Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation
What Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality developers are talking about
Check out our roundup of the best new Kickstarter and Indiegogo projects and product announcements that hit the web this week. You can't buy this stuff yet, but there's no denying that it's fun to gawk!
The post Awesome tech you can’t buy yet: Home steam cleaning, futuristic pianos, e-skin appeared first on Digital Trends.
The human race has been dreaming about visiting the Moon for centuries. Piles of speculative fiction has been written about The Moon and what it looks and feels like, and with only a very small number of humans ever having the chance to walk in the lunar dust, it still holds some mystique for many. A company called AstroReality have devised a way to let people explore the lunar surface from the comfort of home, using Augmented Reality (AR).
The product that AstroReality have created involves a one-pound sphere which has been carefully 3D printer and then hand-painted with the aid of highly detailed NASA lunar orbiter data to recreate the lunar surface in painstaking detail. Users can then activate an AR app that can be used to scan famous lunar landmarks such as the Apollo landing site, where the app will provide additional photos, information and trivia. As the user moves the model on its stand, more locations will appear in the app to be explored through AR.
The app tracks the model’s movement in real-time, with 900 landmarks available to be scanned and explored using the AR app.
AstroReality are planning to launch a IndieGoGo campaign to fund the launch of the Lunar Pro model and app, with the campaign due to begin on Tuesday 11th July, 2017. Early Bird backers can pledge $179 (USD) Lunar Pro models. Other early backers will be able to snag rewards such as a mini lunar model or a full solar system collection. The campaign will be aiming for a goal of $50,000 to produce the Lunar Pro models and its associated app, with delivery expected to begin in November 2017 if the campaign is successful.
VRFocus will bring you further news on VR and Ar related crowd-funding projects as it becomes available.
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.
ViveNchill, the intriguing new bolt-on dual-fan cooling solution for the HTC Vive, has begun its crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.
Update (7/17/17): The ViveNchill Indiegogo is now at 193% of its $5,000 goal. With 13 days remaining, the campaign appears on track to at least double its goal. Although the creators of the campaign haven’t announced any stretch goals, they have moved their shipping timeline forward and plan to begin deliveries one month sooner than initially projected.
Though not a huge campaign by any means, nearly 400 of the seemingly simple ViveNchill accessory have been bought through the campaign, suggesting that the product is addressing a real need for a non-trivial number of current Vive owners; something to be considered for all headset makers going forward.
Update (7/6/17): Now at 88% funded, the ViveNChill Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign looks well on its way to hitting its $5,000 goal; the campaign still has 24 days remaining. So far the team behind the project hasn’t announced any stretch goals.
Original Article (6/30/17): We wrote recently about a new prototype solution to alleviate ‘sweaty VR face’ syndrome and, as promised, we’re letting you know that the crowdfunding campaign for the system has gone live via Indiegogo (the originally stated Kickstarter campaign has hit some delays apparently).
VivenChill uses a dual fan coling system that, instead of venting hot air from the inside of the HTC Vive headset, blows air over the top of the user’s head. The idea is that the solution dissipates heat from bloody circulating around the rest of your face and, in theory, alleviating sweaty faces and foggy lenses whilst you’re immersed.
I wrote at the time that I was a little sceptical, but the team at RedRotor behind ViveNchill are adamant that the final solution was born from “extensive testing” and that the entirely external design avoids dry eyes and poor air flow of their earlier vented prototypes. The new campaign page cites some studies which highlight blood circulation whilst the body exercises and “directing air at and over this crucial part of the body, the ViveNchill helps reduce your overall temperature.”
We can’t vouch for this in any way unfortunately, as we’re yet to arrange a review unit (we’re working on this) but given the early bird prices for a single unit are being offered via IndieGogo for $20 plus shipping, there are probably quite a few people out there willing to give it a shot.
Let us know if you’re thinking of backing the project and we’ll let you know when we get our hands on a unit to judge its effectiveness.
The post ‘Vive N Chill’ Soon to Double Crowdfunding Goal with 2 Weeks Remaining appeared first on Road to VR.
Possibly one of the biggest bugbears about 360-degree video and virtual reality (VR) content is that it’s hard to get it made in high quality – cameras that offer true 360-degree views are expensive, especially if they offer the high resolution you desire in your VR content. Well, content creators on a budget may have found their saviour with the VRDL360 Camera.
