• Review of virtual reality glasses Xiaomi Mi VR Glasses Black. Review of the Xiaomi Mi VR Headset virtual reality helmet Application for xiaomi vr glasses

    Virtual reality has become so close to us that everyone can touch it. Xiaomi also decided to contribute to the development of VR technologies, making them as accessible as possible. As a result, Mi VR Play virtual reality glasses appeared on the market.

    Equipment

    The delivery package for the Mi VR Play helmet is as simple as possible to keep the price of the gadget as low as possible. Therefore, in addition to the helmet, the package contains a special head mount and documentation. That's it, there's nothing more.

    Design

    Xiaomi Mi VR Play virtual reality glasses are made of soft material with a large selection of colors. The basic version of the helmet is presented in black with the Mi logo.

    On the front of the Mi VR Play there is a compartment for a smartphone, which is closed with a zipper and a double lock. The rest of the helmet consists of nylon straps that hold the gadget on the user's head.

    The "size" of the helmet can be adjusted manually. The only functional detail in the helmet is the control button in the upper right corner.

    The helmet weighs very little and does not create a feeling of discomfort after long use. This is very important when compared with other similar VR headsets.

    How does Xiaomi Mi VR Play work?

    The virtual helmet itself cannot work in any way - for this you will need a compatible smartphone with a screen diagonal of 4.7 - 5.7 inches. If you happen to have just such a phone at hand, then you can install a special Google Cardboard application on it - this is the most accessible way to touch virtual reality, or search for 3D videos on the Internet.

    The smartphone must be carefully secured in the compartment on the helmet, but very precisely - exactly in the center. The screen will be divided into two parts - right and left, and the lens system will allow you to see a stereo image, that is, an ordinary 3D image.

    In general, in the domestic market, smartphones are released without pre-installed Google services, which is why Xiaomi released a separate application for its Mi VR Play helmet. You can download the standard Google Cardboard from the Google Play Store. There is also a small selection of games and programs specifically for VR gadgets. If you have the desire, you can arrange a virtual trip around Europe and visit the most interesting places in the largest cities - all you need to do is open the Google Earth service.

    YouTube has been adding videos with a full “immersive effect” for several years now. It looks incredibly colorful and impressive. You can look around you and practically attend a concert of your favorite band live.

    Results

    The Xiaomi Mi VR Play helmet was just Xiaomi's first small step in the virtual entertainment market. Unfortunately, there is not yet enough high-quality content for such devices, but now almost everyone can turn their smartphone into a “door to a new world.”

    Mi VR is an application for watching videos using virtual reality glasses.

    Purpose

    The development of VR technologies has ceased to be an attribute of science fiction books - now anyone who has purchased a special helmet can move into virtual reality. Mi VR is an “accompanying” program for the helmet of the same name from Xiaomi.

    The application provides playback of not only videos “tailored” for VR, but also the ability to work with third-party software. Using Mi VR, you can launch educational or entertainment projects. The toolkit allows you to launch local and online videos, work with programs and sort materials by name, time added, size or folders.

    Interface and settings

    The client has a laconic interface that is not overloaded with unnecessary elements. There aren't very many settings in the menu either. Available options include activating pop-up notifications and selecting positioning options. In addition, it is possible to update the firmware of the glasses. For these purposes, the application even provides a convenient step-by-step wizard.

    Compatibility

    Mi VR is used to organize viewing of videos through virtual reality glasses. Unfortunately, the application only works “paired” with Xiaomi Mi VR. There is no point in downloading the app without purchasing said helmet.

    Key Features

    • transforms video for playback in a VR helmet;
    • classifies materials into thematic folders;
    • supports viewing in offline and online modes;
    • works exclusively with the Xiaomi Mi VR helmet;
    • supports all current versions of the Android operating system;
    • distributed completely free of charge;
    • provides work with third-party VR applications;
    • has a simple and intuitive interface.


    The technology of the 21st century is considered to be virtual or augmented reality. The development of this industry began with the recent entry into the market of virtual reality glasses. Prototypes of such devices have existed for a very long time, but these newfangled gadgets began to be produced for the general public and on such a scale only a few years ago. And at the beginning of 2017, Xiaomi presented its third virtual reality glasses, which function only with a smartphone, as a result of which they have a low cost and expanded capabilities for use. Next, you will find out what special Chinese engineers have prepared for their fans, and decide whether it’s worth buying Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses at all.

