Above text is translated from Russian.

When it comes to virtual reality and Microsoft, most people think of HoloLens, even though that device is what the company calls “mixed reality”. But, it looks like Microsoft is set to take on Google’s Cardboard with their own virtual reality box called VR Kit.

Spotted on a website to promote a hackathon in Russia, Microsoft is trying to attract developers to an upcoming hackathon that will use the company’s VR-Kits. As you can see in the image at the top of this post, the kit works by inserting your Lumia into a cardboard box and then holding it to your face.

The event is being held on October 17th and Microsoft is promoting the event by saying that ideas that are “successful”, according to the translation, the team will be given a VR-Kit so they can keep building their application.

The hackathon will feature three categories for game, education and best corporate apps; a winner in each category will be selected at the event.

Seeing as the boxes are only made of cardboard, it wouldn’t be surprising to see if Microsoft releases the design for free much like Google did.

If you are interested in participating, you can find the signup page, here (Russian).

Tagged with VR Kit