Virtual Reality

A VR navigation task can accurately distinguish patients with age-related mild cognitive impairment from patients with the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease

Medical

How virtual reality can help diagnose early Alzheimer’s disease

An exciting new study from the University of Cambridge is demonstrating how a novel virtual reality navigation test can better predict which patients are in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease compared to other currently used "gold standard" cognitive tests.

The Index is Valve's first VR headset not made in partnership with HTC

Virtual Reality

Valve Index is the most advanced virtual reality headset we've seen to date

Having teased its arrival last month, Valve has now revealed all the key details for its new Index VR headset, and is opening up pre-orders today. The high-end headset can be yours for US$999 with all the trimmings, but if you already own some HTC Vive gear, you won't need to spend that much.

Virtual Reality

UK doctors can practice emergency patient care in virtual reality

Doctors in the south of the UK can now run through virtual reality simulations of emergency care for folks suffering from Type 1 diabetes, before applying what they've learned on real patients.

A HaptX Glove, along with a haptic feedback arm, is used with the Fundamental Surgery system

Medical

Haptic gloves add a sense of touch to surgical training tech

It was just last year that we heard about the Fundamental Surgery simulator, which utilizes dual haptic feedback arms to provide the "feel" of performing various surgical procedures. The system has now been taken a step further, with the demonstrated integration of whole-hand VR gloves.

A team from the University of British Columbia and University of Saskatchewan has pioneered a multi-user crystal ball VR touch display

Virtual Reality

Canadian team demonstrates touch-sensitive VR crystal ball

A team of researchers from the Universities of British Columbia and Saskatchewan has built a nifty-looking crystal ball display that can produce 3D images for up to two simultaneous users, clearing the path for head-in-a-ball style teleconferencing and new kinds of 3D multiplayer gaming.

Zero Latency has added a new competitive, player-vs-player game to its warehouse-scale VR technology

Virtual Reality

Hands on: Zero Latency pits player vs. player in warehouse-scale VR

When we first set foot in Zero Latency’s warehouse-scale virtual reality system three years ago, we were blown away by how immersive the experience was. Now New Atlas has gone hands-on with the latest development, which marks a logical next step for the tech – pitting players against one another.

The object of I2V is to help the driver stay aware of those things that are either out of sight or just on the edge of vision

Automotive

Nissan helps you see the invisible with new concept at CES

Nissan has unveiled a concept that can “see the invisible” at CES 2019. The tech uses virtual reality, in-vehicle sensors, and connected car technologies to create a virtual world around the visible world for the driver. Invisible-to-Visible shows how VR can be used to enhance driver awareness.

Eight micro 4/3rds sensors around the outside give the Insta360 Titan some very powerful imaging capability

Photography

Insta360 launches "cinema-grade" 11k VR camera for US$14,999

360-degree VR footage needs to be super high resolution to let you look around a nicely detailed landscape, and now Insta360 has an all-in-one rig, the Titan, that gives 11k/30fps resolution using eight micro 4/3rds sensors and Flowstate stabilization.

Alongside new hardware, HTC also announced Viveport Infinity, a new tier of its subscription service that lets users play as many of the titles as they like

Virtual Reality

Eye-tracking Vive VR headset headlines HTC's CES 2019 showcase

At CES 2019, HTC has unveiled the Vive Pro Eye, which adds eye-tracking to last year’s high-end hardware, and the Vive Cosmos, which turns the tracking inside out. On top of that, HTC has outlined software updates to its content subscription service and something called the “Vive Reality System.”

Passengers booking "panorama seats" on select Las Vegas FlixBus routes can opt for a VR headset to help pass the time on long journeys

Virtual Reality

FlixBus uses VR to take the yawn out of long journeys

Even when plugged into a music player or playing games on a smartphone, long bus journeys can be tedious. If you ride a FlixBus on select Las Vegas routes, you could find yourself being offered a VR headset, to transport you to other worlds while the driver takes you where you need to go.

The FeelReal Multi-Sensory VR Mask is designed to add a sense of smell to VR videos and games

Virtual Reality

Feelreal multi-sensory VR mask lets you smell the virtual roses

Our sense of smell is now being used to help sell the illusion of virtual reality with the FeelReal VR Mask, which not only wafts certain scents your way but can also simulate rain, heat and wind on your face.

ViewR stands to make VR a more social experience, rather than a solo one

Virtual Reality

ViewR app opens up third person views of VR games

Billed as a window into virtual reality, ViewR allows onlookers to step into these worlds alongside players and observe all the action from close proximity, opening up some interesting possibilities that include the potential for interactivity between virtual avatars.