Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sensics head-tracking 3D Smart goggles hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sensics-head-tracking-3d-goggles-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sensics-head-tracking-3d-goggles-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sensics-head-tracking-3d-goggles-hands-on-video/#comments When we first caught wind of Sensic's head-tracking 3D Smart goggles a few days ago, we couldn't help but think of it as a Sony HMZ-T1 on Android-flavored steroids. We've just spent some time with the prototype here on the show floor playing a virtual demo that had us smashing buildings in a virtual world -- notably running entirely on the headset, thanks (in part) to its 1.2GHZ dual-core CPU. If you can't tell from the picture, the headset is absolutely massive. In-hand it's quiet hefty, but once it engulfed our noggin, we found that it was actually quiet well-balanced and comfortable, to the point that we almost forget that it was on our head -- almost. Notably, this proto is a "one size fits all" type deal rght now, so we did have to wrap a circle-scarf around our head to keep its 1280 x 1024 screens within our eyes view. Thankfully, our horn-rimmed glasses did fit inside with no issue.

So, what's it like? An array of cameras on it's face scan the environment to react to your heads position and any movement you make. We were able to spin, tilt, walk around and even jump, with the virtual world on screen following suite -- all while looking like a confused and lost puppy to anyone passing by. We're told video refreshes at 60hz, but sadly, we were faced with stuttery visuals in our use. The unit is also capable of tracking hand movements, but we can't say we were able to make use of the privilege -- instead, a controller made up for the interim. Considering that Sensic's head-tracking 3D goggles do all of the above in a completely self-contained fashion, we can't help but think that there's lots of potential for the tech. The question remains, however, as to whether the experience and the hardware can be smoothed to bring the Minority Report-style of AR closer to a retail reality. Head on past the break for a video of us trying out Sensic's headset for ourselves-- trust us, you're in for a treat.

Gallery: Sensics head-tracking 3D goggles hands-on

Continue reading Sensics head-tracking 3D Smart goggles hands-on (video)

Sensics head-tracking 3D Smart goggles hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1280x1024360 degree360Degree3d3d goggles3d headset3dGoggles3dHeadset720pandroidaraugmented realityAugmentedRealitycesces 2012Ces2012head mounted displayhead trackinghead-mounted displayHead-mountedDisplayHeadMountedHeadMountedDisplayHeadTrackinglibsensicsnataliaoledoled displayOledDisplaysagasensicssensics nataliaSensicsNataliasmartgogglesvideoTue, 10 Jan 2012 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sensics Natalia head-tracking 3D goggles work alone or with PCs, consoles and phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/sensics-natalia-head-tracking-3d-goggles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/sensics-natalia-head-tracking-3d-goggles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/sensics-natalia-head-tracking-3d-goggles/#comments Well, it looks like Sensics is going to give Sony some competition in the high-end, head-mounted display arena with a new 3D head-mounted display. Like the HMZ-T1, Sensics' Natalia headset has dual OLED screens and can connect to consoles, PCs, or phones to let you see your favorite movies and games in 3D. Unlike the Sony, Natalia sports higher-res 1280 x 1024 screens, and isn't simply a display: it has a 1.2GHZ dual-core CPU and 1GB of memory, an SD card slot, WiFi, Bluetooth, and runs Android 4.0. That means that it can be used as a standalone device, and the company's libSensics app programming interface gives devs the tools needed to create software for the new platform. Oh, and did we mention that Sensics' headset does 360-degree head tracking, and can track your hands to allow for immersive AR user experiences (think Minority Report). The final feather in her cap? Though Natalia can run on DC power, she also has hot-swappable batteries so you aren't tethered to an outlet. Sensics isn't telling how much this nifty bit of kit will cost, but the company's aiming for a late 2012 release and will be showing the headset off at CES next week -- where we'll be getting hands on with it and will let you know how well (and if) it works.

