When it comes to virtual reality implementation on smartphones, there are so many examples on Android platform including Samsung Gear VR, Xiaomi Mi VR, and Google’s own Daydream. The same case doesn’t apply to Windows 10 smartphones for the time being though but it seems that things might change soon.
Enter the new Windows 10-based Alcatel Idol 4S which is packed in a box that can transform into a virtual reality goggle that allows users to enjoy VR-oriented games and 360 degree contents. In case you feel that you might have heard of this smartphone before, you are right – it is indeed the same Idol 4S that Alcatel has announced back in February.
However, the hardware in the Windows 10-based model have been beefed up to Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB internal storage. Additionally, it also features higher-resolution rear camera sensor in the form of 21-megapixels Sony IMX230 alongside fingerprint sensor and the support for Continuum.
That being said, the native resolution of the 5.5-inch AMOLED display on Windows 10-based Idol 4S variant has been toned down to full HD instead of the Quad HD resolution that was featured on Android model. Meanwhile, the Windows 10 model still carries the 8-megapixels front camera and 3,000mAh battery from Android-based Idol 4S.
Priced at USD 469.99 (about RM 1,969), the Windows 10-based Idol 4S is only available in United States for now and given how Alcatel Mobile has been rather quiet in Malaysia as well as the general state of Windows 10 Mobile in our market, we don’t expect this smartphone to be made available here.
Nevertheless, the Windows 10-based Idol 4S comes at an interesting point where Microsoft is about to embark on a mission to make virtual reality more accessible to Windows PCs starting next year. Just that we didn’t expect the company would want to do so on mobile space too.
(Source: Windows Blog)
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