From InfoWorld: Today, a robust, VR-capable smartphone could cost you more than $500. But a new GPU from ARM could make VR a default feature in low-cost handsets by 2018.
ARM's Mali-G51 GPU is targeted toward budget smartphones and has the horsepower to handle VR applications. It can bring VR to mainstream handsets priced around $200.
Today, 4K and virtual reality are mostly limited to high-end handsets like Samsung's Galaxy S7, which allows users to hook up to a VR headset to roam virtual worlds.
Google's DayDream VR system will initially come to some high-end smartphones, but ARM's Mali G-51 could bring that technology to low-end handsets. DayDream requires handsets to include specific features to be VR compatible.
The ARM GPU could also be used directly in stand-alone VR headsets, much like Allwinner's H8VR chipset. The low-cost VR headset is booming, with many models being made by small Chinese companies.
The Mali G-51 is designed to operate within the limited size and power constraints of a smartphone. It won't match the experience of an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, which need to be paired with some of the most powerful PC GPUs from Nvidia or AMD.
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