Continue reading Sensics Natalia head-tracking 3D goggles work alone or with PCs, consoles and phones

Sensics Natalia head-tracking 3D goggles work alone or with PCs, consoles and phones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1280x1024360 degree360Degree3d3d goggles3d headset3dGoggles3dHeadset720pandroidaraugmented realityAugmentedRealitycesces 2012Ces2012head mounted displayhead trackinghead-mounted displayHead-mountedDisplayHeadMountedDisplayHeadTrackinglibsensicsnataliaoledoled displayOledDisplaysagasensicssensics nataliaSensicsNataliasmartgogglesvideoThu, 05 Jan 2012 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's HMZ-T1 headset gets a DIY VR upgrade (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/sonys-hmz-t1-headset-gets-a-diy-vr-upgrade-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/sonys-hmz-t1-headset-gets-a-diy-vr-upgrade-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/sonys-hmz-t1-headset-gets-a-diy-vr-upgrade-video/#comments Sony's new HMZ-T1 headset may look like the virtual reality headset you always dreamed of back in the 1990s, but it's not -- at least, not out of the box. It's simply a wearable 3D display, with none of the head-tracking capabilities necessary for a truly immersive experience. Of course, that little drawback isn't going to stop the more DIY-minded individuals among us, one of whom has now paired the headset with a TrackIR 5 head-tracking device and demonstrated the results on YouTube. Check out some VR-ified World of Warcraft and Skyrim after the break.

Continue reading Sony's HMZ-T1 headset gets a DIY VR upgrade (video)

Sony's HMZ-T1 headset gets a DIY VR upgrade (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdpostcrosshead trackerhead trackingheadsetHeadTrackerHeadTrackinghmdhmz-t1sonyTrackIrtrackir 5Trackir5videovirtual realityVirtualRealityVRSat, 19 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Vuzix Wrap 1200VR video eyewear does 3D with head-tracking for $600, now available]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/vuzix-wrap-1200vr-video-eyewear-does-3d-with-head-tracking-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/vuzix-wrap-1200vr-video-eyewear-does-3d-with-head-tracking-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/vuzix-wrap-1200vr-video-eyewear-does-3d-with-head-tracking-for/#comments
If you scored yourself Vuzix's Wrap 1200 side-by-side 3D video eyewear last month, you may want to know the company's VR variant is now available for $600 (about 100 bones more). With the Wrap 1200VR, you'll again be viewing a simulated 75-inch, 3D (or 2D, if you'd prefer) 16:9 display at ten feet away. The shades feature a single 852 x 480 monitor per eye and support input resolutions of up to 1280 x 720. The VR bit comes from the included Wrap Tracker 6TC with compass, which enables head-tracking with three degrees of freedom. Better yet, its coupled drift control should maintain silky smooth visuals when you're tilting your noggin' to scope out the on-screen action. Out of box, these specs are said to play nice with most Windows machine's graphics cards and VGA connections, but adapters are required to rock them with your PS3 or Xbox 360. If your eyes are already tearing up with joy, you'll find full details in the PR just past the break.

Update: We initially reported the that the Vuzix Wrap 1200VR outputs video in simulated 720p, when it actually supports input resolutions up to 1280 x 720 -- both WVGA monitors have a resolution of 852 x 480. We've updated this post accordingly.

Continue reading Vuzix Wrap 1200VR video eyewear does 3D with head-tracking for $600, now available

Vuzix Wrap 1200VR video eyewear does 3D with head-tracking for $600, now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d display3d glasses3dDisplay3dGlasses3dof3dtv720p720p 3d glasses720p3dGlassesHDhead trackingHeadTrackinghealthyps3sunglassesthree degrees of freedomThreeDegreesOfFreedomvgavuzixvuzix wrap 1200 VRVuzixWrap1200Vrwindowswrap 1200 vrWrap Tracker 6TCWrap1200VrWrapTracker6tcxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/#comments
We already had a chance to try out Immersive Motion from Aiken Labs at CES, but now the nine-axis modular sensing system is making its way to Android and other mobile platforms, including iOS and Windows Phone. The more compact battery-powered server brings motion-controlled gaming to mobile environments, capturing position data from matchbox-size modular sensors that you can tape to a wooden sword or Viking helmet for live-action outdoor role-playing, or on you paws and dome during a virtual jam session with friends, for example. The mobile kit includes a pair of wireless sensors with a 50-foot range that you can attach to literally any accessory or appendage, and is expected to sell for about $300 when it ships later this year. You'll also be able to connect up to two smaller wired sensors to each wireless sensor, for about $50 a pop.

The kit's price tag makes it cost-prohibitive for all but the most hardcore gamers and devs (there's an SDK available as well), but Aiken hopes to make its flagship product more affordable if its able to sell the kits in high volume. The tool has applications in other industries as well, including research and Hollywood, where it could be used as a (relatively) low-cost outdoor motion-capture suit. The early version we saw at E3 today is definitely not ready to head to production, but we're still months away from an actual release, giving Aiken some time to improve accuracy, and perhaps find a way to reduce that price. Jump past the break to see how it works.

