LG HMD Prototype
Remember the LG VR 360? No? It doesn't matter: the new LG VR prototype looks worlds better. It's based on the same technology as the HTC Vive, and it's got some cool additions too. Let's take a peek at what's new.
LG HMD Prototype
First off, the design has a very PlayStation VR-esque feel, with a comfy padded headband and a screen you can pull in and out instead of strapping it against your face.
LG HMD Prototype
Also, you can flip up the whole front of the headset quickly -- it snaps into place -- if you need to get back to the real world.
LG HMD Prototype
Like the Vive, LG's headset uses Valve's Lighthouse base stations, which house spinning laser emitters that sweep the room and land on the optical sensors built into the headset and controllers. That's how they know where they are, so you can walk around the room.
LG HMD Prototype
But with LG's headset, some of those sensors are behind mostly opaque plastic, so it doesn't look like the headset is peppered with holes.
LG HMD Prototype
Here are the new controllers. Updates include a slightly better grip, slightly different positions for the buttons, a second program-dependent app button, and what LG claims is slightly better tracking.
LG HMD Prototype
The controllers' curve reminds me of a Star Trek: The Next Generation phaser. Thus this photo.
LG HMD Prototype
Here's a picture of the full setup.
LG HMD Prototype
The headset uses a standard USB-C cable to connect to its breakout box, which in turn connects to your gaming PC.
LG HMD Prototype
Here's the breakout box -- not it has a DisplayPort video input, instead of HDMI.
LG HMD Prototype
The LG HMD Prototype's comfy head padding. Look familiar?
LG HMD Prototype
Here's the padding on the back portion.
LG HMD Prototype
There's a camera in the front of this prototype, but it's not yet turned on.
LG HMD Prototype
Right now, there aren't any integrated headphones, but there's a built in 3.5mm headset jack inside the headband, on the right.
LG HMD Prototype
The whole demo room.
LG HMD Prototype
One last picture of our LG VR experience.