It is believed that the technology of the 21st century is virtual or augmented reality. The development of this industry began with the recent entry into the market of virtual reality glasses. Prototypes of such devices have existed for a very long time, but for the general public and on such a scale, these newfangled gadgets began to be produced only a few years ago. And at the beginning of 2017, Xiaomi introduced its third virtual reality glasses, which function only with a smartphone, as a result of which they have a low cost and advanced features for use. Next, you will find out what special Chinese engineers have prepared for their fans, and decide whether it is worth buying Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses at all.

Appearance and equipment of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses

Compared to the previous model of the line, Mi VR Play 2 has undergone significant changes in its appearance. First of all, the change in shape catches the eye - if the first model had rectangular contours, then the novelty in question has become much more streamlined, with a clearly defined oval eyepiece. Also, the absence of a sloppy zipper for opening a case for a smartphone did not go unnoticed. The changes affected the materials for the manufacture of the case. The new model uses a special soft fabric "Dragon Armor", which includes:

1. Thermoplastic ABS+PC.
2. EVA polymer rubber.
3. Eco-friendly and pleasant to the touch cotton.

This combination of materials, unlike the previous model, makes the fit of the glasses more comfortable. There are no more awkward adjustment buckles, instead using comfortable nylon drawstrings. Moisture-wicking foam pads are now placed where the hard plastic would have been in the way for the user, and the entire body is very harmoniously wrapped in cationic-coated polyester to achieve comfortable use.

Xiaomi tried to make their gadget as user-friendly as possible and, theoretically, implemented everything correctly, but, unfortunately, in some places, apparently, they made a mistake in the calculations, as a result of which the device turned out to be not as convenient as it should be, but we will talk about this later . In general, Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 is just an externally modified version of the previous generation of glasses, which received almost no technical updates.

Most of the shortcomings of the previous model were precisely in appearance and it would seem that Xiaomi did their best to fix them, but what do we see if we look at the PlayStation VR? We see that the design of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 was completely copied from them, no matter how regrettable it may sound. What is it - the idea of ​​a giant company or just an unsuccessfully chosen model for a copy of the exterior, we will never know, so there is nothing to judge here, let's move on. The dimensions of the glasses are: 129x191x120 mm, and the weight is 183 grams

The dimensions are quite standard and allow you to place a smartphone with a screen diagonal of 4.7 to 5.7 inches. The device is available in a pleasant-looking gray color. Those who have previously used virtual reality glasses may be interested in the location of external control interfaces. And, oddly enough, the device is equipped with only one button that serves to open the smartphone compartment, and it is located on the upper end, closer to the left side of the device.

For those who are reading a review of a gadget of this class for the first time, this may be an unexpected turn and a little clarity should be made here. The fact is that virtual reality glasses that operate via a smartphone, where it is the intermediary device that acts as a signal source, do not need independent hardware. All that is required of such glasses is high-quality lenses that support the screen resolution of your smartphone and a comfortable fit on your head.

Along with the glasses themselves, there are quite a few extras in the kit:

• strap;
• manual Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2;
• remote control.

And here many, looking at the above, may be confused by the presence of a remote control in the kit. We hasten to note that the glasses paired with a smartphone work through a special VR Play application, with the help of which the phone switches to 3D mode, devices are synchronized, you can download various films and games in 360 degrees. The remote control itself is used for convenience, when the smartphone is inserted into the glasses, so as not to get it every time, with the help of the remote control, you can perform some actions.

Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses: features overview

For those readers who still do not understand what the essence and beauty of the device is, a short excursion into the topic should be made. Today, at the time of the rapid development of virtual and augmented reality, as a separate area in the gadget manufacturing industry, users have to consider buying (mainly) 2 types of devices - these are standalone augmented reality glasses and virtual reality glasses, which include the monitored device .