Gallery: Aiken Labs Immersive Motion for Mobile Hands-On


Tim Stevens contributed to this report.

Continue reading Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)

Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9DOFAiken LabsAikenLabsandroidChris AikenChrisAikene3e3 2011e3 expoE32011E3Expogaminghands-onhead trackingHeadTrackingIMUinertial measurement unitsInertialMeasurementUnitsiosmobile gamingMobileGamingmocapmotion capturemotion controllerMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionCaptureMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionTrackingvideowindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect enabled head-tracking previewed in Forza 4 spotlight video, turns heads (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/#comments
Ever since Johnny Chung Lee was snatched up by Microsoft's Project Natal team to work on Kinect, we've been curious to see how his Wii head-tracking skills would come to fruition on the device. This week, an Inside Xbox episode shows us how it will work with Forza 4, and the Kinect enabled head-tracking appears to run fairly smoothly compared to others we've seen (just try getting similar results on Gran Turismo 5 with a PlayStation Eye). There's no word about other titles planning to make use of this new feature, but we'll surely find out more while we're at E3 next week, and possibly get some hands heads-on time while we're at it.

Kinect enabled head-tracking previewed in Forza 4 spotlight video, turns heads (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivinge3e3 2011E32011Forza 4forza motorsportforza motorsport 4Forza4ForzaMotorsportForzaMotorsport4gamegaminghead trackinghead-trackingHeadTrackingJohnny Chung LeeJohnnyChungLeekinectMicrosoftplaystation eyePlaystationEyeproject natalProjectNatalPS EyePsEyeracingvideoxboxxbox 360xbox 360 kinectxbox kinectXbox360Xbox360KinectXboxKinectWed, 01 Jun 2011 23:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Evigroup Paddle Pro's steamy demo gives you head tracking, hot flashes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/evigroup-paddle-pros-steamy-demo-gives-you-head-tracking-hot-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/evigroup-paddle-pros-steamy-demo-gives-you-head-tracking-hot-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/evigroup-paddle-pros-steamy-demo-gives-you-head-tracking-hot-f/#comments We've been waiting to see the Paddle Pro in action since Evigroup announced the hands-free tablet last year, but we never imagined our introduction would be this, well... titillating. We previously announced that the tablet would utilize a front-facing webcam to track head movements for cursor control, and as far as we can tell, the system follows through on its promises: the cursor follows the motion of the user's head with fluidity, and -- it seems -- staring at any point on the screen more than a half-second equates to a click of the mouse. Frankly, we're still stumped on the double-click, though. A Paddle Pro sporting Windows 7 runs €990 ($1300), while the same tablet sans the software costs €890 ($1169). We're still jonesing to see its moves in person, but if you're looking for a little tablet eye-candy to spice up your day, check out the unashamedly racy demo after the jump.


[Thanks, WMax]

Continue reading Evigroup Paddle Pro's steamy demo gives you head tracking, hot flashes

Evigroup Paddle Pro's steamy demo gives you head tracking, hot flashes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eviGroupevigroup paddleEvigroup Paddle ProEvigroupPaddleEvigroupPaddleProfrancefrenchhands freeHandsFreehead trackingHeadTrackingMotion sensingMotionSensingpaddle proPaddle Pro tabletPaddleProPaddleProTablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcswindows 7windows 7 tabletWindows7Windows7TabletThu, 13 Jan 2011 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Aiken Labs shows off modular motion-sensing game kit, we give it a swing (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/aiken-labs-shows-off-modular-motion-sensing-game-kit-we-give-it/#comments If you're looking to get your motion-controlled gaming fix, there are plenty of ways to go -- cameras, electromagnets and accelerometers, for starts -- but most figure you'll buy a single peripheral, a few plastic accessories, and call it a day. That's not the Aiken way. North Carolina startup Aiken Labs wants to sell you a set of tiny boxes that you can stick on any body part or toy you own, each with a full inertial measurement package (three-axis accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope) inside. The boxes connect to a base station over 802.15.4 wireless that doubles as a USB recharging unit for the lot, and you can connect up to eight modules to track 24 degrees of freedom at a time. It's not an elegant solution, to tell you the truth, particularly given the hacked-together nature of the prototype devices we saw on the CES 2011 floor, but we love the idea of simply affixing a box to a helmet to get instant head-tracking support in our favorite PC titles. Inventor Chris Aiken tells us a starter set will ship for about $300 with two sensors and the base station in the second quarter of this year -- additional sensors should run $100 each -- and you can see what it looks like in a video right after the break.

