Lumia VR System is an adaptive virtual reality video-playback platform designed to work with affordable Cardboard-style headsets and your own mobile device. It supports virtually all common video formats (MP4, MOV, MKV, etc.), allows you to switch between multiple audio tracks, and even enables two subtitle streams simultaneously. The app also offers near-zero-latency desktop streaming from a Mac or PC directly to your iPhone—completely free of charge.
Current builds include a public beta for iOS, macOS, and Windows (server component that transmits the image to the iPhone). Android support is under development.
Headset Pairing and QR Setup
To configure your headset profile, you must scan its QR code.
The invisible QR-scan button is located along the top-right safe-zone margin, about half an inch away from the absolute corner.
The icon exists but is rendered at alpha = 0, making it fully invisible to avoid visual interference in high-FOV headsets.
Tap this area repeatedly (one tap is not enough). This redundancy is intentional—Google Cardboard requires repeated taps to prevent accidental activations when the headset is worn.
Most users will only need to complete this pairing process once.
Remote Streaming Mode (Mac/PC → iPhone)
Preparation & Connection
Install the Lumia VR app on your iPhone.
Launch the desktop streaming module on your Mac or PC.
The system mirrors your computer’s display and transmits both video and audio in real time. All input/output devices (audio, keyboard) are handled locally by the Mac/PC, as the system is designed for local-network use onlyto minimize latency and preserve battery life.
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
For optimal performance:
Connect your Mac/PC to the hotspot created by your iPhone, or
Connect your iPhone to the hotspot created by your computer, or
Use a USB-C cable for the most stable low-latency link.
Resolution & Performance
Adjust resolution according to your device’s display. Native or 1080p is beneficial only on truly high-density screens; 720p is usually sufficient.
Lowering resolution does not significantly reduce latency (already close to zero) but does improve performance and battery life, since high-bitrate data transfer can exceed tens of megabytes per second.
Example: streaming from a Mac to an iPhone 16 Pro runs perfectly smoothly; on an iPhone 11 you might start noticing mild lag due to thermal throttling.
After changing resolution or frame-format settings, restart the mobile app. Lumia VR always prioritizes the first stable connection it detects to ensure consistent pairing.
Startup Sequence for Best Pairing
Open the desktop streaming app first.
Then launch the Lumia VR app on the iPhone.
The connection will auto-establish using the last known configuration.
Local Video Playback Mode
Inside the iPhone’s Files app under Lumia VR → MyFiles, you can place any videos for local playback.
Each folder is treated as a playlist.
Embedded subtitles are auto-loaded.
For external (“sidecar”) subtitles, include the exact video filename (prefixes or suffixes are allowed) and store them in the same folder.
Lumia VR supports essentially all major formats without conversion.
Recommended Controls & Input
While the app can run without a controller, a gamepad is strongly recommended for comfort and precision.
Supported types include PS4/PS5, Xbox, and Switch-compatible controllers—or any gamepad that correctly emulates one of these. Pointer-style remotes are not supported.
Control Layout
Right Stick: Rotate the camera (first-person-style look). Avoid excessive or unrealistic rotation speeds to prevent motion sickness.
L3 (press Left Stick): Toggle Gyroscope Mode — lets you control the camera by head movement.
Triangle (Y): Re-center the camera (reset orientation to world 0,0,0).
Square (X): Enter Focus Mode — hides all UI elements except the video display and the focus toggle.
L1 + Left Stick: Move the screen position.
L1 + D-Pad Left/Right: Scale the screen (smaller/larger).
L1 + D-Pad Up/Down: Move the screen closer or farther (zoom Z).
R2 / South Button (Cross / A): Perform a magnetic-pointer click.
D-Pad Left/Right (no L1): Rewind / Fast-forward.
D-Pad Up/Down (no L1): Previous / Next video in playlist.
R3: Toggle Play / Pause.
R2 + L2: Switch VR/2D
Voice commands (e.g. via Siri) can conveniently control device brightness or volume.
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