Although VR headset technologies continue to improve, with a number of new technologies slated for release this year, and with a long-rumoured Apple AR device potentially in the works, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that there are several more senses beyond sight and sound. And, because virtual taste technology appears to be nowhere near commercialization, and the only commercialized virtual smell technology remains in pre-order phase, sniffing virtual roses or eating a virtual slice of cheesecake are likely a long way off. Those looking for a bit more sensory engagement in virtual and augmented reality can take heart, however, because a number
CES: LooxidVR headset will track your eyes and brain
Tech startup Looxid Labs announced this week that it was awarded a Best of Innovation Award in CES 2018’s Virtual Reality category for its LooxidVR headset. Previous winners in the category have included Samsung, for their Gear VR headset, and Google, for their Tilt Brush 3D/VR painting system. LooxidVR is a mobile-based VR headset, similar in design to Samsung’s Gear VR and Google Daydream View, with the added features of having embedded EEG sensors and eye-tracking cameras. The result is that the headset can empower tracking its wearer’s brain activity, eye movement and pupil dilation. “It is really encouraging to see our technology and potential
Oculus files patent application for curved display in VR headsets
According to multiple sources, Oculus has filed a patent application for a VR headset that uses curved displays. The application was filed in August, but was published by the WIPO at the end of November. Although it is unclear whether the patent will be granted, and additionally unclear as to when a curved-display Oculus headset may be manufactured, the technology would help resolve a number of issues with VR headsets using conventional flat displays. First, using a curved display can simplify the construction of VR headsets; while standard flat-panel displays require sometimes quite sophisticated lens systems to account for optical distortion, a curved display can
Apple Acquires VR Headset Company Vrvana
Apple recently purchased Vrvana, a startup company that developed an augmented reality headset called Totem, reports TechCrunch. Two sources with knowledge of the deal confirmed the acquisition, but Apple declined to comment and did not provide its usual acquisition statement. Apple did not deny the story, though, and several employees who were previously with Vrvana are now with Apple. The price of aquisition is supposed to be around $30 million. It sure is no secret that Apple was interested in creating an augmented reality headset, and has been looking to create one for release sometime in 2020. Now the company may have gotten a bit of a jump
SyncThink Updates Their Eye-Sync Headset For Offline Compatibility
Virtual reality is seemingly constantly up in the news for surprising utilizations outside of gaming, and today’s story on the Eye-Sync headset is no different. The Eye-Sync headset comes from the business SyncThink, which focuses on eye-tracking technology to supplement existing VR implementations. Eye-tracking isn’t a new concept to the world of virtual reality: businesses like Tobii and FOVE have been known for quite a while for working on eye-tracking tech, but usually for gaming implementations. With the introduction of the Eye-Sync, however, eye-tracking has taken a decidedly different direction: the diagnosis of head injury, particularly concussion. Those who have undergone head trauma and suffered
UK Gamers Will Have More Chances To Try Out PSVR
While Sony’s PSVR headset for their PS4 console has helped lower the pricing barrier of entry to the world of VR gaming, the fact remains that many people still have yet to experience VR. These people, in turn, have little incentive to pay a couple hundred dollars to get that experience. Fortunately, the industry is aware of this problem. VR arcades are popping up all over the place, offering a way to experience VR for the first time without spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on the required hardware. Gaming console and smartphone manufacturers took some inspiration from the growing popularity of the HTC
Apple Patented a Smartphone-Based VR Headset — in 2008
Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition On Sale Now
The new Samsung VR headset add-on for use with only its Galaxy Note 4 has arrived for sale on Samsung’s store for $199.99.
Apple Getting Into The VR Market?
Tt eSPORTS VERTO: A Well Rounded Headset
The Tt eSPORTS VERTO is a brand new headset that performs well and has a very good build quality.
SteelSeries Announces New Siberia Headsets
Today SteelSeries announced a refresh of its Siberia headset family. The new models are as follows: The Siberia v3 (MSRP $99.99), which replaces the Siberia v2. The v3 includes updated and improved audio drivers, as well as a headset redesign which utilizes noise-reducing memory foam ear cushions. The v3 has a single-plug cable along with a dual-jack extension to allow the v3 to be used with PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. The Siberia v3 will be available in black or white. The Siberia v3 Prism (MSRP $139.99) is an upgraded version of the standard v3, which adds the performance and style features available in the
SteelSeries Introduces Siberia Elite World of Warcraft Edition Headset
Improved Siberia Elite World of Warcraft Edition SteelSeries introduced a new and improved Siberia Elite headset, the World of Warcraft Edition for Warlords of Draenor. The WoW edition headset includes improvements such as a new microphone, boosted speaker drivers, and increased comfort. According to SteelSeries CTO Tino Soelberg: Our partnership with Blizzard Entertainment to create unique gear for the World of Warcraft community has culminated in this bold new version of our premium and award-winning headset—a perfect complement to Blizzard’s upcoming Warlords of Draenor expansion. Players deserve the best quality audio to experience the music and sounds of Draenor; this exclusive edition of the Siberia
SteelSeries Creating New Peripheral for The Sims 4
SteelSeries has announced that they will be creating a new line of peripherals themed to go with The Sims 4. The peripherals will include a mouse, headset, and QCK mousepad with the signature all white with a green gem styling for the headset and mouse while the mousepad will feature artwork from the game. For more information, click here. As you can tell from the image above, the SteelSeries Sims 4 mousepad carries a promotional graphic of the games various potential characters as well as EA’s MAXIS and SteelSeries’ logos. Below, you can see the headset with the green and orange diamond covered ear cups,