The former belong to the class of more technologically advanced devices and, accordingly, cost much more, up to several tens of times more expensive than glasses of the second type. And all because they allow the user to integrate some elements of the virtual into their surrounding world - just like in a computer game. If you are interested, it is better to read about these devices separately. The model we are considering refers to virtual reality glasses. They, as mentioned above, work in conjunction with a smartphone by directly integrating it into a specially designed compartment located right in the case. What does this give the user?

1. The ability to watch movies with immersive effect and 3D effect.
2. The ability to play games that use 360-degree graphics.
3. The ability to fully watch video work captured on a 360-degree camera.

To make it clearer what happens when you watch, for example, a 360-degree video with such glasses, it is better, of course, to try it out on yourself in the store, since it is almost impossible to convey these feelings in words. Simply put, there is a partial integration of the viewer into the video or game. By turning his head from side to side, the character in the game or the viewer in the video will also turn, as if looking around, horizontally or vertically.

It should be remembered that their full functioning is possible only if the smartphone used in conjunction with the gadget supports VR mode. The screen is then divided into two parts, respectively for each eye. Movies and games downloaded from the VR Play app, as well as YouTube and some other apps, have this feature built in from the start. But with other applications, a problem may arise at the stage of synchronizing the application with a smartphone. Be sure to refer to the supported devices in the specifications of virtual reality glasses when choosing a model.

Specifications of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses

The modern model of VR glasses from Xiaomi is designed to achieve maximum comfort for users. Following this principle, the gadget was equipped with:

• aspherical lenses;
• IMAX 3D technology;
• the ability to wear virtual reality glasses over regular glasses;
• ventilation holes for cooling the smartphone;
• automatic video format recognition.

Going through the points, some additions should be made. Aspheric lenses are implemented here for the highest quality image transmission and to be able to integrate IMAX 3D technology. Those who have been to the cinema with this technology must have been interested in how this technology works for the Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses. We clarify that, of course, it is not like in the cinema - you will not feel such close contact with movie, video or game objects. But, nevertheless, the technology implemented in the glasses contributes to the creation of the “presence effect”, as if bringing the elements of what is happening a little closer to you and slightly hypertrophying some of them.

The ability to wear virtual reality glasses over regular glasses also refers more to the way the manufacturer brand is popularized, although there are a lot of pitfalls here. The fact is that not with all the glasses you can put on Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2, but in order to be comfortable - in general with units. To do this, you need to wear small glasses, with thin temples and, preferably, a slight distortion, otherwise the transmission of the picture is reduced.

The ventilation holes for cooling the smartphone are not well thought out here, which will be discussed in the next section. But recognition of the video format automatically is what Xiaomi should be praised for. It is really convenient and pleasant, you do not need to go through the settings once again to select the optimal video quality. As you can see, this model undoubtedly has advantages, but there are also enough disadvantages, and some chips that should have been advantages turn out to be disadvantages.

Cons of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses

The first drawback that I want to note is the same ventilation holes. So let's say if you are the owner of a smartphone with good performance, this is not a problem. But for users whose mobile devices are prone to excessive heat, even under daily loads, this state of affairs may be a reason to stop using VR glasses. When the smartphone is heated, it is difficult to wear glasses for more than 20 minutes, it becomes very hot, the ventilation holes cannot cope, and such a “virtual reality” turns into a bath, literally.

As for the other disadvantages of these glasses, they include:

1. Inconvenient mounting system. The nylon drawstrings, designed to replace the uncomfortable rubber-like ones in the previous version, did only part of the job. In Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2, there is no third strip of straps, which used to go right over the head and create discomfort, but instead, the puffs have become more inconvenient to adjust - they press the glasses too hard to the face, which, coupled with the second minus in the list, causes terrible sensations.
2. Uncomfortable plastic nose. Literally, after 15 minutes of such use, especially if you have an extraordinary face shape, attention in itself is focused not on the film, but on the nose, eyebrows and all those places that the glasses touch when they fit.
3. The inability to install smartphones with a display diagonal of more than 5.7 inches. Also, if you are the owner of a smartphone with a screen diagonal of more than 5.7 inches, Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 is not for you, but you can pay attention to other models of VR glasses from other manufacturers.
4. Ugly appearance of the device, subject to the inserted smartphone. Due to the reduction in the size of glasses in comparison with the previous model of the line, smartphones stick out of the compartment very sloppily, thereby spoiling the entire futuristic appearance of the gadget.

