So the next generation of technology finally seems to be within arms reach. The Omni is close to being released later this year to give gamers that all around immersive sensation.
“It is a much more immersive and engaging reality experience,” explained Dr Jason Jerald, CEO Nextgen Interactions. Designed to work with the Oculus Rift, or any other VR headset, the Omni brings a whole new level of gaming to make you feel like you are truly part of that world.
What is it?
It is a base that you can stand, walk, run and jump on and this movement will be conveyed to what your character does in a video game. In their Kickstarter video, Jan Goetgeluk, Founder of Virtuix and developer of the Omni said: “This really is taking virtual reality to the next level!”
The Omni, so named because it is the first omnidirectional treadmill that supports the VR world, integrates the gamers body movements so that they truly are part of the game. You can walk, run and jump in a 360 degrees rotation, meaning that you don’t have to just keep running forward like in an old school, Sonic the Hedgehog style game.
How does it work?
The non-moving treadmill base is a curve shape so that it is easier for the user to get a better and much more natural sensation when moving. Because of this design it means that gravity will automatically bring the foot back to the centre. Special shoes are provided, with intricately configured soles, to stabilise the foot on the low friction surface of the Omni. There is also a harness which holds you in place so that you don’t run off the edge and into your living room furniture.
Unlike a normal treadmill, there are no motors or moving parts and the harness can be detached from the top so that it can easily be stored, just like gym equipment. And just like gym equipment, the Omni provides the ultimate ability to get fit in a way that puts the Wii Fit to shame.
A healthier way of gaming
It has been estimated that in just one hour’s game play, the average gamer will cover a distance of around 3-3.5 miles and burn around 350-400 calories. The Omni will track this information so that you can see how active you are. It also allows you to be able to just go for a jog around many of your favourite open world games like Skyrim. Once person has even used it to go around the Pokemon world and for anyone who has ever played that game, there is a lot of walking involved in it.
How it works
The device is best used with first person games like Battlefield and the Elderscrolls series and in addition to just being able to just move around, extra equipment can be used with it such as a normal Xbox controller or a controller designed as a gun or bow. At this point in time it can only work with a device that uses keyboard input so that the base can be programmed to coincide with those keystrokes. But development is still continuing so that it can be used with consoles such as the Xbox One and PS4.
For moves that you can’t do in the Omni, like a dive roll and all of the fancy moves that you do when running around a battlefield or as part of a covert operation, like in James Bond, a controller can still be used so that you don’t miss out.
Who it’s for
It has been designed so that all different types of people can use the device from the estimated age of 10+ due to how low the safety harness will go. The device weighs a light 75lbs and has a base of only 45 inches. As with any treadmill there is an additional sound with it but no more than the Xbox, PC or Playstation creates at a low 70-75 decibels.
Of course the fun does not stop at just gaming. This revelation in VR technology also means that it can be used for active training, possibly army training, virtual fitness, online meet-ups and simulation experiences. The possibilities at this early stage are endless.
How much?
The Omni is expected to be released around September this year but has not yet been confirmed. However, it can already be pre-ordered on their website for $499 (£296*) and if you want two, they do a double package at $1019 (£605*).
*Prices are correct as published on http://shop.virtuix.com/ when article was published and currency conversion were also for the same date.