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The Alternative Realities of Our Time

Freefly VR is a VR headset created by Proteus VR Labs, a company recently founded in 2013. Freefly VR is a virtual reality headset for smartphones and a competitor to devices such as Oculus Rift, Hololens, or HTC Vive. Freefly VR is a device that allows users to experience virtual reality through music videos, games, and movies that can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store. This article will be a Freefly VR review.

Freefly VR Features

Freefly VR and controller

  • Freefly VR has 120° field of view.
  • Has the Glide VR controller that works with a wide array of games.
  • Has an ergonomic design for comfortable usage.
  • Has a 42 mm lenses for a wide level of immersion.
  • Has a lightweight design. Freefly VR only weighs 12 ounces.
  • The coating of Freefly VR is anti-fog.
  • The thickness of the phone is between 6 and 13 mm.
  • The Freefly VR device headset contains soft faux-leather for additional comfort
  • The device has a 1-click quick open system for easy use
  • Freefly VR devices is adjustable from 4.7 to 6.1 inches to allow the use of iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 7, Samsung S3, S4, S5, S6, and Samsung Note 3 & 4. Most other smartphones will work, and the information in this article should be considered accurate for most smartphones from this Freefly VR review.

The Good

  • One of the best features of Freefly VR is the lightness of the headset. The headset is extremely light and won’t pull a user’s face down during use. The lightness of Freefly VR makes the device good for extended periods of use.
  • Freefly, along with being light, is also extremely comfortable as the device has a leather-like padding all around the headset making use of the device much more comfortable than devices with just foam or plastic.
  • Another great feature of Freefly is the 120-degree field of view that is as good as the best VR devices currently available for mobile phones. Instead of just looking through pinholes like in some VR devices, a user will be able to keep themselves within the field of view and experience.
  • Another positive to mention in this Freefly VR review is the price. Freefly VR has a price that is generally less expensive than Oculus Rift, Hololens, and HTC Vive. Freefly VR is in the middle of the range in terms of price for VR devices; however, Freefly VR has most of the same features as the Oculus Rift, Hololens, and HTC Vive.
  • Freefly VR does not require a computer or any additional expensive equipment to run. If a user wants to have an excellent experience with Oculus Rift, the user would need to pay for an expensive computer system. Without a computer, the Oculus Rift is useless. Freefly VR only needs itself and a mobile phone to operate.
  • Freefly VR comes with excellent packaging that makes carrying the device anywhere easy. Freefly VR comes with a case, documentation, and a remote. These items make bringing and using the Freefly VR easy.

Freefly VR goggles

The Bad

  • Freefly VR can bother a user’s eyes if the user uses Freefly VR for a long period of time. Also, there are no physical adjustments for the lens making obtaining an optimum focus difficult. There is no adjustable Interpupillary distance (IPD) or Focal length. One user created a Freefly VR review that mentioned that Freefly VR made him dizzy from use.
  • Firefly VR’s resolution is not as good as Oculus Rift. One user created a Freefly VR review that stated he did not think the resolution was good enough for long-term use.
  • Another problem with Firefly VR is that functionality on iOS devices is somewhat limited. There have also been some compatibility issues with upgrades in iOS.
  • Even though Firefly VR does have many of the features of other more expensive VR headsets, Firefly VR is not leading in implementing new VR technology. Firefly VR is not augmented reality/mixed reality capable.

About the Freefly VR Headset

Design

Freefly VR has excellent design and is much studier than many other VR headsets. Freefly VR is also much more comfortable to wear than many other headsets. Freefly VR is comfortable enough that the company actually encourages users to wear the headset in bed.

The Freefly VR headset is designed to grip a mobile phone inside of the device so that there is no chance of the phone falling out. There is a foam bed for the mobile phone so that the phone will not be scratched. There is a way to pull the power-cord out of the device so that the device can easily be kept charged.

Visual Performance

There is a lot of controversy when speaking about the visual performance of Freefly VR. Compared to Oculus Rift, there are some weaknesses. However, considering the cost, Freefly VR performs quite well to similarly priced devices and also to older VR devices. Visual performance in VR devices is rapidly improving. For 2017, Freefly VR provides good value in visual performance.

Audio Performance

Freefly VR does not have an included audio system. Proteus VR Labs recommends using noise cancelling headphones while using Freefly VR.

Controller

Freely VR generally comes with a Glide controller. The Glide controller allows users to easily jump, shoot, and move in virtual worlds. Each Freefly VR review is different; however, most users think the glide controller adds a good amount to the virtual experience.

Summing Up

This Freely VR Review shows how Freely VR provides a great amount of value for the money. For a user that wants an easy way to use VR with his or her phone, Freely VR is a good choice. If a user wants the best experience, the Oculus Rift is a better but more expensive choice.