    Appearance and equipment of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses

    Compared to the previous model in the line, Mi VR Play 2 has undergone significant changes in its appearance. The first thing that catches your eye is the change in shape - while the first model had rectangular contours, the new product in question has become much more streamlined, with a clearly defined oval eyepiece. The absence of a sloppy zipper for opening the smartphone case also did not go unnoticed. The changes affected the materials used to manufacture the case. The new model uses a special soft fabric “Dragon Armor”, which includes:

    1. Thermoplastic ABS+PC.
    2. EVA polymer rubber.
    3. Eco-friendly and pleasant to the touch cotton.
    This combination of materials, unlike the previous model, makes the glasses fit more comfortable. There are no more awkward adjustment clasps, but comfortable nylon ties instead. In places where hard plastic would bother the user, there are now moisture-absorbing foam pads, and the entire body is very harmoniously covered with cationic-coated polyester to achieve comfortable use.

    Xiaomi tried to make their gadget as user-friendly as possible and, theoretically, implemented everything correctly, but, unfortunately, in some places they apparently made mistakes in the calculations, as a result of which the device turned out not as convenient as it should have been, but we’ll talk about that later . In general, Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 is simply an externally modified version of the previous generation of glasses, which has received virtually no technical updates.

    Most of the shortcomings of the previous model were in appearance and, it would seem, Xiaomi did a great job to correct them, but what do we see if we look at the PlayStation VR? We see that the design of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 was completely copied from them, no matter how regrettable it may sound. Whether this is the idea of ​​a giant company or just an unsuccessfully chosen model for a copy of the exterior, we will never know, so there is nothing to judge here, let’s move on. The dimensions of the glasses are: 129x191x120 mm, and weight 183 grams

    The dimensions are quite standard and allow you to fit a smartphone with a screen diagonal from 4.7 to 5.7 inches. The device is available in a pleasant-looking gray color. Those who have previously used virtual reality glasses may be interested in the location of the external control interfaces. And, oddly enough, the device is equipped with only one button that serves to open the compartment for the smartphone, and it is located on the top end, closer to the left side of the device.

    For those who are reading a review of a gadget of this class for the first time, this may come as an unexpected turn and a little clarity should be provided here. The fact is that virtual reality glasses operating via a smartphone, where the intermediary device acts as a signal source, do not require independent hardware. All that is required from such glasses is high-quality lenses that support the screen resolution of your smartphone, and a comfortable fit on the head.

    Along with the glasses themselves, the kit comes with very few extras:

    • strap;
    • Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 instructions;
    • remote control.
    And here many, looking at the above, may be confused by the presence of a remote control in the kit. We hasten to note that glasses paired with a smartphone work through a special VR Play application, with the help of which the phone switches to 3D mode, synchronizes devices, and you can download various films and games in 360 degrees. The remote control itself is used for convenience, when the smartphone is inserted into the glasses, so as not to take it out every time, you can perform some actions using the remote control.

    VR glasses Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2: review of capabilities


    For those readers who still do not understand the essence and beauty of the device, we should take a short excursion into the topic. Today, at the time of the rapid development of virtual and augmented realities, as a separate direction in the gadget production industry, users have to consider buying (mainly) 2 types of devices - these are stand-alone augmented reality glasses and virtual reality glasses, which the reviewed device belongs to. .

    The first belong to the class of more technologically advanced devices and, accordingly, cost much more, up to an increase in cost by several tens of times in comparison with glasses of the second type. And all because they allow the user to integrate some virtual elements into their surrounding world - just like in a computer game. If you are interested in this, it is better to read about these devices separately. The model we are considering refers to virtual reality glasses. They, as mentioned above, work in conjunction with a smartphone by directly integrating it into a specially designed compartment located directly in the case. What does this give the user?

    1. The ability to watch movies with immersive and 3D effects.
    2. The ability to play games that use 360 ​​degree graphics.
    3. The ability to fully watch video works shot with a 360-degree camera.
    To make it clearer what happens when you watch, for example, a 360-degree video in such glasses, it is better, of course, to try it yourself in a store, since it is almost impossible to convey these sensations in words. Simply put, there is a partial integration of the viewer into the video or game. By turning their head from side to side, a character in a game or a viewer in a video will also turn, as if looking around, horizontally or vertically.

    It should be remembered that their full functioning is only possible if the smartphone used in conjunction with the gadget supports VR mode. The screen is divided into two parts, respectively for each eye. In movies and games downloaded from the VR Play application, as well as in YouTube and some other applications, this function is built in from the very beginning. But with other applications, a problem may arise at the stage of synchronizing the application with a smartphone. Be sure to check the supported devices in the specifications of virtual reality glasses when choosing a model.

