Carl Zeiss has announced the VR One, which is the optics manufacturer's answer to Samsung's Gear VR . Similar to Samsung's offering, the VR One will require pairing with a smartphone. The $99 headset works with select Android (and iOS) smartphones with screen sizes varying from 4.7 inches to 5.2 inches (which rules out devices like the Galaxy Note 4 ), and is now available for pre-order.

Carl Zeiss mentions that it will sell unique trays for most compatible devices, which will allow that device to slot in perfectly into the VR One. The headset comes with one tray, with each additional tray retailing for $10. The first batch of trays are designed for the Galaxy S5 and the iPhone 6, although Carl Zeiss has mentioned that it working on bringing out trays for additional devices.

The VR One is built on an open-source platform, and while the base unit comes with a limited set of apps that allow you to view movies in 3D, browse through images, access Street View and interact with augmented reality, Carl Zeiss is offering an SDK to developers to build additional functionality to the headset. VR One is currently available for pre-order for $99, with the first batch of orders set to commence shipping by Christmas. Carl Zeiss is estimating a wider release sometime next year.

What do you guys think of Carl Zeiss' attempts with VR One? Any of you interested in pre-ordering one the headset?

Source: Carl Zeiss