Back in January, Chinese virtual reality (VR) headset maker ANTVR announced it was planning on launching a new hybrid VR and augmented reality (AR) headset, which would be made available through Kickstarter. The company has now revealed that the campaign will begin in May, along with a few other new details.
ANTVR say that its hybrid headset is designed to be a less expensive alternative to Microsoft’s pricy HoloLens mixed reality headset. The company says that the ANTVR mix offers many superior features to the HoloLens in addition to its much lower price.
One of the primary criticisms of the HoloLens is its narrow field-of-view (FoV), which offers only a 35-degree FoV. The ANTVR Mix headset is promising a 96-degree FoV, which would make it one of the widest FoV available on a commercial AR headset.
The ANTVR Mix headset is substantially smaller than the HoloLens, and offers each eye a 1200 x 1200 display with a 90Hz refresh rate, along with inside-out tracking and six degree of freedom. The device has full SteamVR compatibility and comes with two USB ports, allowing for extension modules to be added in future.
According to VentureBeat, the Kickstarter will run from May through to June, with the device priced at $500 (USD). Those interested can sign up on the ANTVR website to be notified once the campaign begins, since a precise date has not been confirmed.
VentureBeat also managed to get hands-on with the device, describing the quality of the Ar holograms as being similar to what you might see on an Apple device showing an ARKit-powered AR app, though with the addition of the stereoscopic effect thanks to wearing the glasses instead of a flat screen.
The company expects to begin shipping the ANTVR Mix headset by the end of 2018. VRFocus will bring you further news on the ANTVR Mix as it becomes available.