HTC & Valves VR breakthrough is a front facing camera on the headset.

[Master Disaster]

They announced the major breakthrough, it's a camera which can show you the real world inside the VR world.

HTC has revealed the latest version of the Vive virtual reality headset - and it comes with a front-facing camera.

The HTC Vive, developed by Valve, uses its front-facing camera to help people see the real world while immersed in the virtual.

The latest development kit, called Vive Pre, is supposed to be more comfortable and more compact. But it's the new camera that's of most interest.

HTC said the camera brings "elements of the real world into the VR realm". It blends physical elements into the virtual space, the company said.

"Being able to take a seat, find your drink, and carry on conversations without removing your headset is only the beginning of what's possible," HTC said.

Of course, by incorporating a 2D image into a 3D virtual world, Valve is making the real world less real than the virtual world. Or something.

To the future!

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-05-valves-virtual-reality-headset-adds-a-front-facing-camera

Wow, that's actually a really good idea to be honest. I'm gonna be interested to see where this ends up.

[Guest Generallee]

So you can see the real reality, using a virtual reality device

 

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

 

also  carry on conversations without removing your headset  is incredibly douchy

[Lord_Karango17]

It would be cool to set up like markers on your table, and have games incorporate it, so you could interact with the control panel on a space ship for example.

[Master Disaster]

So you can see the real reality, using a virtual reality device

 

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Not quite. It seems like the headset will pick elements of the real world, like a chair or cup, and display a representation of them in the VR world.

I just watched a vid which did say the camera is also used when you move outside of the mapping sensors so who knows, it's early days yet.

[Napper198]

 

 

" and carry on conversations without removing your headset"

 

That's a whole new level of sitting next to each other and talking through your phone.

 

The camera itself is a very nice idea but that example is just bogus.

 

Also, Occulus is watching:

 

[Master Disaster]

That's a whole new level of sitting next to each other and talking through your phone.

 

The camera itself is a very nice idea but that example is just bogus.

 

Also Occulus is watching:

 

Haha. Facebook illuminate.

[GeekJump]

One of my biggest dislikes on VR is not being able to see your surroundings while bumbling around a VR world. As long as it isn't too intrusive, think it's a great idea.

 

Out of all the VR headsets and companies, I feel and hope HTC wins out. I have only heard positive things about the Vive so far and it just came out of nowhere.

[Fetzie]

So I can flip my actual table in VR?

[Anult]

This is actually a logical thing to add to a VR headset.

 

It makes perfect sense if you are playing simulators with a VR headset as having the ability to view where your peripherals are in a non-intrusive manner enables better immersion within these games.

[Fetzie]

This is actually a logical thing to add to a VR headset.

 

It makes perfect sense if you are playing simulators with a VR headset as having the ability to view where your peripherals are in a non-intrusive manner enables better immersion within these games.

Stops you breaking your neck when you trip over something lying on the floor that doesn't exist in VR world too.

[Keudn]

Pretty cool idea, I wonder how accurate the VR object will be compared to the real object. Could I text on my phone while wearing the headset or is it more for finding your chair or grabbing a glass of water?

[suicidalfranco]

then i can still look at the keyboard while i use the HMD as just a desktop monitor

[GeekJump]

Pretty cool idea, I wonder how accurate the VR object will be compared to the real object. Could I text on my phone while wearing the headset or is it more for finding your chair or grabbing a glass of water?

 

If its like the prototype, probably not. Their main concern is probably safety so the camera will be good but I doubt reading text on a phone good (but drinking water, sure)

[XTankSlayerX]

I guess it helps... But a breakthrough? ehhh...

 

I dont know man... 

[Doobeedoo]

Can't see how this can be called breakthrough thing though as I see it mandatory for any VR headset anyway.

[Kompira]

There is major problem with HMDs. You can`t see or hear anything while using it. If anyone want`s to talk to you, they need to grab your hand. That`s gonna scare the hell out of you, not to mention what might happen to older people. That camera might start displaying picture if any movement is detected. That will solve the problem, but that`s just my personal opinion.

[LAwLz]

There is major problem with HMDs. You can`t see or hear anything while using it. If anyone want`s to talk to you, they need to grab your hand. That`s gonna scare the hell out of you, not to mention what might happen to older people. That camera might start displaying picture if any movement is detected. That will solve the problem, but that`s just my personal opinion.

That would solve the issue of your family walking into your room while you are immersed in some hot VR porn.

Just having it enable the camera as soon as it detects movements outside your room

[Kompira]

That would solve the issue of your family walking into your room while you are immersed in some hot VR porn.

Just having it enable the camera as soon as it detects movements outside your room

Well, that too.

[captain cactus]

I'll wait on 3rd gen when it also doesn't cost an arm and a leg and games support it properly.