Black Box VR opened the world’s first virtual reality gym in San Francisco, California earlier this year, and put simply, it takes Nintendo’s Ring Fit Adventure to the next level. It features the world’s first fully automated cable resistance machine that integrates virtual reality hardware and original eSport software, all powered by the HTC Vive Pro, Black Box VR users get an intense, time-dilated, custom workout while immersed in competitive virtual reality fitness experiences that redefine eSports into physically active vSports. Read more for a video and additional information.
Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 headset was first announced earlier this year, and now, it’s finally shipping to customers. Improvements from the original model include a diagonal field of view of 52°, which improves over the 34° field of view of the first edition, all the while keeping a resolution of 47 pixels per degree. This mixed reality device combines the company’s artificial intelligence, Azure, and cloud-computing platforms into one. Read more for a hands-on video and additional information.
HTC has partnered with the Louvre Museum in Paris to create a unique virtual reality experience, called “Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass”. It brings story of the Mona Lisa, the iconic masterpiece by artist Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), to life, in celebration of the 500th anniversary of da Vinci’s death in France. Through VR, the Louvre can now offer visitors a chance to experience the iconic image as never before, revealing details invisible to the naked eye, as well as providing insight into the techniques da Vinci used, and the identity of his sitter. Read more for a video and additional information.
The Microsoft Research team is working on a project called DreamWalker, which enables a person to be fully immersed in a virtual world even while walking in the real world. More specifically, it’s a method for allowing people to safely navigate a given route in real-world environments, like walking to work, all the while seeing themselves strolling a different VR world, such as a city or location of their choosing. Read more for a video and additional information.
Virtual reality (VR) startup Holoride partnered with Universal Pictures and car maker Ford to launch a new location-based, immersive Bride of Frankenstein experience, and in a moving car to boot. This VR experience will give viewers a chance to accompany the “Bride of Frankenstein” on a trip to deliver a message to Frankenstein himself by simply riding in a dedicated Ford Explorer. Read more for two videos and additional information, including how to reserve your ride at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles.
Camouflaj director Ryan Payton was recently interviewed by the PlayStation Blog about their upcoming Iron Man VR game, which aims to really immerse you in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One reason is because of physics-based flight, which obeys Newton’s laws of motion, so every frame processed includes calculations of up to a dozen forces, such as thrust, drag, and gravity — as well as our assistance systems — that output Iron Man’s trajectory through the sky. Read more for two videos and additional information.
In the near future, virtual reality will be used in a wide variety of everyday tasks, like painting. As many already know, standard virtual reality systems use either special headsets or multi-projected environments to generate realistic images, sounds and other sensations that simulate a user’s physical presence in a virtual environment. An artist who goes by “Anna dream brush” online shows us the surreal paintings that ensue when you combine virtual reality with art. Read more for a video and additional information.
HTC’s VIVE Virtual Reality System is being offered for the lowest priced yet, and you can pick one up for $480.41 shipped, today only, originally $500. Using the included headset and wireless controllers, you’ll be able to explore and interact with VR experiences, apps and games that blur the line between imagination and reality. From blockbuster games to unforgettable experiences, there are over 2500+ titles available for VIVE currently. Product page. Read more for a hands-on video review and additional information.
HBO partnered exclusively with VIVEPORT to launch an immersive VR experience based on the massive hit show “Game of Thrones”, and it’s finally here, only on Viveport Infinity. “Beyond the Wall” transports players to the northern border of The Seven Kingdoms to fight and defend The Wall where they can test their sword-fighting skills against a terrifying undead polar bear and hoard of wights. “VR is the perfect pairing for Game of Thrones fans who can now step onto the battlefield of Beyond the Wall as part of Viveport Infinity. Beyond the Wall gives you the first-hand experience of joining the Night’s Watch and protecting the realms of men with your flaming sword from the army of the dead,” said Rikard Steiber, President of Viveport. Read more for a trailer video and additional information.
Yes, there’s a real pastor who performs baptisms in virtual reality, and YouTuber Syrmor recently documented this phenomenon for internet users to see. DJ Soto, a Christian pastor, wants everyone to be able to experience baptisms regardless of their situation, whether they be in a wheelchair or are recovering drug addicts, and also reach people who may not be able to attend traditional church service. Read more for a video and additional information.