Category: HP

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HP Moves Into VR and AR With Investment In Venture Reality Fund

HP Moves Into VR and AR With Investment In Venture Reality Fund

HP is putting on its headsets. One of the world’s oldest technology companies is investing in the fledgling virtual reality market by becoming an investor in The Venture Reality Fund.

The exact amount wasn’t disclosed. But HP Tech Ventures, the new corporate venture arm of HP, has joined as an investor in The VR Fund, which has become one of the most active investors in VR, augmented reality, and mixed reality startups. It is HP’s first move into VR investments.

The VR Fund has invested in a number of early-stage startups developing infrastructure, tools, platforms, content, and apps for the mixed reality ecosystem.

The VR Fund will provide HP with early access to leading AR/VR/MR technologies with commercial applications in HP’s target markets, including office, retail, health care, manufacturing, and education. The VR Fund’s investment portfolio will in turn benefit from HP’s product portfolio and reach.

“HP has a rich history of delivering innovative technology and was an early believer in the vast potential for mixed reality to transform consumer and commercial markets,” said Marco DeMiroz, cofounder and general partner of The VR Fund, in a statement. “We are excited to have HP Tech Ventures as a key investor in our fund and look forward to working closely with their team to introduce new applications for corporate innovation and productivity, while enhancing the customer experience and product development.”

Venture capital investments in VR and AR reached $1.8 billion in 2016. Goldman Sachs estimates the market will reach $80 billion by 2025. The VR Fund is part of HP’s growing network of partners developing next-generation mixed reality applications, content distribution platforms, gaming platforms, head-mounted displays, and mobile solutions and services.

“AR/VR is one of the most transformative categories in today’s technology landscape, and The VR Fund is one of the leading players in this ecosystem,” said Andrew Bolwell, global head of HP Tech Ventures, in a statement. “We are excited to be an investor and look forward to working closely with The VR Fund to bring amazing new immersive experiences to market.”

This post by Dean Takahashi originally appeared on VentureBeat.

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VR Comes to Indian Theatres Thanks to HP

HP India has launched a new facility that brings virtual reality (VR) to cinema customers at the Mall of India in Noida.

The new VR lounge was created in partnership between PVR Cinemas, and is part of the PVR ECX multiplex complex. Customers who buy a cinema ticket at PVR ECX will be able to experience a range of immersive VR content in genres such as science-fiction, horror and drama. The lounge will be free to PVR ECX customers for fifteen days, after that a small fee will be payable.

The VR lounge was opened by Bollywood star Ranbit Kapoor, who told reporters at the opening event: “It is a mind-blowing experience to go through the VR experience. But being an actor, I fear that it might take away audience from movie theatres as they may get hooked to the VR experience,”

The VR Lounge comes equipped with four pods that contain an OMEN gaming laptop provided by HP.

“Being the innovators in the realm of cinema, it is our continuous endeavour to be in sync with world’s latest technologies and VR is the next big thing that we have brought for the Indian audience,” said Ajay Bijli, Chairman and Managing Director, PVR Ltd, reports Errabus. “We are delighted to partner with HP given their unmatched expertise in the technology domain. VR is the reigning trend in the entertainment industry and we are sure our patrons will have a great time exploring it.”

“HP’s innovation in the area of VR is yet another first from us where we continuously strive to provide the latest technology and world class experience to our customers,” added Ketan Patel, Senior Director, Personal Systems, HP Inc. India. “Our partnership with PVR will bring the best of technology for PVR patrons to touch and feel virtual reality.”

New VR facilities are popping up all over the world. From the VR experience at Madame Tussauds in New York, to the facility just announced in Leeds, UK.

VRFocus will continue bringing you the latest news regarding VR adoption from around the world..

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Erste Bilder der Windows Holographic VR Headsets von HP, Dell, Acer und 3Glasses

Microsoft hatte im letzten Jahr versprochen, dass 2017 einige Virtual Reality Headsets für Windows 10 erscheinen werden, die direkt vom Betriebssystem untersetzt werden. Lenovo hatte auf der eignen Konferenz bereits das zukünftige Headset präsentiert und nun sind auch Bilder der Headsets von HP, Dell, Acer und 3Glasses aufgetaucht.

