Since Apple announced its entry into the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) spheres there has been much speculation on if and when Apple will be releasing its own VR headset. Though there is some evidence that there are plans for a Google Glass-style AR headset, so far there has been little to suggest that Apple are planning a VR headset. So one company has taken matters into its own hands to produce a VR headset compatible with iPhones.
The Google Daydream and Samsung Gear VR are primary compatible with Android smartphones, and though the Google Cardboard will work with iPhones, its capabilities are limited in comparison. Enter The Bridge, a VR and mixed reality (VR) headset compatible with the iPhone.
Claiming to offer inside-out tracking, along with six degrees of freedom positional tracking and full room-scale VR experiences, the Bridge headset was created by San Francisco-based startup Occipital. Compatible with the iPhone 6, 6s and iPhone 7, the headset offers a resolution of 326 PPI with a refresh rate of 60fps.
The headset bundle comes with a custom bluetooth controller, a structure sensor, bridge controller and the head-mounted display and costs $399 (USD) from the Occipital website. The software that powers the headset, referred to the Bridge Engine, allows developers to craft mixed reality apps such as the one used for Occipital’s demonstration, which involves a tiny robot called Bridget, who races across and around real world objects to retrieve a virtual ball thrown by the user, something which the team at Occipital believe is just the tip of the iceberg.
Full details on what apps will be compatible with The Bridge headset has not yet been confirmed, though further information, including the ability to purchase the headset, can be found at the Occipital website.
VRFocus will bring you further news on The Bridge and other Apple-related VR and AR devices as it becomes available.