Image quality of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses

Since the glasses have been on the market for more than a month, we had the opportunity to test them in practice. And the way they work in real conditions is a great advantage of this model, as a product from China. Contrary to the common stereotype about the quality of Chinese products, which, by the way, has not been relevant for a long time, very good lenses are used here, giving us exactly what a device of this class is bought for, namely, an excellent picture with rich color reproduction up to FHD ( 1920x1080) resolutions. The broadcast image through Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 can be briefly described as follows:

1. Unlike many other models of competitors, there are no “seams” in the image and there is no distortion at the edges of the lenses.
2. All colors are saturated and juicy, the ambient light does not affect the picture quality in any way, since the smartphone fits snugly to the glasses, and they, in turn, to the face.
3. There is no shape distortion when using IMAX 3D technology.

In general, everything is fine, but there is one drawback related specifically to image quality. If you've ever seen a 360-degree panoramic photo taken with a cheap camera, you probably understand that it's quite difficult to make out the elements there. Or, if you tried to watch a 360-degree video not in 4K quality, but in FHD, then you understand that the picture looks completely different. And the maximum resolution supported by glasses is just 1920x1080 pixels. This means that the quality of the 360 ​​video will be at a low level and this is almost a fatal minus of the Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 glasses.

All in all, if you've never experienced VR before, this article can give you a basic idea of ​​what to expect and what to look out for when choosing VR glasses. Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 can become both the first gadget of this class in the house, and come to replace an outdated model - for this, the model has all the necessary qualities!

The price of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 in Russia is from 1600 rubles. And here is a video review of the device:

New material - glasses feel 30 g lighter

The complete improvement of the Xiaomi VR Play 2 virtual reality glasses, including the external design, allowed the glasses to acquire a more futuristic look. Through the use of a new material - polyester with a cationic coating, as well as exceptionally precise workmanship, the total weight of the glasses has been reduced to 183 g, making wearing glasses easier and more comfortable.

Best of all content

Diverse, constantly updated genres and types of video: full-length 3D, videos of concerts and competitions. IDG Arts VR, Youku VR, Whaley VR - the content of all major video portals is at your service! More exclusive apps and games are waiting for you!

Huge 3D screen

It will provide a new experience Now you don’t need to run to the cinema to watch a 3D movie - you just need to turn on the 3D mode in the Xiaomi VR Play 2 virtual reality glasses. Open the Xiaomi VR APP to watch the movie and you will be taken to the cinema. 9 different modes to choose from, personal cinema at your service!

Improved "immersion" effect

Ultra-low tolerance aspherical lens, enhanced image clarity The tolerance between the A and B lens curvature of the Xiaomi VR Play 2 virtual reality glasses is less than 0.01mm (about 1/7 of the diameter of a human hair). The precision of the lenses of the goggles guarantees the clarity of the VR image and its reality.

Completely updated interface

Now "interesting" is not the only selection criterion The system-level user interface has a more "caring" display feature. Many different popular videos have been added, its division has been implemented more clearly. The interface is like a home interior, creating an incredibly realistic 3D environment.

Anytime, Anywhere, Any Mood

The glasses are actually very easy to use. Who said that virtual reality glasses can only be used at home or in a hardware store? Smartphone, VR glasses - and you are ready for a spontaneous journey! Lying, sitting, standing, in a coffee shop, office, dining room, airplane - improving the gadget involves improving its use.

Mars is actually not that far away.

Expand your child's field of vision Xiaomi VR app has a huge number of panoramic educational films on astrology, biology and other sciences. As soon as the child puts on the glasses, Mars, the Moon and other places where we have not been will immediately be at arm's length, and the three-dimensional image will improve understanding and deepen the impressions of the knowledge gained. A small step forward - expand your child's horizons!

