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18 OCULUS RIFT – THE HYPE STARTER It’s what created all the hype about virtual reality technology in the first place. Back in 2013 when it was launched as an ambitious Kickstarter project, Oculus Rift didn’t just get members of the public talking, it also stimulated great interest from Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg. He bought Oculus VR, the company behind the goggles, in 2014 for around USD 2 billion and its market launch is now just around the corner. Some of the first products are already being delivered to those who have pre- ordered. Although at some EUR 740 (including delivery) the price is around twice as high as originally stated, the goggles come with a controller and two computer games so you can immerse yourself in virtual worlds as soon as the product lands on your doormat. What's more, users will be very impressed with the high level of comfort when wearing the goggles, the integrated headphones and what is probably the most extensive software line-up right out of the box as developers have been able to get to grips with developer kits from an early stage in the product’s development. Two OLED displays, each with a 1080 x 1200 pixel resolution, are used in the interior of the goggles (see the “How does virtual reality work?” box). Experience the future VIRTUAL REALITY – 2016 is the year in which virtual reality (VR) will become a reality for the consumer market.In addition to the entry-level solutions already available on the market, it is predominantly down to three sets of VR goggles from major companies who look set to make the breakthrough in virtual reality. HTC VIVE – THE SENSORY EXPERIENCE HTC, in collaboration with software company Valve, has developed the HTC Vive which differs from the Oculus Rift in two essential areas, namely the controller design and its lighthouse sensors. In basic terms, the Vive’s controllers are comparable with the motion control featured in Nintendo’s well-known Wii console. There is an input device for each hand and the goggles don’t just register the buttons which are pressed – the movement of the controllers, and therefore the hands of the user, is registered as well. Both lighthouse sensors which are placed in the room and the front camera of the goggles create an even greater feeling of immersion, so the user feels more strongly that they are part of the virtual world. This combination allows the user to move freely around a pre-defined space in the room whilst the boundaries of these defined safe surroundings are blended in as a graphic within the virtual world. In all other re- spects, the Vive’s specifications are largely the same as those of the Oculus Rift. Pre-sales of the HTC Vive started at the end of February, with the price set at USD 799. The VR goggles are set to be delivered from April. TRENDS & TECHNOLOGY Digital assistants – Microsoft HoloLens will make DIY more like child’s play as tips from an expert or Dad will simply be projected into the field of vision. Photo: Microsoft

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