The concept of wearable devices and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) seem to be tied together. With both becoming increasingly viable as technology develops and becomes cheap enough to be available to the consumer, Xenoma are taking advantage of this with the launch of a Kickstarter campaign for its gesture-tracking E-Skin clothing.
Featuring flexible and stretchable sensors that can detect movement while still being waterproof and durable enough the easily survive machine washing, the E-Skin shift aims to offer all the benefits of accurate motion tracking without the need for external cameras. Using Bluetooth to connect to devices such as a smartphone, PC, tablet, or even the Microsoft HoloLens, the E-Skin shirt also incorporates an accelerometer and gyroscope.
The Kickstarter campaign reward tiers begin at $10 (USD) to receive updates and get a special ‘thank you’ note on the website. Higher tiers begin at $479 for an Early Bird reward of one E-Skin shift plus a copy of the Software Development kit (SDK), supplies of which are limited to 100 units. The highest tier is $959 and offers backers a three-pack of E-Skin shirts along with three copies of the SDK and three free applications, Yoga, Running and Data Tracker.
The exclusive early-adopter Kickstarter version of the E-Skin shirt comes in a grey-silver colour, as opposed to the normal commercial black shirt, though the shirts are otherwise functionally identical apart from colour.
Xenoma are seeking $50,000 in funds, with the campaign due to end on 6th September, 2017. If the campaign is successful, the company hopes to begin shipping the e-Skin shirts to backers in Late September, 2017. Further information can be found on the Kickstarter page.
VRFocus will keep you informed on the E-Skin campaign and other VR/AR-related Crowdfunding campaigns.
via Mint VR