Every improvement is made up of details

New look: Curved futuristic body fits better to the face.
New material: polyester with cationic coating provides comfortable wearing.
New way: opening smartphone slot, easy insertion and removal.
New experience: soft and snug fit to the face, improved "immersion" effect.
Xiaomi VR Play 2 virtual reality glasses are the combined embodiment of industrial and manual craftsmanship. An ordinary electrical appliance, but to a greater extent - a masterfully made toy.

Xiaomi company tries itself in many modern IT directions. For example, the manufacturer has recently caught the trend for virtual reality and has already released two products on this topic: budget virtual reality glasses Mi VR Glasses Toy Edition and a more expensive virtual reality helmet Mi VR Headset. In this review, we will talk about the first Xiaomi VR glasses, test them and determine the strengths and weaknesses.

Video review

Specifications

• type - virtual reality glasses
• dimensions 201×107×91 mm
• weight 209 grams
• body materials plastic and nylon
• compatible with smartphones 4.7-5.7 inches
• body color - black

Contents of delivery

Xiaomi VR Glasses come in a black oblong box with a red inscription in Chinese. Inside is the helmet itself, as well as user instructions and Velcro head mounts. At the very beginning of the review, it is worth noting that such a set costs about $15 in China and belongs to the section of budget VR boxes. So the packaging and delivery are good enough for their price.

Case design and materials

Before us is a classic box, like a cardboard one, only it is made of more reliable materials and equipped with a head mount, now you don’t need to hold it with your hands. The official name of the device is Xiaomi Mi VR Play(Toy Edition). This gadget has a plastic frame with glass optical lenses, as well as a fabric coating. On the front there is a pocket with two locks for a smartphone. Even on the body you can find three plastic holes for attaching the holder's harnesses to the head, as well as one control key on the right.

We reviewed the most basic black VR box, but Xiaomi also offers various colors, from women's pink to youth denim. The gadget has a simple design, but everything is done very high quality and reliable. The part that is worn on the face has a softer coating than the top.

Smartphone compatibility

Xiaomi Mi VR Glasses are suitable for all Android, Windows and iOS smartphones with a display diagonal from 4.7 inches to 5.7 inches. Pay attention to this, because if the iPhone 7 Plus with a 5.5-inch diagonal fits into a helmet without any problems, like Xiaomi Mi5, then the Mi Max/Mix with a 6.4-inch screen will not be able to work correctly with VR glasses.

According to personal feelings, 5.5-inch smartphones work best with the accessory. For example, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 phone is ideal for Mi VR Glasses, the main testing was carried out with his participation.

Principle of operation

Xiaomi VR helmet is a passive device, it has no battery or electronics inside. Required to work smartphone only with a suitable screen size, as well as special software and content. The principle of operation is simple - the phone screen is divided into two halves and each displays its own part of the image. With the help of optical lenses and our brain, the picture is summed up and feels like three-dimensional.

How to set up and use

With the help of virtual reality glasses, you can watch 3D videos and films, panoramic videos on YouTube, play simple VR games, as well as watch various educational materials and use augmented reality applications.

To get started, try installing the CardBoard app on your Android smartphone from Google Play. It is more understandable than the original Chinese VR App. Try the demo and you will immediately understand what Xiaomi VR glasses are capable of. Alas, while there is very little worthwhile content for virtual reality.

The Android app store has some good VR and augmented reality games. Some require a joystick, so the Xiaomi GamePad will come in handy. The helmet recognizes not only head movements, but also jumping and walking in place in some toys. Below is a list of the most interesting VR games according to Galagram:

• Zombie Shooter VR
• Sharks VR
• House of Terror VR (horror)
• VR Traffic Bike Racer
• VR X-Racer - Aero Racing Games
• Jurassic VR

Sometimes it happens that the picture starts to tremble in your glasses. There are two explanations for this - either a strong shaking of the helmet, or the quality of the content. Take off your glasses and check if the image on your smartphone screen is shaking.

