Nokia may be about to unveil its own virtual reality platform next week at a VIP event in Los Angeles, according to Re/code, making it the latest in a number of companies to join the VR market.
The project, which was first reported in April, would represent Nokia’s biggest consumer hardware launch since Microsoft bought the company’s phone business two years ago. The Finnish firm will likely be hoping that a VR platform will help reestablish its position as a major player in the world of consumer technology.
The unit behind the rumored device, Nokia Technologies, was also responsible for the Android-powered N1 tablet in November. The division recently hinted it may start selling smartphone designs in 2016 and said it is also involved in a range of software projects, such as the predictive Nokia Z Android app launcher.
Releasing a virtual reality headset would put Nokia in competition with some of the biggest names in the industry; Microsoft, Google, Sony, Samsung, HTC, Valve and Facebook, who paid $2 billion for Oculus VR last year, have all entered the VR arena.
The potential virtual reality device is not the only subject expected to be discussed at Nokia’s July 28 event; other topics likely to be covered include the company’s reported sale of Here maps to three big German auto manufacturers for $2.7 billion, its $16.6 billion acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent, and the rumored partnership with Chinese consumer electronics company Meizu.
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