    Technical characteristics of VR glasses Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2


    The modern model of VR glasses from Xiaomi was created to achieve maximum comfort for users. Following this principle, the gadget was equipped with:
    • aspherical lenses;
    • IMAX 3D technology;
    • the ability to wear virtual reality glasses over regular glasses;
    • ventilation holes for cooling the smartphone;
    • automatic recognition of video format.
    Going point by point, some additions should be made. Aspherical lenses are implemented here for the highest quality image transmission and to be able to integrate IMAX 3D technology. Those who have been to the cinema with similar technology must have been interested in how this technology works for the Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses. Let us clarify that, of course, it is not the same as in a cinema - you will not feel such close contact with objects of a film, video or game. But, nevertheless, the technology implemented in the glasses contributes to the creation of a “presence effect”, as if bringing the elements of what is happening a little closer to you and slightly exaggerating some of them.

    The ability to wear virtual reality glasses over regular glasses is also more of a way to popularize the manufacturer’s brand, although there are a lot of pitfalls here. The fact is that you won’t be able to wear the Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 with all the glasses, but only a few at all to make it comfortable. To do this, you need to wear small glasses, with thin temples and, preferably, slight distortion, otherwise the image transmission will be reduced.

    The ventilation holes for cooling the smartphone are not well thought out here, which will be discussed in the next section. But recognizing the video format automatically is something that Xiaomi should be praised for. It’s really convenient and pleasant; you don’t need to go through the settings again to select the optimal video quality. As you can see, this model undoubtedly has advantages, but there are also a lot of disadvantages, and some features that should have been advantages actually turn out to be disadvantages.

    Cons of VR glasses Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2


    The first drawback that I would like to note is those very ventilation holes. So let's say, if you are the owner of a smartphone with good performance, this is not a problem. But for users whose mobile devices are subject to excessive heating, even under everyday loads, this state of affairs may be a reason to refuse to use VR glasses. When the smartphone heats up, it is difficult to spend more than 20 minutes wearing glasses, it becomes very hot, the ventilation holes cannot cope and this “virtual reality” turns into a bathhouse, in the literal sense.

    As for the other disadvantages of these glasses, they include:

    1. Inconvenient fastening system. Nylon puffs, designed to replace the inconvenient rubber ones in the previous version, only partially coped with their task. Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 does not have a third strip of straps, which used to go straight over the head and create discomfort, but instead the tightening has become more inconvenient to adjust - they press the glasses too tightly against the face, which, coupled with the second minus in the list, causes a terrible sensation.
    2. Uncomfortable plastic nose shape. Literally, after 15 minutes of such use, especially if you have an unusual face shape, attention in itself is focused not on the film, but on the nose, eyebrows, and all those places that the glasses touch when they fit.
    3. Inability to install smartphones with a display diagonal larger than 5.7 inches. Also, if you are the owner of a smartphone with a screen diagonal of more than 5.7 inches, Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 is not for you, but you can pay attention to other models of VR glasses from other manufacturers.
    4. Unsightly appearance of the device when the smartphone is inserted. Due to the reduction in the size of the glasses compared to the previous model in the line, smartphones stick out very sloppily from the compartment, thereby spoiling the entire futuristic appearance of the gadget.

    Image quality of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses


    Since the glasses have been on the market for several months now, we had the opportunity to test them in practice. And the way they work in real conditions is the great advantage of this model, as a product from China. Contrary to the widespread stereotype about the quality of Chinese products, which, by the way, is no longer relevant, very good lenses are used here, giving us exactly what a device of this class is bought for, namely, a magnificent picture with rich color reproduction up to FHD ( 1920x1080) resolution. The broadcast image via Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 can be briefly described as follows:
    1. Unlike many other competing models, there are no visible seams in the image and no distortion at the edges of the lenses.
    2. All colors are rich and rich, ambient light does not affect the quality of the picture in any way, since the smartphone fits tightly to the glasses, and they, in turn, to the face.
    3. There is no distortion of shapes when using IMAX 3D technology.
    In general, everything is good, but there is one drawback related specifically to image quality. If you've ever seen a 360-degree panoramic photo taken on a cheap camera, you probably understand that it can be quite difficult to make out the elements. Or, if you have tried to watch a 360-degree video not in 4K quality, but in FHD, then you understand that the picture looks completely different. And the maximum resolution supported by the glasses is 1920x1080 pixels. This means that the quality of 360 video will be low and this is almost a fatal disadvantage of the Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 glasses.

    Overall, if you've never experienced virtual reality, this article can give you a basic idea of ​​what to expect and what to look for when choosing VR headsets. Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 can become either the first gadget of this class in the home, or it can replace an outdated model - for this, the model has all the necessary qualities!