Gallery: Aiken Labs Immersive Motion gaming sensors, hands-on

Continue reading Aiken Labs shows off modular motion-sensing game kit, we give it a swing (video)

Aiken Labs shows off modular motion-sensing game kit, we give it a swing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9DOFAiken LabsAikenLabscesces 2011ces2011Chris AikenChrisAikengaminghands-onhead trackingHeadTrackingIMUinertial measurement unitsInertialMeasurementUnitsmotion controllerMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionTrackingvideoTue, 11 Jan 2011 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Evigroup Paddle tablet goes Pro, gets cursor-controlling, head-tracking webcam]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/evigroup-paddle-tablet-goes-pro-gets-cursor-controlling-head-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/evigroup-paddle-tablet-goes-pro-gets-cursor-controlling-head-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/evigroup-paddle-tablet-goes-pro-gets-cursor-controlling-head-t/#commentsEvigroup Paddle tablet goes Pro, gets cursor-controlling, head-tracking webcam Some day, in the distant future, we'll be activating windows, clicking buttons, and playing Farmville with our minds. Our minds. There have been attempts to get us there, none fully comprehensive, though the Evigroup Paddle Pro tablet is taking an interesting alternative approach: using head tracking to control the cursor. Apparently its front-facing webcam detects your front-facing mug and as you look about the screen it moves the cursor appropriately. Staring rudely at any button or control for a half-second equates to a click and, while we don't yet know how you'll double-click, we'd like to think a spasmodic twitch will be required. Evigroup is also launching a curvy keyboard to go with the Paddle Pro and is promising the ability to play video and audio wirelessly courtesy of a "small station" that connects to your TV. The internals, meanwhile, are perfectly predictable: a netbook spec Atom N450 struggling with Windows 7 Home Premium. No word on price or availability.

Evigroup Paddle tablet goes Pro, gets cursor-controlling, head-tracking webcam originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evigroupface trackingFaceTrackinghead trackingHeadTrackingintel atomIntelAtomn450paddlepaddle proPaddleProtabletwebcamwindows 7windows 7 home premiumWindows7Windows7HomePremiumTue, 16 Nov 2010 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft hints at touchless Surface combining camera and transparent OLED (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-hints-at-touchless-surface-combining-camera-and-transp/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-hints-at-touchless-surface-combining-camera-and-transp/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/microsoft-hints-at-touchless-surface-combining-camera-and-transp/#comments We've always wondered whether Microsoft's multitouch table would actually ever arrive, dreaming of Minority Report hijinx all the while, but after seeing what the company's Applied Sciences Group is currently cooking up -- a touchless telepresence display -- we'd rather drop that antiquated pinch-to-zoom stuff in favor of what might be Surface's next generation. Starting with one of Samsung's prototype transparent OLED panels, Microsoft dropped a sub-two-inch camera behind the glass, creating a 3D gesture control interface that tracks your every move by literally seeing through the display. Combined with that proprietary wedge-shaped lens we saw earlier this month and some good ol' Johnny Chung Lee headtracking by the man himself, we're looking at one hell of a screen. Don't you dare read another word without seeing the prototype in a trifecta of videos after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft hints at touchless Surface combining camera and transparent OLED (video)

Microsoft hints at touchless Surface combining camera and transparent OLED (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applied Sciences GroupAppliedSciencesGroupface trackingfacetrackinggesturegesture controlGesture recognitionGestureControlGestureRecognitionhead trackingheadtrackinglensMicrosoftMicrosoft Applied Sciences GroupMicrosoft SurfaceMicrosoftAppliedSciencesGroupMicrosoftSurfacemotion sensingmotion trackingMotionSensingMotionTrackingOLEDprototypesamsungsurfacetelepresencetouchlesstransparent oledTransparentOledvideowedgeTue, 29 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's new lens tracks your face, steers 3D images to your eyes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsofts-new-lens-tracks-your-face-steers-3d-images-to-your/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsofts-new-lens-tracks-your-face-steers-3d-images-to-your/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/microsofts-new-lens-tracks-your-face-steers-3d-images-to-your/#comments Glasses-free 3D has taken several forms, but most have a critical flaw -- viewers have to stand in predefined locations to get the effect. That just won't do, so Microsoft's prototyped a new approach, and it's one of the wildest we've seen. Taking a cue from Project N... we mean Kinect, cameras track the face while a special wedge-shaped lens traps bouncing light, and after the beams have reached a "critical angle," it exits towards the viewers eyes, aimed by programmable LEDs at the bottom of the screen. Since the system can beam a pair of simultaneous images to two different places, the obvious use is stereoscopic 3D, but researchers found they could also send different images to different viewers, as a sort of privacy screen. If that sounds far fetched, you're not alone -- but you'll find a video proof-of-concept at the more coverage link.

