Zeiss is known as a world leader in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. Then in 2014 the company decided to enter the fledgling virtual reality (VR) industry with a smartphone compatible headset, the Zeiss VR One. Today, the company has announced its latest VR endeavour, bringing SteamVR videogames to mobile devices.
The Zeiss VR One Connect aims to bridge the gap between PC-connected VR gaming and mobile VR by connecting the smartphone in mobile VR headsets to a gaming PC. The solution features two wireless controllers 3DoF controllers, USB cable and the software to run the videogames.
As the software supports iOS and Android, and the controllers use Bluetooth, players don’t actually need to buy the Zeiss headset as the system is compatible with any on the market.
Whilst Zeiss VR One Connect will allow users to play SteamVR titles – Zeiss hasn’t stated how many will support the system just that ‘there’s such a comprehensive range of premium titles that ZEISS VR ONE Connect owners can access’ – this does mean that one of mobile VR’s biggest plus points – being mobile – is negated, as the smartphone needs to be USB connected to a VR-Ready PC.
“Unlike previous mobile VR solutions, the smartphone hardware is no longer responsible for computing VR content,” says Zeiss product manager Franz Troppenhagen in a statement. “Instead, data is transferred from a computer straight to your smartphone.” The connection to the Steam platform means that a large number of exciting VR games can be played on smartphones for the first time ever. “In combination with the VR ONE Plus headset, we offer a complete solution.”
Zeiss VR One Connect is set to be released at the end of 2017 and will retail for $129 USD/€129 EUR. Included are the two wireless 3DoF controllers, a USB cable to connect the headset to a suitable computer, a cable clip and the software. Or there will be a bundle with the Zeiss VR One Plus headset at $199/€199.
For further updates from Zeiss, keep reading VRFocus.
via Mint VR