    The price of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 in Russia is from 1600 rubles. And here is a video review of the device:

    New material – glasses are 30 g lighter

    The complete improvement of the Xiaomi VR Play 2 virtual reality glasses, including the external design, has allowed the glasses to take on a more futuristic look. Thanks to the use of a new material - polyester with a cationic coating, as well as exceptionally precise workmanship, the total weight of the glasses has been reduced to 183 g, making wearing glasses easier and more comfortable.

    The best of all content

    Diverse, constantly updated genres and types of videos: full-length 3D, videos of concerts and competitions. IDG Arts VR, Youku VR, Whaley VR – content from all major video portals is at your service! Even more exclusive applications and games are waiting for you!

    Huge 3D screen

    Will provide new sensations Now, to watch a 3D movie, you don’t need to run to the cinema - to do this, you just need to turn on the 3D mode in the Xiaomi VR Play 2 virtual reality glasses. Open the Xiaomi VR APP to watch the movie - and you will be taken to the cinema. 9 different modes to choose from, a personal cinema at your service!

    Improved immersion effect

    Aspherical lenses with ultra-small permissible deviation, increased image clarity The permissible deviation between the curvature of lenses A and B of the Xiaomi VR Play 2 virtual reality glasses is less than 0.01mm (about 1/7 of the diameter of a human hair). The precision of the lenses of the glasses guarantees the clarity of the VR image and its reality.

    Completely updated interface

    Now “interesting” is not the only selection criterion. The system-level user interface has a more “caring” display feature. A lot of different popular videos have been added, and their division has been implemented more clearly. The interface resembles the interior of a home, creating an incredibly realistic 3D environment.

    Anytime, anywhere, in any mood

    Using glasses is actually very simple. Who said that virtual reality glasses can only be used at home or in a hardware store? Smartphone, VR glasses - and you are ready for a spontaneous trip! Lying down, sitting, standing, in a coffee shop, office, canteen, airplane - improving a gadget involves improving its use.

    Mars is actually not that far away

    Expand your child's field of vision The Xiaomi VR app has a huge number of panoramic educational films on astrology, biology and other sciences. As soon as the child puts on the glasses, Mars, the Moon and other places where we have not been will immediately be at arm's length, and the three-dimensional image will improve understanding and deepen the impressions of the knowledge gained. A small step forward – expand your child’s horizons!

    Each improvement consists of details

    New look: Curved, futuristic body fits better to your face.
    New material: Polyester with cationic coating provides comfortable wearing.
    New way: opening slot for smartphone, easy insertion and removal.
    New experience: soft and close fit to the face, improved immersion effect.
    Xiaomi VR Play 2 virtual reality glasses are a combined embodiment of industrial and handmade craftsmanship. An ordinary electrical appliance, but to a greater extent – ​​a skillfully made toy.

    Xiaomi Mi VR Android Description

    Xiaomi Mi VR application puts virtual reality on your smartphone. Xiaomi Mi VR application helps you launch your favorite VR experiences, discover new apps, and set up a viewer.

    New experience with Mi VR Glasses. Mi VR Glasses is a new high-quality format of video viewing that exceeds all expectations. Get amazing emotions and a new image perception experience with any smartphone with a diagonal screen ranging from 4.7 to 5.7 inches. The surface of Mi VR Glasses is made of lycra, so they are extremely pleasant to the skin. Together with an innovative design, it makes watching 3D videos very comfortable, no matter how long it last.

    High-quality volumetric image. Virtual reality is a great way to expand your boundaries. This modern device from Xiaomi is able to take you to a completely new environment and help to escape from the surrounding reality, wherever you are. Put on the glasses, look around and assess the situation - what do you see in front of your eyes? Perhaps it is a sandy beach and endless sea, snow-capped mountain peaks or tropical forests? Panoramic videos or images allow you to consider all the details - by raising or lowering the head, you can explore these beautiful landscapes from all directions.

    Additional reality. With Mi VR Glasses you do not need to search for a nearby cinema, just find a good quality video, grab your favorite earphones, put on a headset and arrange a movie night at your home! Your living room will turn into your personal cinema and a new fascinating world will be opened to you.

    User-friendly interface. For a comfortable immersion into an alternate reality, Mi VR Glasses have a thought-out design, as well as a specially developed 3D APP interface. Most operations, such as video switching, require just a head movement. After placing the smartphone in a specially designed compartment, you will not need to extract it for each operation and interrupt the journey.


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