Microsoft's new lens tracks your face, steers 3D images to your eyes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DAutoStereoscopicautostereoscopic 3dAutostereoscopic3dface trackingFaceTrackinghead trackingHeadTrackinglensmotion sensingmotion trackingMotionSensingMotionTrackingsteerablesteerable LCDSteerableLcdstereoscopicstereoscopic 3DStereoscopic3dvideowedgeMon, 14 Jun 2010 07:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Winscape virtual window features Wiimote headtracking, absolutely made of win]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/winscape-virtual-window-features-wiimote-headtracking-absolutel/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/winscape-virtual-window-features-wiimote-headtracking-absolutel/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/winscape-virtual-window-features-wiimote-headtracking-absolutel/#comments We have not modified the above picture in any way -- Scout's Honor. That's a real baby, wearing a real IR necklace that interacts with a real Wiimote. What's not real, of course, is the view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. That is generated by Ryan Hoagland's DIY virtual window, a brilliant pastiche of interior design, RED ONE footage and Johnny Chung Lee-style headtracking, all directed to your eyes by a Mac Pro feeding a pair of plasma screens. As the viewer moves around, dual 1080p images move the opposite direction, providing the convincing illusion of looking out a real pane of glass at the incredibly detailed scenery beyond. Exciting? Then you'll be giggling like Jr. when you hear it's for sale. After spending a year figuring out how to mount, drive and cool the whole shebang, Hoagland would like you to have one too; he plans to have basic kits ready by July for under $3000. Watch baby-powered plasma in motion after the break, as well as a sweet time-lapse video of the build process.

[Thanks, Andy, ArjanD]

Continue reading Winscape virtual window features Wiimote headtracking, absolutely made of win

Winscape virtual window features Wiimote headtracking, absolutely made of win originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfhackhackshead trackingheadtrackinginfraredIRJohnny Chung LeeJohnnyChungLeeMac ProMacProRED ONERedOneRyan HoaglandRyanHoaglandvideovirtual windowVirtualWindowwii remoteWiimoteWiimote hackwiimote headtrackingWiimoteHackWiimoteHeadtrackingWiiRemoteThu, 15 Apr 2010 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY VR rig makes neck pain an un-virtual reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/diy-vr-rig-makes-neck-pain-an-un-virtual-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/diy-vr-rig-makes-neck-pain-an-un-virtual-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/diy-vr-rig-makes-neck-pain-an-un-virtual-reality/#comments
Sure, there's plenty of practical VR options available these days (DIY and otherwise), but there's also something to be said for rigs that stick to virtual reality's cumbersome, unwieldy roots. Sharing that sentiment is DIYer Gavan Woolery, who combined an Acer GD235HZ 3D monitor, a pair of shutter glasses, and a TrackIR 5 head-tracking system to build this rig that manages to make the helmet from Videodrome look comfortable. Of course, Woolery is completely up front that the rig is "not in any way designed to be practical," but it does seem to work remarkably well, and it's reasonably inexpensive to build yourself if you're so inclined -- at least compared to other dedicated VR rigs. Head on past the break to check it out in action, and hit up the source link below for the complete details.

Continue reading DIY VR rig makes neck pain an un-virtual reality

DIY VR rig makes neck pain an un-virtual reality originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d monitor3dMonitordiyGavan WooleryGavanWooleryhead trackinghead-trackingHeadTrackinghmdvirtual realityVirtualRealityvrWed, 07 Apr 2010 17:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Arcade mixes 3D glasses with head-tracking for this season's hottest new look]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/21/metal-gear-arcade-mixes-3d-glasses-with-head-tracking-for-this-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/21/metal-gear-arcade-mixes-3d-glasses-with-head-tracking-for-this-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/21/metal-gear-arcade-mixes-3d-glasses-with-head-tracking-for-this-s/#comments Despite a few harrying run-ins with some large white tents at Manhattan's Fashion Week-hosting Bryant Park, we can honestly say we have no idea what's "in" this year for arcade gaming headgear. Still, even with Konami's lack of zebra print or a sly celebrity endorsement, we've got to hand it to them for this fashionable new "Metal Gear Arcade" number. The arcade game is based on Metal Gear Online, but the head gear adds 3D and head-tracking to the experience. There's also a physical gun controller, and the sit down arcade cabinets pump out your gunplay in huge 5.1 sound. This new arcade incarnation of the game will be playable at the AUO Expo in Japan this week, but we have no idea how long it will be until we can look this badass from the comfort of our own couch. Hit up the source link for a riveting video in Japanese that details this exclusive, outside-the-house experience.

