Oculus VR has been at the center of virtual reality headlines for nearly two years but there’s another device in the works from a gaming juggernaut that could give the Oculus Rift a run for its money - that is, if it ends up becoming a consumer product.
Valve first demonstrated a prototype virtual reality headset to select developers earlier this year but unfortunately, it was done so privately so we didn’t get to see what the hardware looked like. That all changed during a recent VR meet-up in Boston, however, as those in attendance were given the opportunity to test the unit out first-hand… and take pictures.
Reddit user jonomf was at the Boston VR jam over the past weekend and managed to snap the images you see in this article. He said the overall experience was amazing as it offered low persistence, perfect tracking and very high frame rates.
In its present state, the Valve headset uses dual vertical S4 (OLED) screens with a total resolution of 2,160 x 1,280 although only half of the screen is visible. As you can see, the headset is plastered with white IR-reflective dots used to assist in tracking.
Interestingly enough, he said he did consistently have major disorientation after each use. The sensation was described as feeling a little fuzzy and distant and he even once felt like he was going to fall over.
In closing, jonomf pointed out how “shockingly chill” the Valve guys were about posting information from the meet. At one point, one of the guys even held a light source so he could snap some pics.
