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Phenomec VRSmartView – Limited Edition Virtual Reality Headset - $39.99 + Free Shipping

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EDIT: All units now sold!

Hi Ozbargainers,
We have been busy working away on a new premium headset which we aim to launch on Kickstarter next month!
To support our development we are putting our current VRSmartView developer kits on sale.

The VRSmartView Developer Kit is designed and manufactured in Australia.
It allows you to use your Smartphone as a wireless virtual & augmented reality head mounted display.
This is a unique limited edition product with only 500 units ever made.
We have 50 of these limited edition, hand-made headsets left for purchase.

If you’re after a superior viewing experience over what the Google Cardboard offers and are disappointed that the Samsung Gear VR only supports their flagship phones and costs $200+, then this is your headset!

The VRSmartView supports modern Apple, Android and Windows Smartphones. We recommend phones with screen sizes between 4.7" and 5.7" (i.e. Samsung Note 4 and iPhone6 Plus etc.)
If you are unsure of your Smartphone screen size specification search for it here http://www.gsmarena.com/search.php3

The headset will allow you to:
- Watch 2D & 3D movies on a massive display (portable cinema).
- Play the latest Virtual & Augmented reality apps & games.
- Wireless streaming from a PC to play computer games in 3D virtual reality (Guide here http://bit.ly/1W4FoDQ)
- Watch 360-degree content on YouTube (Guide here http://bit.ly/1JPziST)
The VRSmartView developer kit comes as a DIY self-assembly product, or you can choose to have it pre-assembled if you prefer.

Tech Specs:
- Durable and lightweight high grade plastic body parts
- Dual density foam padding
- Large, high quality aspheric lenses providing an immersive field of view
- Compatible 'sticky gel' mount supports most modern Smartphones
- Design supports adjustment of focus and stereo image calibration
- Thick and adjustable headband

We do not include a magnet, due to many phones not having a magnetometer/compass, instead we recommend a wireless game pad which we now offer for an extra $10.
Furthermore the gamepad supports many new VR games that require one for walking around in the VR environment.
Apps - There is an ever-growing selection of available apps, we recommend this website for finding the latest and greatest VR apps - https://wearvr.com
Find out more info in our FAQ (http://bit.ly/1P9wL6g) and we are happy to answer any more questions in the comments section below.

We are a new Australian startup who launched the VRSmartView at the end of October last year,
We launched at a discount price for $49.99 where-in a few weeks afterwards we then started selling at RRP $59.99.
We have 50 units left and want to sell our remaining stock so we are offering a 33% discount with free shipping!

We love virtual & augmented reality technology and are excited about soon revealing our upcoming new project on Kickstarter in September!
If you see value in what we are doing and think others would too please support us with your vote and share :) Thanks!

Related Stores

phenomec.com
phenomec.com

closed Comments

  • +1

    Sounds awesome!

  • Could you use a PS3 controller with this if you use a Sony phone?

  • Much difference from the Color Cross versions?

    In regards to launching on kickstarter, what are you bringing to the table that other versions don't have/do? FOV?

    • +1

      We have a Color Cross, in comparison, we find ours to be much more comfortable on the face with the dual density padding. Also we use larger optics that are positioned closer to the eyes which provide a wider & more immersive field of view. Our design gives better adjustment of focus + pupil distance and we like our headband better.

      • +1

        Yeah, did some reading on your forum.

        ColorCross = 34mm lens
        VRSmartView = 37mm lens

    • +2

      We don't want to give too much away on the Kickstarter just yet, its still in development.
      But I can say we have developed some unique integrated electronics not seen in any other design that will greatly enhance the viewing experience. We also have new low distortion, high FOV lenses that can be optimized to match the Smartphone screen size.

      • +2

        Sweet, post back in this deal when you go live, I'm interested.

  • +1

    What makes this "premium"? There are plenty of offerings that look premium and most are probably cheaper.

    I appreciate that it's Australian made but I can't see how this in any different to all of the other Google cardboard type devices.

    • -1

      Pretty sure you wont find a 37mm lens in cheaper models.

    • Hi Jimmej,
      Indeed our lenses are key, we use 37mm CR-39 low dispersion polymer with dual aspheric surfaces that greatly minimize distortions - far better than the smaller acrylic biconvex lenses found in most google cardboard models.
      Also the dual density padding is much more comfortable compared to the rubber padding found on the color cross.
      The body is made from an Australian made, high grade polypropylene that does not create stress fracture marks when bent.

