# Smartphone-Focused VR Headsets The Microsoft VR Kit Could Be a Google Cardboard Competitor By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2015-09-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-vr-kit References: [geeky-gadgets](http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/microsoft-virtual-reality-kit-unveiled-as-possible-competitor-to-google-cardboard-28-09-2015/) & [contests.techdays.ru](https://contests.techdays.ru/microsoftvrkit/hackathon/) Google Cardboard has changed the way that we think about virtual reality, and we might just be getting a glimpse into what one of its competitors is planning next with the Microsoft VR Kit. Designed and created for a hackathon that is taking place in Russia in October, the Microsoft VR Kit is designed to use a smartphone just like the Google Cardboard yet is currently only available for coders to use. While the release of the Microsoft VR Kit only hints at what we might be seeing in the consumer market in the near future, it's clear that with the success of Google Cardboard that the computing giant is eager to catch up to the search engine giant. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smartphone-focused VR Headsets:** The Microsoft VR Kit is a smartphone-focused VR headset that could compete with Google Cardboard. - **Consumer Market for VR Headsets:** The release of the Microsoft VR Kit hints at the potential growth and demand for VR headsets in the consumer market. - **Competition in the VR Headset Industry:** The Microsoft VR Kit shows that there is strong competition in the VR headset industry as companies try to catch up with Google Cardboard. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** The technology industry is at the forefront of developing VR headsets like the Microsoft VR Kit. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can leverage smartphone-focused VR headsets to provide immersive experiences to consumers. - **Gaming:** Smartphone-focused VR headsets like the Microsoft VR Kit have the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry by offering a more immersive gameplay experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Multimodal AI Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/android-xr.md) - [Goggle-Shaped VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/htc-2.md) - [Mixed Reality Headset Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-for-dream.md) - [Accessible Comfort-Focused VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-quest-3.md) - [Collaborative XR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-xr-headset.md) - [Wireless Portable VR Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vive-focus-3.md) - [Ski Goggle-Inspired AR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-iris.md) - [Interactive AI Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-xr.md) - [Digital Professional VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-vr-headset.md)