Usage Feedback

Personally, I liked this device, but it does not bring anything new to the industry, except for the fact that this is the first Xiaomi device for virtual reality. I liked the comfortable fastening with the possibility of adjusting the straps for yourself. When properly installed, the helmet practically does not cause discomfort during use. The key on the box body can act as an additional control element in games.

As for personal sensations, at first the vestibular apparatus in the body poorly understands digital 3D reality and you may feel a little sick and nauseous. But over time, you get used to it and these unpleasant sensations disappear.

I would also like to say that at first the helmet is very addictive, the virtual world is interesting and looks no worse than the real one. After about two weeks, the helmet gradually begins to bother. But the point here is not at all in him, but rather in the lack of proper VR content: new films, high-quality games and other things.

Where could I buy

Whether it is worth buying this device is a personal matter for everyone. If you really want to experience the "virtual world" - then Mi VR Glasses can be your first guide to it. Moreover, the novelty is worth up to 15 dollars in Chinese stores. Below are links to trusted stores where you can order glasses.

For those users who are ready to appreciate all the possibilities of virtual worlds, Xiaomi has developed the second version of Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 glasses, which have serious differences from Xiaomi Mi VR Play, which is the first modification of the device. To connect and configure this device, you will need quite a bit of time, as well as a phone. Please note that the smartphone must operate on the basis of Android or iOS operating systems. At the same time, their version must be at least 4.1.

Now let's study the compatibility of Xiaomi VR Play 2 with phones, taking into account their diagonal. According to the manufacturer, a mobile device can be placed inside the device, the diagonal of which varies between 4.7-5.7 inches.

How to connect Xiaomi VR Play 2: instructions for users

The first step is to download the application developed by Xiaomi. To do this, you need to go to the App Store or Play Store and enter the abbreviation "VR" into the search engine. Once the application is found, download it and activate the installation process, which will take a couple of minutes.

Glasses are delivered in a cardboard box. Near the lenses you will see sheets of cardboard that protect them from scratches and damage during transportation. Delete them as they are no longer needed.

While it is loading, you will have time to install the smartphone inside the glasses. For this, a special mount is provided. The installation process should take place in such a way that the exact center of the fixed device is between the lenses.

Having completed these manipulations, it remains only to attach the headband strap that comes with the kit to the appropriate mounts. As evidenced by reviews of Xiaomi VR Play 2, this design does not cause the slightest discomfort and is practically not felt even when worn for a long time.

How to use Xiaomi virtual reality glasses?

As in the previous version of Xiaomi VR glasses, you need to rotate your head to immerse yourself in the virtual world. At the top of the case is a button that you need to use when confirming the selection actions in the programs.

You cannot change the quality of the resulting image on your own, because it is determined by the technical characteristics of the installed phone, as well as the quality of the graphics of a particular application.

