An IndieGoGo project is aiming to help keep virtual reality (VR) users nice and cool whilst engaging with the virtual world with a product called ViveNChill (pronounced Vive and Chill). The product is a small fan that blows cool air on to the forehead for a cooler VR experience.
The creators of the ViveNChill noted that using a HTC Vive headset for long periods can become uncomfortable, causing sweating and even increasing the ‘VR syndrome’ feelings of nausea. Following scientific research on how to human body heats and cools itself, and specifically citing a study from Frontiers in Neuroscience that stated: “Conversely, although the head and neck represent only 7–9% of the total body surface area, even a small increase in heat loss from surface cooling of this region causes a relatively larger cooling of the body core (Pretorius et al., 2006).”
As a result of this research, the ViveNChill team began working on a small, discrete fan assembly that could be easily added to a HTC Vive headset without compromising the function of the headset. The current version of the product features injection modded components, a whisper-quiet maglev fan and a custom cable harness. The creators estimate that the fan will have a lifespan of 70,000 hours, making it easily as long-lives at the HTC Vive headset.
The ViveNChill team are seeking $5,000 (USD) in funding. As of writing, $2,837 had been raised with a month still to go. Funding tiers range from the $20 early bird offer for a single ViveNChill unit, through to $88 for four ViveNChill units at ‘buddy pricing’ rates. The project creators expect that products will begin shopping in September 2017 if the funding goal is met.
Further information can be found on the IndieGoGo page.
VRFocus will keep you informed on the progress of the ViveNChill project.