Step Into Virtual Reality with Speck’s Pocket-VR with CandyShell Grip
Virtual reality seems to be all the rage these days, and even iPhone users can get in on the fun thanks to Google Cardboard.
The app originally landed a little more than a year ago, and a number of compatible viewers hit the market soon after for Apple’s handset. But most take the cardboard name to heart and are made entirely from the flimsy material and aren’t exactly portable. Once you put many viewers together, they can’t broken apart.
The Product
The viewer can be used with the iPhone 6s/6/
But first announced back at CES 2016, Speck’s Pocket-VR with CandyShell Grip looks to provide a portable and more sturdy solution. Only compatible with the iPhone 6s/6, there are two different parts to the system. Along with the CandyShell Grip case, you’ll receive the viewer to place your phone.
The case’s best feature is the raised rubber ridges that help provide a non-slip grip when holding the iPhone. It adds only 0.16 inches of thickness to the handset and is made with an exterior layer that disperses impact and an interior layer for shock absorption. It’s definitely top-notch and one of the best iPhone cases on the market.
I was also really pleased with the viewer. It offers some interesting advantages compared to others on the market. It’s made with a high-quality material similar to the phone case and folds up when not in use. All of the phone’s functions, most importantly the volume buttons and headphone jack, are free to use while in the viewer.
When you are ready to enter the world of virtual reality, just start up the Google Cardboard app and place the protected handset it in the viewer. I really enjoyed the limited amount of content available on the app including the urban hike mode and kaleidoscope.
When not in use, the viewer can fold flat and is just a little bigger than the handset.
And just recently, the hugely popular YouTube app has also received a new update sure to please VR fans.
Starting with version 11.18, any video on the service can now be watched with a Google Cardboard VR device, including the Speck option. There is a growing number of 360-degree videos to view, but you can also see any video as well.
Viewing any normal content gives the feeling of being in a movie theatre but no the immersive VR experience.
Overall, I was pleased with Speck’s Pocket-VR with CandyShell Grip. While it’s more expensive than other viewers, it should definitely hold up while on the go, and the case is a big bonus.
Just to note, iPhone 6s/6 Plus users are out of luck as that handset is to big to fit in the viewer – even without any case. Also, the only way an iPhone 6s/6 fits into the viewer safely and securely is with the case.
Lots of great VR content
Another great source of videos
What's Hot
- Comes with an iPhone case.
- Google Cardboard compatible.
- Viewer is well made and folds flat when not in use.
- Lenses are protected from scratches when folded flat.
- Allows full access to screen and ports.
What's Not
- More expensive than other iPhone VR viewers.
- Not compatible with the iPhone 6s/6 Plus.
- Requires the iPhone case to use the viewer.
