CES 2017: The VR We R Most Excited About
Image courtesy Microsoft
There's no doubt about it, VR is the next big thing in the world of tech. It's no surprise then that the headsets and accessories that allow us to enter a whole new virtual world are the most anticipated products coming to the Consumer Electronics Show. CES will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Las Vegas beginning on January 5, 2017. The lineup of the latest in VR is not likely to disappoint and just might turn the most critical of skeptics into an enthusiastic fan.
Power Players
Tech giant Microsoft wants to make VR an affordable reality for consumers whose budgets aren't conducive to purchasing an Oculus Rift, which currently retails for $600. They also want to make augmented and virtual reality a more user friendly experience. The brand of Bill Gates is almost certain to jointly introduce third party VR headsets from Asus, Dell, HP and Acer as part of its Windows 10 Creator Update. The headsets will be compatible with Windows 10 applications only. All eyes will be on Asus in particular as they are confirmed to be showcasing an "all in one" VR device fully dressed with controllers, sensors and cameras. What makes it so groundbreaking? The device will not require a smartphone.
Image courtesy Hoàng Nguyễn
For other Microsoft partners, affordability will not equal a decrease in quality or ingenuity. It is anticipated that some compatible headsets will not include cameras or sensors and will be easy to set up. Whatever feature makes it possible for the headsets not to need sensors or light boxes is expected to ensure the user experience feels more real than that of the ones offered by competitor devices like the HTC Vive or Playstation VR. Headsets from Microsoft's partners will indeed be affordable with prices starting at $300 for purchase from major retailers.
Image courtesy HTC Vive
Speaking of the HTC Vive, a new device will be unveiled at CES as the second installment of what will be an annual release in years to come. HTC has continued their highly successful partnership with Valve to launch an upgraded VR headset with adaptations focused on intensifying the realism of video gaming elements like weapons and steering wheels. The most significant improvement however isn't the software but the hardware. HTC and Valve have eliminated over 2500 pieces of the original Vive to produce a much lighter headset that can be put on and worn with ease. The current version of the HTC Vive is priced at $800 which will most likely stay consistent with the yet to be released model.
Game Changers
Royole Moon wants to bring the IMAX experience to your living room, or any room or place for that matter. The Royole-X is a headset unlike anything on the market. It gives users the impression of being in front of a mammoth screen and is able to play both standard and 3D content. The device is comprised of noise cancelling headphones and a 3,300 PPI display with both USB and HDMI ports for connection with laptops or mobile devices. Currently, the Royole-X is priced at $700.
Image courtesy Royale-X
Startup company Finch will be showcasing a hand controller designed to be worn on palms and fingers and made exclusively for VR headsets. The Finch controller recognizes and records hand gestures, granting users the ability to interact with objects, type on a virtual keyboard and navigate apps. Finch is expected to reveal the Shift system at CES which is essentially a joystick controller compatible with Oculus or the HTC Vive. The Finch controller is available for preorder at $240, the Finch Shift will be priced at an affordable $50 but will not be available until late 2017.
Image courtesy Panacast
Altia Systems has received a CES 2017 Honoree award for its PanaCast 3D Virtual Reality Kit. The kit contains two PanaCast 2 cameras each of which capture 180º 7.4 megapixel, 4K panoramic video. The combined efforts of the cameras along with PanaCast's Computer Vision Engine software is stitched video imitating a natural field of view. The software requires an annual subscription of $300 while the kit is priced at $2800.
What are we missing? Tell us what VR you're most excited to see at CES 2017!
