The virtual reality market is quickly heating up, between Facebook’s $2 billion investment in the Oculus Rift, Sony’s forthcoming Project Morpheus, and Samsung’s previously announced headset. With that, another company is attempting to jump in, looking to raise funds on Kickstarter to get things started.
That company is Vrvana, and it’s proposed a new headset called the Totem that will help immerse users in virtual worlds with a fantastic-looking headset, as seen above. The device actually features onboard cameras and acceleration tracking instead of the usual external tracking camera that these devices use, allowing for better possibilities with integration when it comes to a virtual experience. It can also track hand movement, something not all the devices above can do without assistive tools.
Instead of relying on a secondary computer unit to run programs, the Totem headset comes with powerful onboard processing and control emulation. As a result, it has an increase in compatibility, as it can be used across the board for tablets, PC’s, phones and even select game consoles.
The Totem headset also allows for comfort, with a foam-cushioned liner on the inside that allows users to see things, even if they feel the need to wear glasses. With the sharp imagery included inside, however, chances are most people won’t really need them.
The team behind Vrvana consists of several French Canadian engineers, who worked as a team in 2005 as True Player Gear. It’s been working on various VR models over the past decade, with the Totem being the end result of its research.
Vrvana’s Totem program has kicked off on Kickstarter, and thus far, over $105,000 has been raised, with a goal of $350,000 that needs to be met in just under a month. As usual, there are plenty of rewards to be reaped for those who take part, including their own Totem headset and a visit to the company’s lab, to see the tech in person.
To learn more about the Totem headset, watch the video below, and then follow this link over to the Kickstarter page. Once funded, this could definitely be a game changer in the virtual business – even with the other “big guys” at play.
Source: Kickstarter, Digital Trends
