Category: MVR Global

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Untethered VR Comes to Xbox One: Watch Titanfall on the Ascend Prototype

While Microsoft is unwilling to be pinned down on exactly what the virtual reality (VR) strategy is for the Xbox One X, despite having previously announced plans to incorporate the technology last year, it seems that demand for the technology amongst gamers remains high. As such, MVR Global has picked up the mantel with the upcoming Ascend head-mounted display (HMD).

MVR Ascend

The Ascend HMD is a multi-format device, aiming to bring an untethered experience to gamers on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC and beyond. The device can manipulate the output of existing videogames for display on the HMD’s screen, codenamed the S1, and return input via the HMD’s motion-tracking sensor. This results in a product that can be developed for specifically, or simply added into an existing project. Furthermore, it can also be seen in prototype format working with Electronic Arts’ hugely popular Titanfall for Xbox One in the VRFocus exclusive video below.

MVR Global’s crowdfunding campaign is off to a very good start, with more than £100,000 GBP of its £500,000 funding goal already achieved. The device has 24 days remaining in its campaign, which is using the Crowdcube funding platform and offering a pre-funding valuation of £3,500,000. This results in those who contribute becoming investors in the project and receiving a small amount of equity, opposed to simply ‘donating’ their money in the same fashion as Kickstarter or similar crowdfunding portals.

The exclusive video featuring Titanfall on the prototype Ascend hardware can be seen below, and of course VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on the project from MVR Global.

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MVR Ascend Issues Update for Kickstarter S1 Screen

Last week VRFocus reported on British company MVR Global launching a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign for its mobile virtual reality (VR) headset, MVR Ascend. Since the launch MVR Global has released several updates showcasing which package would suit which consumers and an improvement to the S1 screen.

The MVR Ascend is a VR HMD system whereby users can stream content from their PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, no matter which title it is via a smartphone. The one issue has been the Xbox One which doesn’t allow streaming to a mobile device so the company has created the S1 screen for Xbox One customers. The recent update for the screen integrates both Android OS and Windows 10, allowing PlayStation 4 and PC streaming as well. This is why on the backing tiers the MVR X1 packages are more expensive due to the additional hardware included.

And for those interested in supporting the Kickstarter campaign, MVR Global has created an easy to read chart highlighting which package will ideally suit an individuals requirements.

MVR Ascend package diagram

MVR Ascend differs from normal HMDs by featuring a custom built sensor that’s positioned on the straps at the back of a players head. This is connected to a gamepad similar in design to a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One controller. The sensor not only allows head movements to be replicated, but it can also be disabled with the controllers trigger for traditional aiming down sights.

The campaign is looking the raise £150,000 GBP and currently sits at just over £11,000. The tier for the headset itself is £79, but backers will really want to look at the higher priced levels which include the controller to get the best from the system. The MVR P1 package for example includes the H1 HMD and P1 controller for streaming PlayStation 4 and PC titles, at a super early bird rate of £129. While the MVR X1 super early bird package of £179 features the H1 HMD, X1 controller and S1 screen.

Head to MVR Ascend’s Kickstarter page for further info, and VRFocus will report back with any more updates.

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Play Current and Future Console Titles in VR with MVR Ascend

This year has seen the consumer market inundated with various virtual reality (VR) devices with which to immerse the public in virtual worlds. From the cheaper entry level options of Google Cardboard or Gear VR to the high-end HTC Vive or PlayStation VR for example, there is just about an option and price level for everyone. Today though MVR Global has launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign for another variant, the MVR Ascend.

MVR Ascend is a mobile head-mounted display (HMD) with several features that could make it unique to the VR market. It uses smartphones just like Gear VR or Merge VR, but the headset system can stream videogames from consoles such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, enabling gamers to play their favourite AAA titles in VR. There are systems such as vorpX that do this for PC so MVR Ascend has a few other tricks up its sleeve.

MVR Ascend

The MVR Ascend features a custom built sensor that’s positioned on the straps at the back of a players head. This is then cabled to a controller that’s designed to look like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One controller. It’s this sensor that converts head movements into the usual stick directions for looking around, but this can be disabled with the controllers trigger for traditional aiming down sights if players prefer.

Other features on the device include built-in headphones, a flip-up function so that users don’t have to entirely take the headset off, and interchangeable 2D and 3D lens adaptors depending on user preference.

MVR Global’s looking to raise £150,000 GBP by 17th November 2016, and the campaign currently sits at £3,562 after only a few hours. Backing tiers start from £20 but to secure a headset customers will need to spend £79 or more. There are loads of different tiers available with some super early bird tiers offering the biggest discounts. For example the MVR P1 package includes the H1 HMD and P1 controller for streaming PlayStation 4 and PC titles, at a super early bird rate of £129. Once this has sold out there’s a further early bird price of £159, then the standard price of £179.

Head to MVR Ascend’s Kickstarter page for further info, and VRFocus will report back with any more updates.