QIYU-II – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

April 20, 2018

iQIYI To Release World’s First 4K VR Integrated Headset

The marketing-leading online entertainment service in China, iQIYI, has revealed that this May it will officially launch the world’s first 4K virtual reality (VR) integrated headset supporting 8K (7680*3840) panoramic video playback.

This announcement follows the debut of iQIYI’s second generation VR headset, the VR II, at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this January. The upgraded version will allow for the 8K panoramic video playback functionality and image rendering technology, combined with a fully upgraded 4K LCD screen with a quick response time to reduce latency. This will provide users with an unprecedented portable 4K movie theater viewing experience.

To help provide users with content, iQIYI will leverage their vast content library to allow the VR II to boast a massive amount of built-in video content including VR panoramic videos and pictures, 3D video, 2D video, iQIYI original VR films and television dramas and even VR videogames. iQIYI’s VR II marks the next step for the company is producing high quality content and products to consumers that is accessible and beautiful.

QIYU-II software screenshot

“Clarity, fluidity, and the sense of immersion in a virtual theater are crucial to the VR experience,” said Mr. Yu Gong, the founder and CEO of iQIYI. “iQIYI’s VR II takes each of these to the next level, with four-times higher resolution than standard 2K screens and a 35% improvement in computing performance. We’re confident our upcoming 4K VR headset will set an entirely new benchmark for VR, and once again transform the consumer entertainment experience.”

Elsewhere the company have been focusing their efforts on providing new ways for consumers to engage with content including software and motion tracking solutions. It was back at CES 2018 that they showcased their 8K Kivi Player, able to recognize VR content in various code formats and able to playback content up to 8K in resolution with ease. The VR II is also integrated with the iMotion position and posture tracking device which utilities armbands, the traditional VR controller can be directly upgrades from three degrees of freedom (3DoF) to 6DoF.

As iQIYI continue to develop new products and solutions to allow for more immersive experiences, VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest.

January 12, 2018

QIYU VR Mobile VR Arm Tracking & 4K Video Software Detailed

iQIYI Intelligence has revealed its latest virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD), the QIYU VR II at the CES 2018, Las Vegas. As previously reported by VRFocus, the HMD supports 4320p, 7680 x 4320 video playback, but now iQIYI has offered more details on the software utilised for this as well as the VR videogame experiences on offer.

The independently developed 8K Kiwi Player is able to recognise VR content in various code formats, and is able to play UHD content of up to 8K in resolution. QIYU VR II offers a variety of video content by leveraging on iQIYI’s TOP1 resource pool in China’s video industry. A Wi-Fi connection is all the user needs to access over 10,000 movies, 20,000 programs with panoramic content, as well as hundreds of 8K/4K videos customised for QIYU VR II. The user can watch TV dramas like Nirvana in Fire 2 or My Huckleberry Friends, and also enjoy blockbusters like Marvel Cinematic Universe in 8K/4K via the QIYU VR II.

At the same time, QIYU VR II integrated the iMotion position and posture tracking device. By utilising armbands, the traditional VR controller can be directly upgraded from three degrees of freedom (3DoF) to 6DoF. All the motion information of an arm can be captured in real-time, which presents the user with a richer VR interaction experience.

QIYU-II software screenshot 6DOF interaction also offers new videogame entertainment experiences, showcased at CES 2018 with the previously revealed Planet Dinosaur and a new title, Whac-A-Mole. QIYU VR II has also included the 6DOF position-tracking inside-out camera as an expansion component, an external add-on to the QIYU VR II that can be removed. It uses the algorithms of visual and inertia sensors and is able to detect head movement angles and information on mobile spatial positions without the need to set the external environment in advance.

As the leader in the internet service provider (ISP) industry in China, iQIYI Intelligence is showcasing iQIYI’s VR technologies and content ecosystem again at CES 2018. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on the QIYU VR II HMD and other VR projects from iQIYI.

January 9, 2018

iQIYI Reveal 4K Standalone VR Headset: QIYU-II

2018 is looking set to become the year in which mobile virtual reality (VR) matures. Oculus Go is coming soon alongside Oculus VR’s recently revealed Xiaomi partnership for the Mi VR, and of course the Vive Focus is heading to China imminently. New to the block are iQIYI, revealing their own take on the new paradigm, the QIYU-II, at CES 2018, Las Vegas.

QIYU-II headset

Founded in 2010, iQIYI is China’s largest internet and mobile video service provider. Since its launch, iQIYI has become recognised as an industry leader when it comes to delivering high-definition (HD) online video content to Chinese users, and is now looking to diversify its portfolio. The QIYU-II is key to that expansion.

The QIYU-II is on display at CES 2018, presented with the first videogame designed specifically for the platform: Planet Dinosaur. The QIYU-II features a 4K display, and Planet Dinosaur uses that to immersive the player in a Jurassic world. You can feed ferocious velociraptors by cranking the handle, and get a full 360 degree view of the dinosaur museum thanks to the QIYU-II’s built-in inside-out tracking system. Players can freely roam around in the dinosaur museum and observe every detail of dinosaur specimens.

Given iQIYI’s video background, it is of course to be expected that video playback will remain as large part of the company’s VR strategy. The QIYU-II supports 4320p, 7680 x 4320 video content, delivering a high quality viewing experience on the 4K LCD screen. Demonstrations of the video content are be available alongside Planet Dinosaur at CES 2018.

iQIYI currently operates largely in content distribution, and has built up a diversified business model that includes services such as online reading, manga, gaming, live streaming, movie ticketing, and e-commerce. VR is set to be the next step for the company as the QIYU-II head-mounted display (HMD) approaches the consumer market.

No details are currently available regarding the release date or price point of the QIYU-II HMD, nor any further technical specifications aside from those mentioned above. VRFocus is currently at CES 2018, and will continue to keep you updated with all the latest news directly from the show floor.