VR Headsets von HP, Dell, Acer und 3Glasses

Das Headset von Lenovo wird zwischen 300 US-Dollar und 400 US-Dollar kosten und wird somit eher eines der günstigeren Headsets sein. Microsoft hatte veröffentlicht, dass die Headsets eine große Bandbreite an Spezifikationen abdecken sollen und somit jeder Kunde das passende Headset für die eigenen Bedürfnisse finden würde.

Während die Oculus Rift und die HTC Vive auf zusätzliche Hardware für die Bestimmung der Position im Raum (Positional Tracking) setzen, werden die Headsets für Windows 10 mit einem Inside-Out Tracking ausgestattet. Leider lässt Microsoft die neuen Headsets die Besucher der CES noch nicht testen, aber zumindest liegen die Prototypen aus. Die Bilder stammen von windowscentral.com:

3Glasses

3Glasses

Acer

Acer

Dell

Dell VR

HP

HP VR

Auch wenn Geschmäcker verschieden sind, so wird das Headset von Acer wohl nicht das schönste Headset auf dem Markt werden. Die Designs der Virtual Reality Headsets von HP und Dell wirken doch deutlich schicker und weniger nach einem frühen Prototypen. Wir sind gespannt, wann wir mehr über die Spezifikationen erfahren werden.

Der Beitrag Erste Bilder der Windows Holographic VR Headsets von HP, Dell, Acer und 3Glasses zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

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VR Headsets from ASUS, Dell, HP, and More Coming in 2017, Will Run on Intel Integrated Graphics

Today at the Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Engineering Community event in Shenzhen, China, the company announced that VR/AR (mixed reality) headsets from top manufacturers are due to hit the market in 2017. What’s more, they’ll run on integrated Intel graphics without the need for a dedicated GPU.

Back in October, Microsoft announced that mixed reality headsets for Windows’ forthcoming native headset integration were in development by five major hardware makers: Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Today the company confirmed those headsets will hit the market in 2017. The cheapest among them is said to start at just $300. Chinese VR headset maker 3Glasses has also joined the group, and will support the Windows mixed reality environment on their S1 VR headset in the first half of 2017, according to Microsoft. Microsoft’s HoloLens of course will also be in the mix.

There’s no word on what specifications these new headsets will bring to the table, but Microsoft has said they will be equipped with inside-out positional tracking (which doesn’t require external sensors like we see with the Rift and Vive today).

microsoft vr headsets

These headsets are being designed to work with the forthcoming Windows 10 Creator Update, which is slated to hit users for free this Spring. The headsets will be able to natively tap into the ‘Windows Holographic’ environment, and run more than 20,000 flat Windows apps, which may also be designed to extend into the virtual environment.

 

Microsoft and Intel have partnered on a platform specification for these headsets such that they’ll be able to “scale across mainstream Intel architecture platforms natively on [Intel’s CPU-integrated] HD Graphics,” by the end of 2017. That means no need for a high-end dedicated GPU as is required for the current generation of PC-based VR headsets. We noted last month that the apparent Windows Holographic minimum spec was surprisingly low. With more than 400 million Windows 10 users, this push could bring VR to a massive audience.

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Microsoft Research Demonstrates VR Controller Prototypes With Unique Haptic Technology

Now, there’s no telling if the headsets running on Intel’s integrated graphics will be able to power the sort of high-end gaming experiences we see today with PC-based VR headsets. It may be that the companies are lowering the quality bar somewhat in an effort to support a basic VR/AR experience across a wider range of PCs with applications that aren’t as graphically demanding. That said, what the companies have shown off so far is very impressive for integrated graphics. Microsoft claimed that the experience shown below is running on a tiny Intel NUC PC with integrated graphics at 90 FPS:

Only time will tell what level of VR/AR/MR we can expect from integrated graphics and Windows Holographic. It’s likely that a high-end GPU will always be able to push the graphical bar for such experiences much higher, just as has always been the case for PC graphics, but even access to a basic VR experience for a much broader group of users would be a great thing for the growing space.

Now we’re wondering how Microsoft will tie in its next Xbox, ‘Project Scorpio’ which the company says will run high fidelity VR gaming experiences.

The post VR Headsets from ASUS, Dell, HP, and More Coming in 2017, Will Run on Intel Integrated Graphics appeared first on Road to VR.

