Europe’s fastest-growing VR startup pushes mobile VR further at CES

French startup Homido went all-in on smartphone-based VR—and it paid off with over 100k headsets sold and every indication of a bright future. At CES, the company shows off its Homido and Homido mini headsets, making its first major debut in the United S

LAS VEGAS,(12 Jan 2016)

Billions of the world’s smartphone owners are already 90% of the way to owning a VR headset. With a computer, a display and motion tracking technology already at hand, all that’s left are lenses and something to put it on your face.

This approach to VR made startup Homido among the top players in the European VR scene, with over 100,000 units sold in 50 countries. At CES 2016, Homido VR introduced its present and future products to an American audience, demonstrating that quality VR experiences can still be had at the sub-$100 range. The company aims to reproduce its European success in the United States.

Homido currently offers two VR headsets: The Homido and Homido “mini.” Both work by inserting any iOS/Android phone and give access to 1,000+ VR apps and games. The original Homido launched in late 2014 and gives every bit of comfort as the most expensive headsets for only $79.99.

Homido “mini” launched on December 16, and can fold up to fit in your pocket easier than your car keys. Mini’s portability, durability and affordability make VR more approachable for consumers and businesses alike. 

Homido also created the Homido Center app, which curates the best VR apps on a weekly basis, and makes it easy to search for VR apps new and old through its categories and recommendations.

Homido’s next product, the Homido V2, carries new and improved features from the original, including more comfortable face contacts, a capacitive button similar to Google Cardboard, better image adjustments and a frame that centers your phone into the optimal position on its own. It’s also designed to better support the new iPhone 6+, which is otherwise difficult to support due to its size.

“When Oculus first made its debut, we realized that most of a VR headset was already in everyone’s pocket,” says Raphael Seghier, co-founder of Homido. “So why make them buy all that equipment again, when all they need are the frame and lenses? Using smartphones for VR just makes sense.” 

Launching around the same time as Google Cardboard, Homido and Google both brought the barrier to entry for consumer VR down to nearly anyone, at different but both reasonable price points. The success of the first headset has allowed Homido to expand into more aspects of phone-based VR, such as the mini and the Homido Center.

The original Homido is available for $79.99/€69.99, and Homido mini is available for $14.99/€14.99, both from the Homido website and other retailers including Amazon.com. The Homido Center app is free from Google Play or the App Store.

They are currently exhibiting at CES 2016 in LVCC South Hall booth #26232. For more information, contact Chris Orris at 1 (630) 294-6645 or chris@oxygen-pr.com, or visit the company press kit.

About Homido: Homido was founded by three entrepreneurs with experience across many countries and companies: Mathieu Parmantier, CEO, Raphael Seghier, manager of marketing and partnerships, and Scarlett Chen, production manager. Knowing that the computers and displays needed for VR already existed in billions of pockets worldwide, the company launched their eponymous Homido headset in 2014 to make VR enjoyable, yet affordable, for any smartphone owner. Their original headset has since sold 100,000 units in over 50 countries.