      • The lenses in the Google Cardboard 2.0 models (a standard that this model does not even match) are also 37mm.

        • How much are Cardboard 2.0's? $20+ and they are made of cardboard.

          Cardboard 2.0's are a total rip off.

          These are made of plastic, lenses can be moved in/out, left/right for focus. These are superior to Cardboard 2.0.

          But i do think these are priced too high because of the thin plastic used. If they were made of solid ABS I would have bought one.

        • You do realise there's no one manufacturer of the Google Cardboard, and you're complaining bout something called Cardboard being cardboard.

          There will be plastic / high-quality 2.0 productions in the future, but this one is a sell-out of the 1.0 model.

        • +1

          @Sturmeh:

          Heh… I'm saying that the price tag for Cardboard 2.0 is insane and not worth even half of it.

          "The lenses in the Google Cardboard 2.0 models (a standard that this model does not even match) are also 37mm."

          What are you talking about? "A Standard that this model does not even match"? There are no magical fairies inside Cardboard 2.0 working tirelessly optimising your vision dude.

          You do realise besides Cardboard 2.0 having a 37mm lens and a conductive foam button to touch the screen, there is nothing new?

          This model is basically a better plastic Cardboard 2.0 version.

          Like I said before, this versions lenses can be moved for better focus depending on the size of your phone, Cardboard cannot.

  • +1

    What do you mean by "Requires Assembly" ? Is assembling it a complex process.. worth $10 ??

    • The VRSmartView comes originally as a DIY self assembly kit, it contains all the parts to make the headset.
      It is not complex and usually takes less than 10 minutes to assemble, we have an instructional video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8JNYM4jakg

    • +3

      A little feedback,

      I brought the last one, and I'd suggest paying the $10 for assembly.

      It was a little tough to put together, and the video demo guy has his hand's in the way of the action a lot of the time.

      I eventually did get it together, however it wasn't too sturdy and lopsided. I'd recommend paying the extra as it's super comfy and cool to use.

  • +1

    Deal me in, I just placed an order.

    Thankyou very much I've been interested in VR cardboard for a Oneplus1 but yours is A.Australian B.Quality and won the day. The controller will be handy too. Can't wait just to have a play, you've got a fair whack of content to play with too, that's a winner also.

    • Thanks for supporting us Cobrin! We hope you love it!

  • Is there any differences between this dev version and the final release product??

    • Hi Andy,
      This dev kit is our affordable (sub $60) product.
      The new version will be a completely different design, it will have integrated electronics and be injection cast molded. The new version will be positioned to compete with the top tier headsets in the $100-$200 price range.

  • +1

    +1 for being an aussie startup .

    • Cheers Twodogs!

  • +1

    I just cancelled an order to gearbest for a VR headset and placed an order to you.Hope the Dev kit is functionally same as your new version.

    • +1

      Thanks quiteguy! We hope you love your VRSmartView!

  • How do these things work on an older note 2 with only 1280x720 pixels? Is it still worth it or even possible?

    • Hi Talon,
      It will work, the VR apps track your head direction with the gyroscope.
      The resolution will be a bit on the low side with the Note 2 1280x720, however the experience will still work.

  • Rep can you please explain to me how this works? I have an iphone 6 plus. Can I use it as an external vr screen for gaming pc games through steam using this?

    • Hi Thinggy,
      Smartphone VR apps utilities the iphone6 motion sensors to track your head position.
      The apps display a stereoscopic side by side display (2 images, one for each eye).
      The headset allows your eyes to focus on the screen and perceive it as one 3D stereo image.
      At the moment we do not have a work flow for streaming PC games to an iphone 6, we are currently exploring developing a custom solution that will allow you to!

  • Yo OP, will it still work with older models such as iPhone 4/4S, Samsung Nexus S?

    • Hey,
      It will work, however due to the small screen size, it won't be as immersive as when using a larger phone.
      Also the resolution is quite low so expect to see a pronounced screen door effect.

  • Thinking of getting one of these for watching movies on the plane.

    How are they for long periods?

    • We had that use in mind when we designed the VRSmartView!
      For the price point we believe it delivers good comfort, however comfort is subjective and your experience on long term use may differ.
      If you want the very best in long term comfort you may be looking for a more expensive model like the Gear VR.

  • I'm certainly interested, however my phone is "only" an iPhone 5 (4" screen) - will this work with it in order to get it streaming from a PC? I reckon this could be a cheap way to upgrade my simracing rig.

