When you think of virtual reality (VR) the chances are you think of the main hardware manufacturers. The likes of Facebook owned Oculus with their Oculus Rift head mounted display (HMD), of HTC and the Vive – and now by extension the HTC Vive Pro. for console VR the PlayStation 4’s headset the PlayStation VR – sometimes referred to as the PSVR and the mobile VR stakeholders Google and Samsung with their Daydream View and Gear VR smartphone-based HMDs respectively.
One company you would probably not think of immediately is Intel. Yet, Intel had a very productive 2017 when it came to immersive technologies and whilst they may not be one of the hardware gatekeepers – they actually cancelled their own all-in-one effort before launch and shuttered their augmented reality (AR) brand – they have certainly been amongst the headlines. A fact we’ve discussed recently on VRFocus.
They’ve been involved in the Academic Purpose VR bundle, being involved in the hosting of VR videogames and arranging tournaments at a number of gaming and eSports events, in particular the VR Challenger League. Have spoken positively about their thoughts for VR’s future, collaborated on a mixed reality (MR) tool, and an awful lot more. So it is only natural that when the time came for their keynote address at this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that VR would certainly be a part of it.
Whilst time was, understandably, taken to address some of the security concerns raised by the “Spectre” and “Meltdown” security vulnerabilities are being addressed. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich also gave an update as to where Intel were with regards to their VR ambitions.
They began with the reveal of Intel Studios, a brand new, dedicated state-of-the-art studio powered by Intel’s own True View technology creating the world’s largest volumetric stage. The company also announced they already have their first major partner for the stage in the form of Paramount Pictures, itself experimenting with bringing its properties to both VR and AR over the last year.
Krzanich also gave an update regarding Intel’s partnership deal with the Olympics to provide 5G, VR and 360-degree technology up to 2024. Revealing that the upcoming Olympic Winter Games for 2018 in PyeongChang were to be the largest scale VR event to date. With thirty events being captured for broadcasters and footage also being broadcast live.
“If you are impressed by what you see at CES this week, stay tuned,” Said Krzanich his closing remarks to the keynote. “We are still discovering new ways to apply the power of AI and data. These discoveries will impact nearly every sector of innovation, and Intel is at the forefront of this revolution, bringing to life the promise of data-driven experiences through autonomous driving, AI, 5G and VR. At Intel, we not only see a world of infinite possibilities where technology makes our lives easier, we see a future where technology makes the world a better place.”
VRFocus will bring you updates regarding these developments as they are revealed.