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Further Info Arriving in December on Microsoft’s VR Headsets

Last week Microsoft held an event on the upcoming Windows 10 ‘Creators Update’ which is scheduled to arrive in Spring 2017. Part of the show was dedicated to the company’s mixed reality (MR) device HoloLens before going on to reveal some virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) as part of Windows Holographic. Apart from a short presentation few details on the HMDs were announced, but more info isn’t far away as Microsoft will be talking about them in December.

Polygon interviewed Alex Kipman, who heads the HoloLens team, during which he said more details would be unveiled at an event in December. On the 8th – 9th December in Shenzhen, China and 14th – 15th December in Taipei City, Taiwan, will be the WinHEC workshops and events which should be when those details are unveiled, reports The Verge.

Microsoft VR HMDs

What Microsoft has revealed so far includes partners HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus and Acer will be involved in manufacturing the VR HMDs, prices will start from $299 USD – significantly lower than rival PC-based headsets, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive – and the design with also feature six-degrees of freedom sensors.

The headsets will be using tech from HoloLens to provide inside-out tracking using a series of cameras and sensors – currently rivals use external equipment to track HMDs – as Kipman states: “Nobody in the world has this. This is HoloLens technology.” The first wave of headsets will be opaque so users won’t be able to see through, but it sounds like the multiple variations could eventually see this become clear, meaning the first consumer level MR headset from Microsoft might not be far away. These current devices are still cabled, rather than completely mobile.

At Oculus Connect 3 this month, Oculus did showcase its own developments in inside-out tracking with its prototype ‘Santa Cruz’ headset. VRFocus got sometime with the device so checkout the preview to see what it’s all about.

Has VRFocus learns more about Microsoft’s VR plans we’ll let you know.

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Vive Ready HP Computer Bundle Now on Sale

Earlier this month VRFocus reported on HTC and HP collaborating on an all-in-one deal for the HTC Vive and HP ENVY 750-470na desktop PC. The Vive Ready HP Computer Bundle which retails for £1,499 GBP – usual RRP is £1699 – has now gone on sale.

The aim of the deal is to reduce the cost of entry into the high-end world of virtual reality (VR), often stated as one of the biggest drawbacks to mainstream adoption of the technology when compared to cheaper mobile versions.

Vive-HP-High Res

Of course the HP ENVY 750-470na comes equipped to handle whatever the HTC Vive needs with an Intel Core i5-6400 processor, 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM, 128 GB solid-state drive and 1 TB hard drive and a AMD Radeon RX 480 graphics card.

As part of the package and to make setting up as quick and easy as possible a USB drive will be included. On the drive will be Viveport, Vive Home, Vive desktop app, Steam Client, Steam VR, Graphics card driver and two videogames, Valve’s The Lab and TheBlu: Encounter from Wevr.

Just as when buying the HMD normally, the system comes with three free videogames: Google’s Tilt Brush, The Gallery – Episode 1: Call of the Starseed by Cloudhead Games, and Acceleroto’s Zombie Training Simulator.

Head to the official Vive Ready HP Computer Bundle webpage for further details and to purchase, the deal also includes free shipping, and for any further news on HTC Vive keep reading VRFocus.

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Microsoft zeigt neue VR Headsets ab 299 US-Dollar

Microsoft hatte heute ein großes Presseevent veranstaltet und über neue Hardware für Windows PCs gesprochen. Wie Mircosoft bekanntgegeben hat, geht das Unternehmen Partnerschaften mit HP, Lenovo, Dell, Asus und Acer ein. Diese Hersteller werden schon bald Virtual Reality Headset für den PC anbieten.

Microsoft zeigt neue VR Headsets ab 299 US-Dollar

vr-headsets-microsoft

Die von Microsoft angekündigten Headsets werden mit einem Inside-Out Tracking (6-degrees of freedom) ausgestattet. Somit besteht laut Microsoft kein Grund, dass ein separater Raum für die Nutzung der Headsets benötigt wird. Außerdem soll das Setup hiermit erleichtert werden. Die neuen VR Brillen sollen ab 299 US-Dollar angeboten werden, was ein absoluter Kampfpreis ist. Dieser Preis ist aber nur der Startpreis. Es könnte durchaus sein, dass einige Hersteller auch teurere Headsets anbieten werden.