    Edit: I'm not concerned about the streaming part (I have the Moonlight beta running on the phone), just the sizing issue.

    • It certainly will work with your iPhone 5, it's just that the screen display wont be as immersive and the resolution as high as the recommended iPhone6.

  • Hi Rep, I got a Nokia Lumia 1520, I am guessing it being over 5.7 ( 6 inches) won't be compatible ? Right

    • Hi,
      Unfortunately the 1520 will be too big :( our upcoming new version will support your phone though! Stay tuned for next month!

      • Thank you, will wait till next one comes out .hope you can throw similar deals then too.

  • Will this support windows phone?

  • Terrific VR headset, far superior to the throw-away Google Cardboard, at a great price. It's a local product and the guys at Phenomec provide top support.

  • Hi Rep, can this be used to watch normal YouTube on an iPhone or it can only be used with specific apps that are design for this device? Thanks.

    • Hi,
      There is some 3D content on YouTube that is already in the side-by-side format and thus you will not need an app to view these videos.
      Generally though, you will need an app that will convert the normal full screen YouTube format into a side-by-side format.
      We recommend Cmoar Cinema for iOS (https://itunes.apple.com/app/id998700838)

  • Looks good, but is it safe to have a phone up to your eyes for long periods of time?

    • +1

      We recommend avoiding extended use and taking frequent breaks.

    • Yes and no, as you are focusing off into infinity is isn't as bad as you would expect (it's not even uncomfortable).

      Yes as staring at any screen for extended periods of time is not a great idea.

  • +1

    Hey Rep, when are they likely to ship?

    • +1

      Yes.. I too have the same question.. Being an Australian business I expected a quick turn around time.

      • +1

        Mine just turned up in the post, so the order status of "Fulfillment Status: Processing" isn't up to date.

        • Apologies, All orders were shipped the next business day but our system did not update the status.

  • I just received an email not so long ago, that mine has been shipped 14th Aug, Ordered on 7th Aug. I was hoping (seeing as they're listed as being in the same state as me QLD) that I'd have it relatively quickly. It'll arrive when it arrives. lol

    • Hi Cobrin,
      Your order would have been shipped the next business day, so on Monday.
      Our system just did not update the status until today so apologies for the confusion.
      Being in QLD you should have received it by now, please PM me your contact details if it has not arrived today and i will follow it up for you.

  • If anyone else received an email that your order was shipped today, apologies we had a glitch in our status update, please know that your order was shipped the next business day after you ordered - with the majority of orders on Friday being sent out on Monday the 10th.
    The majority of packages should have been delivered by today - if anyone is still waiting on their package please PM me your contact details and I will follow it up for you.
    Apologies for the confusion this has caused!

  • +1

    LMAO, you're not gonna believe it….no more than 5mins ago it's arrived. Thanks Phenomec sorry to trouble you for no reason, indeed I have the whole weekend to play around and the kit is exactly what I had hoped for. I'm glad I didn't opt for cardboard versions.

    Now, I've gotz ta get back to assembly cause I'm keen as mustard to trip out for a bit.

    Double thumbs up!!!

  • In the assembly video, the lens holders flip direction between inserting the holders into the headset body and attaching the foam.

    Can you confirm the flat side of the lens faces the eyes, as per the bottom of this image?
    http://i.imgur.com/rqlb9DE.jpg

    • Yes indeed the flat side of the lens needs to face the eye.

      • +1

        Thanks. I've Had a potter around the solar system and floated in low Earth orbit for a spell.

  • +1

    love it…

    i thought at one point i'd never get an image you'd expect (decent/clear'ish/singular), but after re-doing the lens holder tabs facing forward, redoing the inner housing for a better 90deg cornering and trying to keep every surface flat and perfectly box like; i now have much better lens positioning and quite a wide view which is very pleasing.

    I've only checked out Cmoar Virtual Cinema and didn't get it setup right within the 2mins of free movie viewing, so I can's watch anything as I've wasted that time (heads up to anyone get it setup first). But you can see all around the room and operate the menus to get a feel.

    Unlock the World, it's a bit of a quick demo really the rollercoaster ride gives you a good insight of what to expect gfx wise, the remote worked well, just experiment with the remote people it' easy to get up to speed.

    Oh crap I've just realised I've set the dpi to 400 (slight mod to make things smaller on screen) and not the phones default 480, back to the other reality… ;)

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