SAN FRANCISCO- Intel Corp.INTC 0.13 % stepped up an effort to shape the fast-moving market for virtual-reality technology, demonstrating an unusual headset prototype it hopes other companies will manufacture and sell. This is the first device with all of the tech, cameras, sensors, processors and battery required to provide a virtual experience packed inside the headset.
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Since the system uses dual Intel RealSense cameras, it can detect depth and bring real-world objects into a virtual environment. 6-DOF motion sensors inside Project Alloy can track where you move, rather than requiring external sensors as something like HTC Vive demands. Since you have no cables to drag around it means that you can more easily move around an environment.
Project Alloy also supports what Intel is referring to multi-room tracking, moving from space to space in a home or office.
“Intel is a significant partner to thousands of resellers so it plays a major role in helping these organizations develop a strategy for growth [in IoT]”, said Tibbils. They will also be working together on optimizing content and improving mixed-reality experience for its users.
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Looks like we’ll have to wait for merged reality for a bit, but is this just another nail in the coffin for the PC? Think: Hands, objects, and other people/things an Alloy wearer might appreciate not bumping into while wearing the headset. The headset appears to be relying strongly on the tech from the company’s Real Sense technology. It could end up being a useful computing platform though, particularly when paired with Microsoft’s newly announced Windows Holographic Platform, which will allow developers to create Augmented Reality apps to run on all Windows 10 PCs.
