Doel VR: Virtual fun without smartphones
VR is slowly making it to the top in the next-generation video segment and many manufacturers are creating VR headsets so that users can consume VR content to its fullest. There are basic Google Cardboard-like VR goggles to the slightly advanced Samsung Gear VR-type with a Bluetooth remote controller. The Doel VR506 is basically a single unit VR entertainment device that does not need a smartphone to be attached in front of it.
It is a smartphone built right into the headset, with video playback and controls, but lacks the usual Android OS user interface and a SIM card option. However, it uses its own custom ROM, named Nibiru, built on top of Android.
The headset is firm and has a decent build quality. Adjustable elastic bands are placed for holding the headset over the top and around the head and are very comfortable. The headset has all its controls on the bottom consisting of controls such as home, back, power, and enters, and volume and previous/next buttons double as control keys for moving around the user interface. The right side of the headset has the micro USB port, a micro SD card slot and a headphone jack.
It features a 1.8GHz quad-core Rock chip RK 3288 fuelled by a 3500mAh battery and a 5inch HD display. In our tests we could pull around 5 hours maximum with movies streaming on Wi-Fi. You can switch the modes between VR and 3D depending on the content type. Apps installed sport various modes for photos and videos, and a built-in motion sensor helps with motion sensing in VR mode.
A few hours of using it and you can master the controls with ease. However, setting up the device initially was a bit of trouble as linking it to Wi-Fi and setting up accounts needs a keyboard and you only have the option of a D-pad controller to help you with the on-screen keyboard.
As for the experience, we had no much complaints. While the device was at par with what you would get from a regular VR headset and a smartphone, this one features a lower resolution. So if you are looking for a better resolution on VR, the Doel would not be recommended. However, if you are looking for an entrylevel VR headset which would leave your smartphone for other use, the Doel is good enough for you. The Doel VR506 3D is a great starter VR headset for a price of ` 7,999.