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Oculus Rift Release Date, Price, Update: New App VRidge Lets Gamers Play Oculus, Vive Games On Google Cardboard

By Megha Kedia | Update Date: May 10, 2016 06:25 AM EDT

A new Android mobile app, dubbed VRidge, has made it possible for gamers to play Oculus Rift games on cheaper VR headsets designed for smartphones. VRidge, from RiftCat, is a PC and smartphone app combo that takes VR content that requires powerful headsets like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive and makes it compatible with the cheaper VR headsets.

This means gamers can sort of replicate the experience of an Oculus Rift on a cheap headset like the Google Cardboard, according to Android Police.

How VRidge Works?

VRidge has two components including a PC client and an Android app. It adapts the stereoscopic output and head-tracking input for the Oculus Rift to an Android smartphone app, allowing games to be played on Google Cardboard and other cheap headsets.

For the app combo to work, users will have to download a server program on their PC that will stream the content from the PC to the app on the phone as long as they are connected to the same WiFi network. So, basically, what the new app does is that it streams Rift/Vive video to user's smartphone, according to Slash Gear.

While VRidge was initially designed only to emulate the function of the Oculus Rift hardware, a recent update added functionality for games compatible with Valve's SteamVR standard, including the popular space sim Elite Dangerous or Job Simulator.

The VRidge's custom solution, however, won't work with all gaming titles. There's a helpful list on the site to show which VR apps are working so far.

In addition, for players to play any game designed for Oculus or Steam VR, they will need a VR-ready PC, equipped with a modern graphics card. Full system requirements are available on the Riftcat page.

VRidge is currently in its beta development stage. Interested people can register for the app on its official site. The app is available for download on Google Play for free.

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