Huawei VR: Chinese manufacturer unveils its Gear VR-style virtual reality headset

The headset was unveiled along with the company's new P9 smartphone

The Huawei VR is a step up from Google Cardboard (Huawei)

Chinese electronics company Huawei has unveiled its first virtual reality (VR) headset, alongside its recently-announced P9 smartphone.

The imaginatively-named Huawei VR is the company's answer to Samsung's Gear VR - rather than having a built-in screen, users slot their P9 or P9 Plus smartphone into the front of the headset, where it works as the display and computer 'brain' of the device.

Like the Gear VR, it has a trackpad on one side, which allows you to use the phone while it's encased in the headet, as well as volume and focus controls.

Both versions of the P9 have a 1080p display, so it won't have the greatest resolution out there, but hopefully the Huawei VR will provide a nice middle-ground between Google Cardboard and the Oculus Rift.

The sheer amount of launch content for the Huawei VR sets it apart, however - as reported by Engadget, it'll come out with 4,000 videos and 40 games ready to play, along with hundreds more panoramic pictures and virtual tours.

Early adopters might have to make do with these experiences for a while, as developers get round to creating new content for the device.

There's no details yet on the headset's pricing or availability, so we'll have to wait and see if it ever takes off in the UK.