Microsoft may be gearing up to enter the virtual reality space with VR Kit, a Lumia-powered alternative to Google's low-cost Cardboard VR headset.
"Spotted on a website to promote a hackathon in Russia, Microsoft is trying to attract developers to an upcoming hackathon that will use the company's VR kits," tech news site Thurrot said.
The promotion in question has since been taken down but reportedly, developers who have "successful" ideas will be given a VR Kit to build their game, education of corporate app.
"Images on the site of people wearing a brightly-colored box holding a phone before their eyes prompted intense speculation that Microsoft is launching a competitor to Google Cardboard," according to PC World.
Per the website, the box is contoured along the top and bottom to hold a smartphone in front of a user's face. A large cutout for a smartphone's camera along with a colorful design can be seen on the back. As it's a Microsoft product, VR Kit is expected to work with a Lumia phone in place of Cardboard's Android phones.
The hackathon's website said the event will take place in Moscow on Oct. 17. But as PC World noted, Microsoft "has a much higher profile event scheduled for Oct. 6" where it's expected to launch new range-toping Lumia smartphones, the 950 and 950XL, and the Surface 4 tablet.
"The choice of imagery for the hackathon could be unfortunate timing, or a leak," PC world said.
Apart from a possible VR headset, Microsoft also has an augmented reality, or "mixed reality" as it calls it, device in the form of HoloLens.
The Redmond, Wash.-based tech giant has been showcasing HoloLens in numerous tech demos. CEO Satya Nadella previously said development kits will start shipping "within the next year."
Is Microsoft really working on a low-cost VR headset to rival Google Cardboard? The tech giant's intentions should unfold in the coming weeks.