Promising 360-dergree views, 7K photos, 3K videos, live streaming and instant sharing, it almost sounds too good to be true. The VRDL360 has recently launched on IndieGoGo, with an attractive trailer.
Luckily, you don’t have to invest your own money to see the results of the VRDL360 campaign – the target goal of $25,000 has already been smashed with over $32k raised, and over a month left of the campaign.
Early Birds were able to nab themselves a VRDL360 for only $99 – potentially one of the best prices for a camera boasting as many features as this we’ve ever seen.
The regular retail price for the VRDL360 is $219 – still quite fair if it can provide everything they promise. The campaign states that the VRDL360 is in the “Prototype Stage,” meaning they already have a physically working version of their product. Exciting!
Young and new content creators who wish to move into VR and 360-degree video content creation might just see this as a the perfect device to invest in – it’s very attractive indeed. For more on the VRDL360, we’ll cover it as soon as we’re able, so stay on VRFocus. In the meantime, watch the trailer below.
The creators of the Hapto virtual reality (VR) haptic controller are turning to crowdfunding site IndiGoGo to seek further funds to create an updated version of the controller. The campaign will be launched on May 31st 2017.
The Hapto is a slightly odd-looking haptic control device that was first developed in 2013 by inventor Alexander Khromenkov. The first prototype received over $100,000 (USD) in KickStarter funding and now an advanced new version is seeking development funds. The new version has 20 haptic ‘pushers’ to simulate touching an objects, along with an accelerometer and gyroscope for rotation and motion detection.
“Hapto is meant to give mankind the possibilities we have all barely dreamt about. It’s the sci-fi world come true,” said Alexander Khromenkov, CEO and Founder of Hapto. He added, “For many years, we studied all the medical research on how the human brain ‘forms’ tactical feelings. Once we understood that, we created a system that fully reproduces the impact from touching this or that object. You simply put Hapto on, start a game or an app, and get such a realistic haptic effect that you may even forget you’re in virtual reality.”
The device is designed to work with most currently available VR systems, such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream and google Cardboard. Support for HoloLens and PlayStation VR is planned to be added soon. In order to integrate Hapto support, developers can use the development kit which has already been made available.
One of the first people to test the Hapto controller, Bernard Jacobsen, was impressed, saying: “It’s a totally different experience. It’s weird to have that sensation. I mean, I know I am not touching it, but it feels like I am touching it. I really like it. I like the idea of it. I can actually be involved with more than just my eyes; I can touch a thing and move it. That’s pretty cool.”
Backers who donate to the IndieGoGo campaign can acquire a Hapto controller by donating $149. The retail price for the finished unit will be $249.
VRFocus will keep you up-to-date with news on crowdfunding campaigns for VR-related products.
Check out our roundup of the coolest crowdfunding projects and product announcements that hit the web this week. You can't technically buy this stuff yet, but it sure is fun to gawk!
The post Awesome tech you can’t buy yet: Self-cleaning gym bags and coffee table Pong appeared first on Digital Trends.
The Hubblo PX6 Camera is a 360-degree 3D camera with six lenses that allows for live-stitching of panoramic virtual reality (VR) broadcasting. The device has already reached prototyping stage and now the makers are seeking to raise $50,000 through Indiegogo.
The Hubblo PX6 camera pairs with a smartphone using a simple app that controls the camera. The Hubblo has six lenses that stream images that can be live-streamed without any needs for post-processing to stitch them together.
The device managed to reach the finals of ‘Last Gadget Standing’ at CES 2017 in January with it’s prototype and the makers now consider it ready for project backers. Manufacturing samples are ready to be created and the makers are expecting mass production to commence in July 2017.
The lowest backer tier is only $10 USD, which nets you a free copy of the Hubblo phone app. Other tiers range from $999 USD for a single Hubblo Camera, power adaptor and battery pack, to up to $2899 USD which will get you three Hubblo Cameras and required accessories.
VRFocus will continue to bring you updates.
Virtual reality (VR) platforms such as AltspaceVR, vTime and VRChat all showcase the social possibilities of a technology once seen as very anti-social. It’s becoming a popular genre in VR and 2017 could see a new app vying for users attention, Geekzonia.
