Virtuix, the company behind the omnidirectional virtual reality treadmill, which launched back on Kickstarter in June 2013 raising $1.1 million from 3,000 backers, has just secured $3 million more in its first institutional financing round.
In a similar way to the virtual reality Oculus Rift headset, the Virtuix Omni treadmill has been designed to help immerse people in a virtual environment, providing them with the ability to run, walk, and move within the digital surroundings. Watch the video after the jump to see how it is combined with the Oculus Rift headset to provide a fully immersive experience for gamers.
Revolutionizing Virtual Reality Gaming
The Virtuix Omni treadmill is a groundbreaking device that aims to revolutionize the way we experience virtual reality gaming. Unlike traditional gaming setups that confine players to a seated position, the Omni treadmill allows users to physically move in any direction. This physical movement is then translated into the virtual world, creating a more immersive and interactive experience. The treadmill’s design includes a low-friction surface and special shoes that enable smooth movement in all directions, making it possible to walk, run, and even jump within the game.
“The Omni will free gamers from passive, seated gameplay, unleashing the full potential of virtual reality gaming with the Oculus Rift and future head-mounted displays. Gaming on a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad while seated pales in comparison to the intense experience and fun that comes from actually running and jumping in games.”
Investment and Future Prospects
New investors, including Mark Cuban, Scentan Ventures, Maveron, Scout Ventures, Partech Ventures, StartCaps Ventures, and undisclosed private investors, have all invested in the Virtuix treadmill. This significant financial backing is a testament to the potential that industry leaders see in the Virtuix Omni. With this new funding, Virtuix plans to enhance the treadmill’s technology, expand its market reach, and explore new applications beyond gaming, such as virtual tourism, fitness, and military training.
The Virtuix Omni has already garnered attention from major tech companies. Perhaps Facebook is already keeping a close eye on the new VR device to combine with its Oculus Rift VR headset. The integration of the Omni treadmill with the Oculus Rift could offer an unparalleled virtual reality experience, blending high-quality visuals with full-body movement.
The potential applications of the Virtuix Omni extend far beyond gaming. For instance, in the field of virtual tourism, users could explore famous landmarks and exotic locations from the comfort of their homes. In fitness, the treadmill could provide a more engaging and interactive workout experience, allowing users to jog through virtual parks or compete in virtual races. Additionally, the military could use the Omni for training simulations, providing soldiers with realistic environments to practice maneuvers and tactics.
The Virtuix Omni treadmill represents a significant advancement in virtual reality technology. By enabling physical movement within virtual environments, it offers a more immersive and interactive experience than traditional gaming setups. With substantial financial backing and a wide range of potential applications, the future looks promising for Virtuix and its innovative treadmill.
Source: Tech Crunch
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