Category: Merge Labs

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Merge VR’s Moonshot Controller Showcased in Action

Earlier this week VRFocus reported on the announcement of Merge Labs’ universal motion controller, Moonshot, as revealed at the Virtual Reality Developers Conference (VRDC), San Francisco. Compatible with a variety of platforms, both virtual reality (VR) and more traditional systems, the Moonshot controller will soon be made available to developers.

Merge VR Moonshot controller

A motion-control input device, Moonshot features motion tracking and a variety of input buttons. It’s not yet been confirmed as to whether Moonshot replicates the Google Daydream View controller’s 3 degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) or offers greater depth input, though given the demonstration in the video below VRFocus believes that 6 degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) should not be expected at this point.

The Moonshot universal motion controller will be compatible with the Samsung Gear VR, iOS and Android devices, Web VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens and more. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on the Moonshot controller and the Merge VR head-mounted display (HMD).

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Merge VR Reveals New Controller Prototype

Virtual reality (VR) company Merge Labs has today announced a universal motion controller at Virtual Reality Developers Conference (VRDC), San Francisco. Known as ‘Moonshot’, the universal motion controller for mobile VR is compatible with existing iOS and Android devices, along with Unity and Web VR. 

Merge VR Moonshot controller

The Merge VR head-mounted display (HMD) launched late last year and has become a popular choice for mobile VR gaming and experiences thanks to its unique design and affordable price point. VRFocus recently featured the Merge VR HMD in a guide to the best mobile VR headsets. This new universal motion controller however, is not limited to just the Merge VR HMD as might be expected.

“As the VR industry matures, we will see a standardisation of input devices over proprietary solutions, and with today’s announcement, we are excited to help push this forward,” says Founder Franklin Lyons. “We believe that developers should have access to as many potential customers as possible, which is why we are releasing a universal motion controller that will support all mobile devices, including existing iOS and Android devices, as well as emerging platforms such as webVR.”

Merge Labs revealed an input device for Merge VR last year, though the product never launched. Now it seems work has continued on the motion controller in order for its reach to extend beyond one HMD.

Lyons adds, “Developers thinking about building mobile VR experiences using a motion controller are also thinking about how they can reach the largest audience possible. And Merge is committed to giving them tools they need to achieve this.

Merge VR Moonshot controller

Further details on the Moonshot universal motion controller are not available at present, however developers can sign up for the waiting list today at www.dev.mergevr.com. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on Merge Labs’ universal motion controller and the Merge VR HMD.