One of the early pioneers of omni-directional treadmills for virtual reality (VR) gaming, Virtuix’s Omni Pro has found its way into hundreds of commercial venues around the world. Today, the company is looking to break into the consumer market with a smaller, lighter, more streamline device, the Omni One.
Like any omni-directional treadmill built for gaming, the Omni One aims to provide players with that ultimate sense of freedom in VR. That ability to physically be able to run, jump and crouch inside a virtual world without feeling any nausea because you are actually performing the movements rather than pressing a button or directional stick.
The new design does away with the Omni Pro’s attachment system, swapping it instead for an adjustable arm which fixes to the back of the player via a sleeveless jacket. The arm then spins around the 4ft diameter base to that the player can move freely.
“Omni One is like nothing else out there – it’s a breakthrough in omni-directional treadmill technology,” said Jan Goetgeluk, founder and CEO of Virtuix in a statement. “Compared to Omni Pro, Omni One no longer has a support ring. So, it gives users unrestricted freedom of movement, including crouching, squatting, backing up, and even jumping. You essentially become one with the machine.”
Set to launch in 2021, the Omni One will be available in two versions. For $1,995 USD (or $55 a month with a monthly payment plan) you can get the complete entertainment system including the treadmill, a standalone VR headset and operating software. Currently, Virtuix hasn’t confirmed which headset(s) will be part of the package.
Or for those who already own a headset there the ‘Dev Kit’ option for $995. This is just the Omni One, so you’ll need a PC to connect the device to. Additionally, the Omni One will have its own content store with 30 titles available at launch. Some will come from third-party developers whilst Virtuix will develop its own Call of Duty and Fortnite style videogames.
Ahead of next year’s launch, Virtuix is also launching a Regulation A funding campaign. This will allow anyone to invest in Virtuix and receive shares in the company, plus investors will get an Omni One discount. Invest $1,000 in the first week and you’ll get a 40% discount worth $800, otherwise investors will receive a 20% discount (worth $400) when purchasing the treadmill.
“Moving around virtual worlds by pushing buttons on a controller feels unnatural, static, and limiting,” Goetgeluk added. “You can’t experience true virtual reality while sitting down or standing in place. You need to walk around virtual worlds as you do in real life – by using your own feet.”
As development continues and further details are released, VRFocus will keep you updated.
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