Aimed at Geeks, VR and tech enthusiasts, Geekzonia uses Improbable’s SpatialOS platform to build a world for users to get together and share their interests in interactive, immersive and extraordinary environments linked to these interests. It’ll transport users into a virtual world separated into themed zones, sci-fi, horror, fantasy and more. Each zone will allow users to explore content from watching the latest movie trailer to shopping merchandise at a comic store.
The app will host various events covering a myriad of different ideas and content. This will include: Fan Hangouts, which will have international group discussions about shows like Doctor Who, or automatically find friends who love the same fandoms. Quiz Shows will be held pitting fan groups against each other, with themed rounds like Name the Super Hero! Sing that Theme Tune! Reenact this Scene! There will be Viewing Parties for live events like eSports Tournaments or exclusive 360° trailers and movies, or how about Workshops with eSports coaches, Comic Book writers/artists, Cosplayers and VR Vloggers.
Scheduled for launch in August 2017, Geekzonia aims to raise $40,000 USD (£32,000 GBP) in funding by April through Indiegogo. As the app will be free those who back the campaign will be rewarded with In-World freebies and will get double their money back in Geekzonian dollars to spend on exclusive events, avatar extras, 3D printing and shopping. They’ll also be entered into a competition to win an Oculus Rift.
Stephen Walsh, co-founder said: “If you’re a geek like us, the potential of Virtual Reality makes you giddy. Growing up, the idea of virtual worlds was the work of Science Fiction, from The Matrix to the Holodeck in Star Trek. Today, 90 million people own a Virtual Reality headset but we’re still waiting for the Holodeck, and we’ve certainly not reached Matrix proportions. But Geekzonia is turning Science Fiction into Science FACT, creating a Universe that hosts unlimited VR users and delivering a 24/7 Comic-Con of WONDER. We’re so excited to open the floodgates and get Geeks investing in a world they’re really passionate about.”
VRFocus will follow the progress of Geekzonia, reporting back with any new updates.
For VRFocus’ weekly round up of sporty virtual reality (VR), we’ve got a wrestling superstar who tries PlayStation VR with a few jump scares, NFL legend Joe Montana will soon be launching VR experience Montana 17, and indie developer Dariusz Pietrala looks for funding to create an immersive version of mobile title Ski Jump.
WWE Superstar BIG E Gets Scared Playing Until Dawn: Rush of Blood on PS VR
Last weeks feature included WWE wrestlers Cesaro and R-Truth trying PlayStation VR Worlds Collection‘s The London Heist and Danger Ball respectively. Some of the best VR related videos on YouTube usually involve scary titles and this next one is no different. WWE Superstar BIG E gets to play Supermassive Games’ on-rails horror shooter Until Dawn: Rush of Blood to hilarious effect.
NFL Star Joe Montana Set to Launch VR Project Montana 17
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and video game veteran Damon Grow have co-founded a new studio called Superstar Games. For its first project the fledgling studio will launch Montana 17, a VR American football title that will support both Google Daydream and Samsung Gear VR.
Providing an experience from the quarterback’s perspective, Montana 17 is a seven-on-seven all-passing game with four quarters. Daydream will control the QB with its supplied remote, while Gear VR users will use the touchpad.
Montana 17 will be licensed by the NFL Players Association, allowing NFL superstars like Tom Brady, Cam Newton, Odell Beckham Jr., and Montana himself to feature.
“To be at the frontier of a new dawn of gaming medium was too good to pass up,” said Grow, CEO of Superstar Games, reports Sport Techie. “What we tried to accomplish is transporting the mind to the world of football. To give you the sense of elation and presence of actually being in the game being cheered on by thousands of fans. It’s quite exhilarating. Hearing the crowd, the strategy of picking plays in real time, the crunch of getting tackled at the line of scrimmage and playing as your current football heroes.”
Ski Jump VR Seeks Indiegogo Funding
Ever fancied giving ski jumping a go but been a little too scared to try? Well indie developer Dariusz Pietrala has the solution with his VR experience Ski Jump VR. Originally a mobile title for iOS and Android, Pietrala now plans the upgrade the title buy supporting PC, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift head-mounted displays (HMDs).
Looking for funding via Indiegogo, the developer looks to raise $2000 USD to bring the project to fruition. The basic video game will come with 10 hills and 3 gameplay modes to master, but stretch goals will expand this further. If the campaign hits $5000 then 5 more hills will be added, $10,000 for another 5 and $25,000 for even more.