# Smartphone-Free VR Consoles The Pockulus Headset is Designed to Make VR Technology More Accessible By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-04-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pockulus References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2016/04/this-is-what-affordable-virtual-reality-look-like.html) & [pockulus.getchip](http://pockulus.getchip.com/) While [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-glasses) Cardboard gives consumers an inexpensive way to access VR content, a new device called Pockulus is taking a different approach to the goal of democratizing virtual reality. Unlike other VR headsets, the Pockulus console is packaged as a [tiny circuit board](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokepad) called CHIP. Those who want to use the mini computer then need to print the accompanying headset to complete the set. While this process may seem tedious, the idea is that CHIP serves in the place of a smartphone so that users can enjoy a phone-free VR experience. This is not only a less expensive option, but is also allows users to create a headset that is perfectly tailored to fit their head. The [DIY VR console](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/computerbased-vr-headsets) ultimately empowers users to create their own VR experience, while simultaneously making the technology more affordable. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **DIY VR:** The rise of DIY VR kits is creating opportunities for smaller tech companies to enter the market by providing consumers affordable and customizable VR experiences. - **Smartphone-free VR:** Smartphone-free VR solutions are opening the door to creating more immersive and high-quality VR experiences that do not require the processing power of a smartphone. - **Printable VR:** The emergence of printable VR headsets presents an opportunity for 3D printer manufacturers to expand their reach by providing consumers with cost-effective and customizable VR solutions. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can leverage printable VR technology and DIY kits to develop and market cost-effective and customizable VR products, or integrate these features into existing products. - **VR/AR Content Creation:** The VR/AR content creation industry can benefit from smartphone-free VR technology by developing content optimized for low-power processing, providing immersive experiences accessible to a broader user base. - **Educational Technology:** The educational technology industry can leverage DIY VR kits to develop VR content that is tailored to specific curricula, providing a cost-effective and immersive alternative to STEM education programs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wooden Retro-Style VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stereoscopic-display-system.md) - [3D-Printed VR Headset Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/0-vr-headset.md) - [Onboard Computer VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simula-one-virtual-reality-headset.md) - [Cardboard-Made Holographic Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-holographic-display.md) - [Accessible PCVR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pimax-crystal-light.md) - [Accessible Comfort-Focused VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-quest-3.md) - [Lightweight VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-vr-headset.md) - [Healthy Lifestyle VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portalverse-vr-headset.md) - [Metaverse Entertainment Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pimax-portal.md)