The Zeiss VR One Plus Headset is a passive virtual reality headset with a solid build for your iOS or Android smartphone. It’s a nice upgrade from your Google VR cardboard headset and supports larger format smartphones from 4.7″ to 5.5″.
The VR One Plus is basically Google VR Cardboard, but a nice one. The unit looks polished with a premium feel and is very comfortable to wear. The fit is a bit top heavy depending on what device you have inside the tray, however they’re all like that to a degree. There’s some good cardboard content out there so get viewing, it’s pretty cool. Great for 360 video and augmented reality maybe even some 1st person quad-copter flights.
The Fit
Velcro adjustable extra strap attaches to the left and right side of the unit. The strap is extra wide for a nice snug but comfortable fit. An extra over-the-head adjustable non-stretchy thinner strap about an inch in width stabilizes the unit on your noggin.
Against the face is a 3-layer foam cushion that seems quite durable and comfortable. It’s removable and attached by Velcro but sits flush. We’re able to comfortably use the VR One Plus with glasses on, no problems there really.
Specs
The VR One Plus measures 5.6 x 3.9 x 7.3 inches and weighs 1.4 lbs with no device in it. Included is the VR One Plus unit which includes the universal tray, 2 straps, manual and a package of wet screen wipes. There is no integrated button or controller included but a Magnetic Controller is offered as a separate purchase.
The universal tray supports smartphones with 4.7″ to 5.5″ screens. The rear firing camera and anything else located near that end of the phone will be on the only thing exposed on that side. Insert the top of your phone into the plastic receptical area and a foam square provides force in the opposite direction once you pin down your phone and slide the tray closed. Then simply center your device. Forget about using any concave devices as they will not fit in the tray.
The VR One Plus was developed to support the larger form factor devices however larger devices like LG’s V20/V10 and Samsung’s Galaxy S8/S7/S7 edge, they just won’t fit. Galaxy S5/S6, iPhone 6/6s/7/7s fit without issue. Zeiss offers free downloadable CAD files for phone specific trays if you have a 3D printer handy. CADs available for S6 edge, LG G3, HTC One M8, Galaxy S4, Xperia Z3, Nexus 5.
You will be unable to access the volume rocker and power button if you have side mounted buttons. Top and bottom remain relatively clear of obstructions for access to power and headphone ports.
The VR One Plus is made very well with a premium feel. You can take the device apart so you can clean both sides of the glass lenses and put it back together so you’d never notice. Puts back solid.
The Experience
The lenses provides approximately 100 degrees Field of View. The imagery is crisp and clear however does give a bit of a fishbowl experience until you get a little used to it. Initially we got some headaches like when you first wear glasses and it can be a little disorienting. Once we got used to the unit a bit more it gets better but as with any vr headset you should limit your time and take breaks often.
There’s a lack of any mechanical adjustment for interpupillary distance or IPD. The specially designed “eye-box” supports a wide IPD 53 – 77mm and works well enough with glasses.
The passive VR experience is a varied one and will ultimately be determined by the content you are viewing. There’s a handful of good Free VR experiences out there but you’ll run into some “that’s it?” moments no doubt. That said, paid content can be much more immersive and entertaining experience.
With passive VR there’s limited interactivity, hence the name but it will save you some time and/or neck pain by using the magnetic controller. Unfortunately it’s not included with the main unit but it’s certainly cheap enough if you’re going to make the purchase for the VR One Plus.
A good portion of content can be viewing virtual environments and VR video. Being able to pan around up/down/left/right/front/back is pretty cool. Playing games can be fun, but you might find yourself slingin your head around like a lunatic. It can be dizzying.
Wrap up
The Zeiss VR One Plus supports phones 4.7″ to 5.5″ with it’s removable universal tray. An optional Magnetic Controller is available. No IPD adjustments available but the eye-box design provides good general coverage for typical Interpupillary Distance. It’s got solid build quality and room enough to comfortably wear glasses underneath. The combined MSRP is a bit lofty but can be found less expensive online.
Zeiss VR ONE Plus Headset $129.00
Magnetic Controller $12.90