Aktuell ist aber auch noch nicht klar, welche Spezifikationen die Headsets ansonsten haben werden. Die Verwendung des Inside-Out Trackings sagt auch noch nichts darüber aus, wie gut eine Room-Scale Erfahrung wirklich nutzbar ist. Es bleibt auch zu vermuten, dass bei diesem Preis die Displays nicht mit den Display der HTC Vive oder Oculus Rift mithalten können. Ebenso ist die Frage ungeklärt, mit welchem Controller wir spielen sollen. Wir hoffen nicht, das Microsoft nur auf den Xbox Controller setzen wird. Dies sind aber alles nur reine Spekulationen und wir werden erst mehr wissen, wenn Microsoft uns mehr verrät.

Außerdem wird Microsoft Windows 10 in ein VR Produkt überführen. Die neue Erweiterung wird den Namen „Creators Update“ tragen und soll im Frühjahr 2017 erscheinen. Im Rahmen des Programms wird es auch eine Neuauflage von Paint geben, welche sich Paint 3D nennt.

Da Microsoft die Xbox Scorpio als VR Maschine anpreist, könnte es sein, dass die heute vorgestellten Headsets auch mit der Xbox Scorpio kompatibel sein werden. Dies wäre sehr clever von Microsoft, denn so werden Konsolen-Spieler und PC-Spieler mit einem Headset bedient.

 

Der Beitrag Microsoft zeigt neue VR Headsets ab 299 US-Dollar zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

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Microsoft Announces New VR Headsets for Windows 10 from Acer, Lenovo, Asus, Dell and HP

Today Microsoft has held an event focused on the upcoming Windows 10 update, Creators Update, but the announcements also included plans for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technology. In a surprise reveal the Redmond-based company has unveiled new VR head-mounted displays (HMDs) that will be manufactured by a range of companies.

Microsoft’s Terry Myerson said on stage: “With the Creators Update our partners including HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus and Acer will be shipping virtual reality headsets. These headsets will be the first an only to ship with inside out, six-degrees of freedom sensors. Unlike every other virtual reality headset on the market today, this means there will be zero need for a separate room, zero need for a complicated setup. And while those less immersive accessories today cost over $500 (USD) sometimes requiring a new expensive device, we are announcing today that the Creators Update accessories will start at just $299.”

hololens - Virtual Accessories

The presentation showcased how users will be able to create a virtual room which can be personalised with their favourite Microsoft programmes, such as Skype and the newest version of Paint. There was also the option to use the HoloLens app Holo Tour – normally MR – in VR to go to places like Rome, Italy.

Microsoft hasn’t yet released the specs for the VR headsets, computer requirements or when the HMDs are likely to be available. The Creators Update is due to launch in Spring 2017, so around that time is the best guess so far.

As Microsoft reveals further details on its VR and MR plans, VRFocus will bring you the latest announcements.

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HTC and HP Announce the Vive Ready HP Computer Bundle for £1500

For consumers getting into the world of high-end virtual reality (VR) can be a costly business, especially if they don’t already own a suitably powerful PC. Now HTC in partnership with computer manufacturer HP, is trying to bring that price down with an all-in-one PC and headset deal, the Vive Ready HP Computer Bundle.

The bundle will contain a VR-ready HP ENVY 750-470na desktop PC alongside a HTC Vive head-mounted display (HMD) for £1,499 GBP – usual RRP is £1699 –  allowing consumers to get set up for the world of room-scale VR.

Vive-HP-High Res

The HP ENVY 750-470na comes with an Intel Core i5-6400 processor, 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM, 128 GB solid-state drive and 1 TB hard drive and a AMD Radeon RX 480 graphics card.

Setup will be made slightly easier as the will come with a USB drive containing all the hardware set up instructions and required software allowing for a fast and simple installation.

Normally when purchasing the HTC Vive the system comes with three free videogames: Google’s Tilt Brush, The Gallery – Episode 1: Call of the Starseed by Cloudhead Games, and Acceleroto’s Zombie Training Simulator. These will still feature in the bundle, but customers will also get theBlu: Encounter by Wevr and The Lab by Valve.

Dan O’Brien, VP of Virtual Reality at HTC said: “The Vive Ready HP Computer bundle provides a simple and affordable way for people to get their hands on Vive, without compromising on a truly immersive VR experience. We’re committed to making advanced room-scale technology accessible to as many people as possible, and our new bundle together with HP makes it easier than ever before to get started in VR.”

HTC and HP haven’t yet revealed when the bundle will be available, but for anybody interested a dedicated page can be found here where customers can signup for alerts.

For any further news on HTC Vive, keep reading VRFocus.