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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“however I suffer from high myopia, over -7.00 diopters, and the result is that everything looks blurry”
may I suggest you a laser eye surgery (Lasik)?
these days it is almost a 100% risk free procedure.
J.
Did you try one day contact lenses? Personally, I like them very much, though I need a bit weaker (-5).
@JotaMG
My eye doctor advised against it because I have high myopia.
What I am really interested in is how it compares with the GearVR.
@Anton Fosselius
No GearVR, and no Samsung phone here…
I ordered it 2 weeks ago. Paid $99 and it seems to be cheapest VR AIO solution. Perfect for watching 3D movies and for Cardboard games.
-7.00 dioptres is just near the limit, but it may change from person to person, it really depends on the eyes parameters, for instance, the corneal thickness is also very important.
You will not lose if you hear more doctors opinions.
I’ve tried it with glasses finally, and while it’s a bit tight, it’s perfectly usable.
I have received this VR set. For $99 it is very good bargain. Don’t expect high performance but for 360 deg photos/videos, 2D/3D movies (on virtual private big screen) it is superb! Most cardboard games work fine too. I recorded short video on my channel and will test it more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dckNQaakR14
@cbm80
It works, but 1080p that close feels like SD quality, at least with the videos provided in Nibiru.
And when you move you headset inside the user interface, it’s not always that smooth.
cnxsoft: This is because with 1920×1080 LCD you have only 960×540 available per eye in desktop/video mode or full half of screen 960×1080 in VR mode. For HD and FHD movies you loose resolution of course but it is still acceptable. Even 2K screens gives only 30% of resolution gain – so it is not noticeable but the price of such VR headsets are ridiculous. Only 4k LCD would help – full 1920×1080 per eye and 1920×2160 in VR mode. It is good alternative for people who don’t want to use their FHD smartphones and it is even cheaper than most 5.5″ 1080p phones.
Here I can also connect 2.5″ portable disk drive and watch SBS 3D movies directly. It’s a pity that built-in video app doesn’t support Samba. However I installed Kodi and it works – even in 3D movie mode!
@cbm80
Have you tried YouTube? I can’t switch to VR mode like on my phone…
I’ve connected a USB keyboard to the headset. Typing with head movement on soft keyboard is a total pain.
My brother got me the vr all in one headset,and while at first i was enchanted,never having had vr before,i soon discovered that typing with the directional system was tedious and there are almost no games worth playing on the system.My wife,with a child like mind and still able to have fun,enjoyed the few games available.I recommend the system for children,save the safety issues inherent to children.