The LG G3 will come with a free virtual reality headset

Mobile VR is a big thing now, with the likes of Google Cardboard and Samsung’s Gear VR already available for the masses. LG is the next company to jump onto the bandwagon, and has announced that everyone who buys the LG G3 smartphone will also receive a free virtual reality headset.

The new headset isn’t anywhere near as advanced as the Gear VR, and LG has revealed that it’s based on Google Cardboard. This makes it compatible with the existing Cardboard app and software, and means that the headset is open for developers to tinker and play around with. The only major difference, really, is that it’s been made professionally and has been specifically designed for use with the G3.

The promotion will be rolling out in ‘select markets’, but LG hasn’t said which markets will be receiving the headset. I imagine South Korea and the USA will be amongst them, and hopefully the UK and the rest of Europe will be as well.

It’s a great idea though, and with virtual reality picking up traction there aren’t many reasons why manufacturers can’t start shipping cheaper VR headsets with their phones. Gizmodo is of the opinion that if a phone is going to come with accessories like earphones then it might as well come with VR as well, even if it’s just a cheap cardboard one.

The LG G3 is already on sale, and the VR for G3 promotion will start rolling out later this month.