Skip to main content

Noon VR: Another smartphone-based VR headset enters the fray

NOON VR Official Introduction
When it comes to standalone virtual reality headsets, the Valve HTC Vive and Oculus Rift are the first two that come to mind for most people. A bit less talked about are the more affordable smartphone-based headsets, and in that space Google Cardboard and Samsung’s Gear VR are the big players. However, Seoul, South Korea-based NextCore Corporation is looking to enter that crowded market with the introduction of its Noon VR headset, featuring a competitive $89 price tag.

For VR programs, the team behind Noon VR is partnering with Koom VR, a VR distribution service. Users can use this service to share their own VR creations and download and watch the work of others. The app is available on both iOS and Android, which offers the service and accompanying headset to a wide range of smartphone owners. The content is video-based, and currently there are approximately 1,000 pieces of content available.

NoonVR1

The app can be controlled in a number of ways including head movements, finger tap gestures, and eye gaze tracking, which means users have plenty of options for working within the app and choosing the VR experience that suits their tastes.

Apple and Android devices between 4.7 and 5.5 inches will fit into the headset. This means phones like the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S6 and plenty of other devices will slot right in and work.

Some other notable features of the actual hardware include vents for keeping fog out, a velcro strap that goes around and above the user’s head for stability, and a 95-degree viewing angle that creators promise will not cause eye strain. Once the phone is locked in with the elastic band docking system, there’s a plastic cover that goes over it to keep dust out while the device is in use.

NoonFeatures

The headset is available right now from Amazon for the aforementioned $89 price. It’s entering a growing and very competitive market, so it will be interesting to see how it works its way into the space as we venture forward into the VR era.

Editors' Recommendations

Dave LeClair
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Dave LeClair has been writing about tech and gaming since 2007. He's covered events, hosted podcasts, created videos, and…
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest Pro: How will Apple stack up?
Apple Vision Pro has a digital crown just like the Apple Watch.

Apple's new Vision Pro is more than triple the price of Meta's premium VR headset, the Quest Pro. Is the Vision Pro really worth the extra expense, or will you be just as happy with a Quest Pro and thousands of dollars left in your pocket? You might be surprised at the answer.

Quality is a great way to justify a high price. Meta and Apple each boast advanced designs, better displays, fast performance, and greater comfort than mainstream headsets. When comparing which is the best VR headset, you should consider all of these details. Which aspects are most important depends on how you anticipate using the device.

Read more
Apple Vision Pro raises the bar (and price) of AR headsets
A person wearing Apple's Vision Pro headset.

Apple announced its first XR headset, the Vision Pro, at WWDC 2023. This begins a new era of augmented and virtual reality hardware for the company, which has captured the lead in many other consumer electronics categories started by other manufacturers. What Apple adds to the equation is style, integration, and the overall thoughtfulness that comes from patient deliberation.

After years of rumors, the Vision Pro is finally here. Here's what we know so far.

Read more
Meta Quest 3 is official, but Apple is waiting in the wings
Meta Quest 3 shown with its controllers.

Meta Quest 3 with its new controllers. Meta

We finally got an official look at the upcoming Quest 3 VR headset at Meta's gaming showcase. Meta's newest budget headset isn't shipping yet, but we gleaned a few details to whet your appetite.

Read more