on the market
Comes with foam to cover the uncomfortable cardboard bits
Solid quality cardboard
Comes with (admittedly useless) strap
DOES NOT FIT NEXUS 6.
As mentioned, I had to cut out additionally pieces of cardboard and tape here and there to make my Nexus 6 fit.
Second headset was another Cardboard one. IAMCARDBOARD 6"
Fits the phone perfectly
Allows a lot of light in because of it's wide form factor
The poor design of the front of the unit where the camera hole was cut out allows the cardboard to crush inwards within a few weeks of use
The Blisstime headset, although too small gave a much more immersive experience. I attribute this to the closer distance of the screen to my eyes, the much smaller amount of light let through and the foam to allow comfortable use.
The last headset I purchased was the IncrediSonic M700 VUE Series
Relatively comfortable
Good quality strap that holds the headset in a convenient location
Included remote works as cardboard magnet (trigger) (NOTE if you're trying to figure this out, it's the select button that works as the trigger.)
Overall, the high quality plastic doesn't quite make up for the fact that it's the exact same experience I will get with a $12 cardboard. There is nothing more immersive about this headset than the Blisstime or IAMCARDBOARD. In fact, as a developer, I don't even touch this headset anymore.
I purchased it with the sole intent of having a more attractive looking display unit; which I think it will do.
anthonyg45157 said:
I have the view master by mattle and it works perfect. Any questions just ask
purchased at target for 25$
Edit: no volume button smashing, but they are easily accessible to change volume if needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second the Viewmaster. The phone won't fit with a case (Ringke slim), but that's the only downside I've noticed.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
mwalt2 said:
I second the Viewmaster. The phone won't fit with a case (Ringke slim), but that's the only downside I've noticed.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you added that. Doesn't fit with unicorn beetle either.
I purchased the following Chinese one for $10 from Aliexpress. I'm happy with it and would highly recommend it.... especially for the price. Its based of of the original cardboard with the magnet but it works great with the nexus 6. They ship from China so it takes 2-3 weeks to arrive but it works great... "Quake for Google Cardboard" alone was worth it for me.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/RITECH-II-Head-Mount-Plastic-Version-3D-VR-Virtual-Reality-Glasses-Google-Cardboard-3D-Movies-3D/32344284284.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_2_79_78_77_82_80_62,searchweb201644_0,searchweb201560_5
I got my cardboard 2.0 clone from aliexpress for ~$7.
If you have a cardboard one, you can cut out the volume and power button space so it doesnt interfere when you strap it in, thats what I did and its fine.
I had to customize mine with the google webapp provided. Else things were out of focus and I saw double. Now anything that shows VR through cardboard settings is fine, but standard videos downloaded from web are still pretty messed up when looking at range, I guess they are made just for oculus' settings?
I just use the free one Google gives away. Or get a free one from Verizon.
http://techcrunch.com/2015/12/11/get-a-free-star-wars-edition-google-cardboard/#.hh5vbe9:kzXR
I'm interested in finding one that works well with the N6 as well.
+1 for Viewmaster. Readily available for $20. Use a bluetooth headset. I like that you have to hold it (not head mounted) as I don't want my son walking around the house with a headset on his head.