Metal Gear Arcade mixes 3D glasses with head-tracking for this season's hottest new look originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3darcadehead gearhead trackingHeadGearHeadTrackingkonamimetal gear arcademetal gear onlinemetal gear solidMetalGearArcadeMetalGearOnlineMetalGearSolidSun, 21 Feb 2010 06:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple applies for head tracking patent, Johnny Chung Lee says 'you're welcome']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/apple-applies-for-head-tracking-patent-johnny-chung-lee-says-y/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/apple-applies-for-head-tracking-patent-johnny-chung-lee-says-y/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/apple-applies-for-head-tracking-patent-johnny-chung-lee-says-y/#comments Pablo Picasso is quoted as saying, "good artists copy and great artists steal." Good thing the quoter was Steve Jobs then, because the latest Apple patent application to go public looks very much like something Johnny Chung Lee pieced together with a Wiimote way back in 2007. Filed for in June 2008, the new patent is for a system tracking the location of the user's head and responding to his movements in a fashion that should generate a realistic three-dimensional viewing experience sans those pesky glasses. We've got video of Johnny's setup after the break, and as he himself describes it, the idea behind a "desktop VR" is to unbound imagery from the screen surface and to make your monitor or TV act like a window unto whatever is being displayed. That means Apple will need a new branding scheme should this application turn into a real product -- iWindow just might be the least likely product name in the history of consumer electronics.

Continue reading Apple applies for head tracking patent, Johnny Chung Lee says 'you're welcome'

Apple applies for head tracking patent, Johnny Chung Lee says 'you're welcome' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dappledesktop vrDesktopVrdisplayhead trackerhead trackingHeadTrackerHeadTrackingJohnny Chung LeeJohnnyChungLeepatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationvirtualvrThu, 17 Dec 2009 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyerdynamic brings trio of "5.1" headphones to America]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/beyerdynamic-brings-trio-of-5-1-headphones-to-america/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/beyerdynamic-brings-trio-of-5-1-headphones-to-america/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/03/beyerdynamic-brings-trio-of-5-1-headphones-to-america/#comments
Beyerdynamic's "head tracking" Headzone Home (pictured) system has been available across the pond for quite some time, but the outfit has just announced that it, along with the Headzone Home HT and Headzone Game, are now headed stateside. The headzone tech promises a "virtual 5.1 experience," which links together the processor, headphone and Head tracking receiver, and while we don't doubt that this rig would sound pretty darn good, we're a bit scared by the omission of US price tag. You know, given that the Home setup ran well over $3,000 when it launched overseas.

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Beyerdynamic brings trio of "5.1" headphones to America originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeyerdynamichdHead TrackingheadphoneheadphonesHeadTrackinghomezoneothersspeakerssurround soundSurroundSoundSat, 03 Jan 2009 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Wiimote head tracking meets First Person Shooter: die Marshies, die]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/wiimote-head-tracking-meets-first-person-shooter-die-marshies/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/wiimote-head-tracking-meets-first-person-shooter-die-marshies/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/wiimote-head-tracking-meets-first-person-shooter-die-marshies/#comments
Remember Johnny Chung Lee's self-made VR head-tracking system cobbled together from a Wiimote and IR-equipped safety glasses? Good, because it's now one step closer to its destiny as the ultimate controller for a first person, Wii shooter. The video experience in a 3D wireframed world does look admittedly rough, but the idea is sound: step forward to move forward, to the sides to turn, and jump to (you guessed it) jump. Fortunately, with Nintendo's WiiWare service now live in Japan, maybe, just maybe someone will see the potential and commercialize this. Watch the Insight VR people hunt down the evil Marshies after the break.

[Via Make and Hack A Day]

Continue reading Wiimote head tracking meets First Person Shooter: die Marshies, die

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Wiimote head tracking meets First Person Shooter: die Marshies, die originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhead trackingHeadTrackinginfraredjohnny chung leeJohnnyChungLeelasermarshienintendowiimotewiiwareWed, 26 Mar 2008 07:55:00 EST