Intel has unveiled a new "all-in-one" virtual reality system that it says will redefine what is possible with VR. CEO Brian Krzanich unveiled Project Alloy during his opening keynote at the 2016 Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, saying the system delivers new and immersive experiences thanks to Intel’s RealSense technologies optimized for VR usages.
Intel's first innovation is to untether the VR headset. Computing power will be located in the Alloy Head-Mounted Device (HMD). Users will therefore have a free range of motion with six degrees-of-freedom across a large space. The system also includes collision detection and avoidance, so that they can utilise physical movement to explore a virtual space.
The second innovation comes from Intel's RealSense technology, providing a more immersive experience. Users will be able to see elements from the real world and use their hands to interact with elements of their virtual world, merging realities.
Thirdly, the new Alloy system has no need for external sensors or cameras; the merged reality is made possible by Intel RealSense cameras attached to the headset.
Finally, the Alloy HMD suite of sensing and computing technologies, such as Intel RealSense technology, will be made available to developers, makers and inventors. Intel added that it is working with Microsoft to optimize Windows-based content and experiences on Intel-based VR devices such as Alloy. Intel will open the Alloy hardware and provide open APIs for the ecosystem, allowing developers and partners to create their own branded products in 2017.
