Nokia could be the next firm to launch a VR headset

Next week could see another big player join the ever-intensifying virtual reality fray.

Former mobile manufacturer Nokia is set to take the wraps off its very own VR product at a big reveal event in LA, according to sources ‘familiar with the company’s plans’ talking to Recode.

The company sold its phone business to Microsoft – which is working on its own augmented reality concept HoloLens – back in 2013, although has since been reported to be looking to re-join the mobile market next year thanks to a licensing collaboration.

A sole product, the China-exclusive Nokia N1 tablet, has emerged from the remnants of the Microsoft deal, a group now known as Nokia Technologies.

Nokia will join an ever-growing pantheon of big players working on bringing VR to the masses. Alongside Microsoft, there’s Sony, HTC and Valve, Samsung, and, of course, Oculus and Facebook.

It may be possible, given its past history in the mobile sector, that Nokia’s VR effort will be more of a rival to Samsung’s phone-powered Gear VR (pictured) than console and PC add-ons like the Oculus Rift, PlayStation Morpheus and Valve Vive VR.

However, only next week will tell what VR holds for Nokia – if the rumours prove to be true.