I’ve heard about standalone Android virtual reality headset for a while, but so far I had never tried one, except using my phone with a cardboard kit, which was not such a good experience. So when GearBest asked me whether I want to try one of the Allwinner H8vr virtual reality kits, I thought it was a good idea, and today, I received VR SKY CX-V3 model. Today, I’ll just list the specs, check out the device and accessories, and report my first impressions, before posting a review about my experience in a few weeks.
VR SKY CX-V3 Virtual Reality Headset Specifications
While I would have preferred a 2K or greater display, CX-V3 includes a 1080p display, but that’s probably good enough for a first experience:
- SoC – Allwinner H8 octa core Cortex A7 processor @ up to 2.0 GHz with PowerVR SGX544 GPU
- System Memory – 2GB DDR3
- Storage – 16GB eMMC flash + micro SD slot
- Display – 5.5″ 1920×1080 resolution display up to 60 Hz
- Lenses
- 2x optical lenses
- Diameter – 43mm
- 90 to 110 degrees field of view (FOV)
- 64 mm IPD (interpupillary distance)
- Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0
- Audio Output – 3.5 mm audio jack for headphones
- USB – 1x micro USB 2.0 port, 1x USB 2.0 host port
- Sensors – 9-axis gyroscope
- Misc – Adjustable headband, touch panel, buttons (Back, volume, On/Off and “Nibiru”), and LED
- Battery – 4,000 mAh
- Dimensions – 18 x 13 x 10.30 cm
- Weight – 413 grams
The headset is said to run Android 5.1 with Nibiru.
VR SKY CX-V3 Unboxing
VR SKY CX-V3 comes in a black retail package with the tagline: “Another way to see the world”.
The basic specs are listed on the side of the package.
The headset is shipped with two straps for your head, a 5V/2A power supply and corresponding micro USB to USB cable, headphones, and VR SKY user manual, which for once I’ll probably have to read in details to understand how to use the kit.
There’s not much to see on the front of the headset, except VR SKY marking, and the three “hooks” for the straps.
One of the side have volume and back buttons, as well as a touchpad area that looks like a D-Pad, and used to browse in the virtual world.
Ports are located on the bottom of the headset with a firmware recovery pin hole, a micro SD slot, a 3.5mm audio jack for the headphones, a USB port, a micro USB port for charging, and a power LED.
The other side of the headset features the power and Nibiru buttons, with the latter used for system menu, brightness adjustment, and closing apps. This is what it looks like once you’ve installed the straps, connected the headphones, and ready to use.
You can also watch the unboxing video for a closer all-around look.
I did try it for a few minutes only as the battery was almost depleted, but you can move your head and press the touchpad to navigate the menus and typing with the virtual keyboard for example to input the WiFi password. There are also menus to access 360 deg. videos. It’s all fun, however I suffer from high myopia, over -7.00 diopters, and the result is that everything looks blurry, although readable. So I should either use contact lenses (which I hate), or find some alternative lenses matching my eyesight for a better experience.
I’m used to do tear-downs in my reviews, but my attempt at disassembling the unit was not successful, and after slightly breaking the foam cover, I decided to stop….
The only thing I could remove were the lenses, so at least they are easily replaceable… Maybe I can find something to match my eyesight.
I’d like to thank GearBest again for sending this unit for review, and they offer VR SKY CX-V3 for $123.07 shipped [Update: LHSKY coupon brings the price down to 117.74$]. The device is also sold on DealExtreme, eBay, Aliexpress, and GeekBuying for various prices.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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