* Recommended to upload a 720*312 image as the cover image

Article Description

The Xiaomi MI VR 2 virtual reality helmet looks so attractive and stylish in appearance that when we first saw it, we decided that it would be ours. The device resembles the Samsung Gear VR with built-in position sensors. This is quite a worthy analogue, of good quality and is inexpensive. It is worth noting that there is another version of the Xiaomi Mi VR Play 2 VR glasses. Package contents When the package arrived, we knew in advance that we would receive an understaffed device. The box contained the helmet itself, instruction manual and remote control. We ordered other additional elements, as well as a headset, separately. Appearance By design, Xiaomi MI VR 2 virtual glasses are almost identical to Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation VR, so much so that they can be confused. In general, the helmet looks impressive and harmonious. The case of the device is framed by snow-white plastic, pleasant to the touch. And black inserts create the highest degree of contrast and at the same time perfect harmony, pleasing to the eye. From the inside, the product is finished with a soft moisture-absorbing fabric, which, firstly, creates comfort for the head when wearing a helmet, and secondly, removes the discomfort that occurs during use due to sweating. Absolutely nothing special we noticed in the remote control, by the way, also white. On its body, except for two buttons and an additional touchpad, there is nothing else. And everything is fine, if not for one "but". Since one of us wears glasses, we found this design flaw in the VR 2 helmet almost immediately. As it turned out, this model of a virtual reality device is completely unsuitable for people with poor eyesight, who, perhaps, do not sleep with glasses. The design features of Xiaomi do not make it possible to wear a helmet at the same time as glasses. All other parameters fully satisfy all the needs of the user. Features The undeniable advantage of the Xiaomi MI VR 2 helmet over its competitors lies in its technical characteristics, which are one level higher. The VR helmet weighs only 408 grams despite the fact that its lenses have a viewing angle of 103 degrees. A high-quality 9-axis gyroscope provides positioning, as a result we get an accurate fixation of each turn of the head and avoid errors. We cannot remain silent about one more point related to the interface for connecting the device to a smartphone. For this purpose, the Xiaomi MI VR 2 virtual reality helmet provides USB Type-C, which significantly reduces the number of mobile phones with which the helmet is compatible and can work. As a result of the incompatibility of the VR helmet with many smartphones, it makes sense to purchase a device only for owners of the latest Xiaomi models that have USB Type-C. Others simply won't be able to connect it to their mobile devices. Software The software, frankly, disappointed us. Manufacturers cheated and clearly did not finalize it. We used the recommended Mi VR application and downloaded it from the Play Market to the new Xiaomi smartphone. As it turned out, it is almost impossible to work with it, since it is only available in Chinese. We found on the site and downloaded the Russian-language version of the w3bsit3-dns.com application, but this did not help us much either, since only the basic menu was translated in it. Accordingly, without a qualified translation, all other features of the device remained inaccessible to us. Another obvious shortcoming of Mi VR 2 we found when we tried to run the game on a VR helmet. At best, it is played with failures, at worst, it does not turn on at all. And we're not the only ones who noticed it. Customer reviews indicate that almost every one of them faced a similar problem. For some, the application was incompatible with the firmware on the phone, for someone it hung, there are those who did not manage to connect to the helmet server at all. And this is not just a small flaw, but a real disaster. And there is no other choice but to rely on the conscience of the developers. Perhaps they will fix this problem after all. Well, at least with films and videos, such difficulties do not arise. And if you plan to use the device only for such purposes, then the difficulties described above will not affect you. You can safely download different videos from the Internet, the device will play them without the slightest imperfection. We have seen this personally. In each case, the image was smooth, did not ripple or twitch. Also note that when connected to a smartphone, Mi VR 2 starts automatically. This is a big plus, since now you do not need to take additional steps to launch the application. It's not a huge achievement, but it's a welcome addition. Ergonomic Issues We hoped software issues would be the last we'd have to deal with. But it was not there. The list of unpleasant moments continued with poorly adjusted lens focusing. We tried to somehow adjust the focus, but it constantly went astray. Because of this, the image was blurry, and other problems arose in parallel. And the last thing I want to complain about is the mount for a mobile device. Although it allows you to firmly fix the smartphone, however, there is a big risk that either the phone or the helmet may be scratched during installation. At the same time, caution will definitely not be superfluous.SpecificationsColorWhite with black insertsDevice weight408 gramsConnectionUSB, Wi-Fi, BluetoothViewing angle103 degreesConclusions Xiaomi MI VR 2 virtual helmet has a number of advantages, including an attractive design, decent quality lenses and the body itself, the accuracy of the gyroscope and an additional remote control . At the same time, one cannot ignore those shortcomings that greatly complicate the work with a helmet: a mount that can scratch both devices, defocusing lenses, disgusting software designed for a narrow range of mobile devices. As a result, we got an ambiguous picture. There was an impression that the company was in a hurry to release this model as soon as possible, so they focused on the visual component of the device, but did not pay due attention to its software part. Therefore, after weighing all the pros and cons, we can say that it is better to buy Xiaomi MI VR 2 virtual glasses for those who are the happy owners of top Xiaomi smartphones equipped with a USB Type-C interface. A source