Hardware

HTC Teases A Mysterious New Vive Headset

October 6, 2022 From vrscout

“Go small or go home.”

Roughly a year after the reveal of the Vive Flow, HTC has begun teasing its next VR headset. The company posted a tweet earlier today that reads “Go small or go home.” Accompanying the message is a close-up photo of what we can only assume is the mysterious new hardware.

In an official email sent to VRScout, HTC confirms the device in question is in fact a headset and outlines its progress from the past year, specifically highlighting key hardware releases such as the Vive Flow, Vive Wrist Tracker, and Eye and Facial tracking add-ons for the Vive Focus 3.

Other than that, we know little to nothing about HTC’s next headset other than the fact that it will be a “smaller” piece of hardware according to the company. Could this be a follow-up to the Vive Flow? Or perhaps a standalone VR device meant to compete with the Meta Quest 2?

It’s also worth noting that today’s announcement comes less than a week ahead of the Meta Connect 2022 conference, during which Meta is expected to real its next headset. Codenamed Project Cambria, the workplace device reportedly features high-resolution colored passthrough, allowing for more complex mixed reality experiences.

According to HTC, more details regarding their mysterious new device are on the way, so it looks as though we’ll just have to wait to find out more. Until then, don’t miss Meta Connect 2022 Tuesday, October 11th at 10:00am PT.

For more information on that visit here.

Image Credit: HTC

Hands-On: Looking Glass Portrait Holographic Display

September 15, 2022 From vrscout

A genuinely impressive hologram machine that doesn’t break the bank.

If watching decades of sci-fi movies and television like Star Wars and Back to the Future has taught me anything, it’s that holograms are the future of communication and entertainment.

Perhaps that explains my excitement around the Looking Glass Portrait, a desktop holographic display designed for artists, designers, developers, filmmakers, photographers, and various other creative professionals looking to take their craft to the next level. Despite its many features, the device is relatively easy to use, even for those brand new to immersive technology.

I was fortunate enough to go hands-on with Looking Glass Portrait and after a few weeks of experimentation, I can safely say the device is worth its price. From the impressive 3D visuals to the easy-to-use software, Looking Glass Factory has crafted an impressive hologram machine that doesn’t break the bank, which is a rare combination in today’s market.

Looking Glass Portrait features two primary modes of operation: Desktop Mode and Standalone Mode. By plugging the device into your computer (Mac or PC) via a standard USB-C and HDMI cable, you’re able to use it as a secondary 3D monitor. You can then use the HoloPlay Studio software to easily drag and drop new holograms onto the device, develop applications using plugins for programs like Unity and Unreal Engine, and more.

Standalone Mode is exactly what it sounds like. A built-in Raspberry Pi 4 allows you to view roughly 1,000 holographic photos and videos on a loop without the need for a computer. All you have to do is plug the Portrait into a power source and use the touch controls located on the side of the device to cycle through content. It’s a painfully easy process, almost to a surprising degree.

Looking Glass Portrait comes with a generous selection of demo holograms you can try right out of the box. This includes everything from abstract art and still photography to 3D models and various other immersive content. You also have the ability to download holograms from other Looking Glass creators. All you need to do is download a file from lookingglassfactory.com and drag it into the playlist folder that opens automatically when you plug the device into your computer.

You can also import your own 3D photos and videos. Compatible files include iPhone Portrait photos, android portrait photos, RGBD photos/videos, quilt images & videos, and light field photosets. During my time with the device, I was able to upload a 3D selfie using the Portrait Mode on my iPhone 12. The process was relatively straightforward. All I had to do was snap the photo, send it to my computer, and import the file using HoloPlay Studio. Those with an iPhone 12 Pro or any iPhone with LiDAR can capture even more detailed photos with ease.

While the Looking Glass Portrait may be the smallest of Looking Glass Factory’s holographic displays (the company also offers 16″, 32″, and 65″ models), the potential use cases are virtually endless. Whether you’re a designer looking for an easy way to visualize your projects in 3D or a filmmaker curious about the world of 3D storytelling, the Portrait is an excellent addition to any creative professional’s arsenal of tools.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed using the device as a custom art gallery. I’ve spent hours searching for new 3D photos and videos from a wide range of talented creators, amassing a sizable catalog of immersive art and memories in the process. Moving forward, I’d be curious to experiment with some of the interactive features powered by the Azure Kinect spatial tracking kit.

Looking Glass Portrait is available now starting at $399. You also have the option to purchase 2D-to-3D conversion credits which can be used to convert “two-dimensional memories into holographic memories.”

For more information visit here.

Image Credit: Looking Glass Factory

3D Scanner Lets You Capture The Real World In VR

September 14, 2022 From vrscout

VR is about to get a whole lot more real.

Imagine having the power to capture your real-world environment as a hyper-realistic 3D model from the palm of your hand. Well, wonder no more, as peel 3d, a developer of professional-grade 3D scanners, today announced the launch of peel 3 and peel 3.CAD, two new easy-to-use 3D scanners capable of generating high-quality 3D scans for a wide variety of digital mediums, including VR and augmented reality (AR).

Each device features an ergonomic design as well as a touchscreen interface, allowing users to generate high-resolution scans regardless of their skill level. “Haptic user communications” guide users through the scanning process, ensuring clean, high-quality 3D scans.

“In addition to the boosted performance specs and innovative design of the new peel 3d scanners, the fact that each 3D scanner can be supported with integrated and powerful scan-to-CAD software is something the market has never seen before for this category of 3D measurement solutions,” said François Leclerc, Program Manager at peel 3D, in an official release. “This clearly shows our commitment to democratizing the entire 3D scanning experience for users in many different fields.”

The aforementioned 3D scanners are powered by peel.OS, an easy-to-use “data acquisition software” that transforms 3D scans into CAD-ready files compatible with a wide variety of applications.

“Peel 3d customers can also opt for V.I.peel, an exclusive white-glove service and investment protection program, that includes free software updates, extended hardware repair coverage, and more,” added peel 3D. “Peel 3d has also redesigned a series of accessories to complement its new 3D scanners.”

Peel 3D and peel 3.CAD are available for $8490 and $11,990 respectively. For more information visit here.

Image Credit: peel 3D

Meta Quest Pro Coming This October Says Zuckerberg

August 25, 2022 From vrscout

The enterprise-focused device supposedly features facial tracking and high-resolution colored passthrough.

This week, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg joined prominent podcast host and comedian Joe Rogan on his show The Joe Rogan Experience, during which they talked more about the company’s next Meta VR headset, codenamed Project Cambria.

During their conversation, Zuckerberg quickly mentions a release window for the device, saying, “For the next device that’s coming out in October, there are a few big features.” While Zuckerberg doesn’t explicitly mention Project Cambria during the interview, it’s hard to imagine he’s talking about a different piece of hardware based on his description.

According to leaks, Project Cambria, otherwise referred to as the Meta Quest Pro, features both face and eye tracking powered by additional sensors that track your eye and lip movements. We do know that the headset features high-resolution colored passthrough technology capable of delivering engaging mixed reality experiences.

During a Q1 2022 earnings call, Zuckerberg said that he hopes the device will one day replace your laptop or current work setup. Project Cambria is supposedly designed primarily for “work use cases” as opposed to gaming and entertainment.

Hopefully, we’ll learn more about this during the annual Connect conference.

Image Credit: Meta