Here’s a roundup of news from ‘day zero’ of CES 2018, served in bitesize chunks. Intel’s tiny VR-capable PC, Tactical Haptics’ reconfigurable controller, NextVR updates, TPCast Plus, HTC Vive Pro, and Xiaomi’s re-branded Oculus Go.

Intel announces VR-capable NUC PC

Image courtesy Intel

As part of a new collaboration between Intel and AMD, the latest iteration of Intel’s small form factor NUC line revealed at CES 2018 uses an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8809G combined with discrete Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics. The NUC8i7HVK model is described as the “smallest VR capable system ever,” at just 1.2 litres in volume (221 x 142 x 39 mm).

Tactical Haptics’ Reconfigurable Controller

Image courtesy Tactical Haptics

Fitted with mechanical sockets that allow on-the-fly repositioning of the two motion controllers in ‘gamepad’, ‘steering wheel, and ‘machine gun’ combinations, the new prototypes from Tactical Haptics are an evolution of the company’s tactile VR controllers currently used at the Los Angeles IMAX VR Centre. They feature Reactive Grip technology, which generates ‘tactile illusions’ of sensations such as inertia and elasticity.

NextVR’s Immersive Video Upgrades

Photo courtesy NextVR

Live event broadcasting specialists NextVR announced three technology advancements to their platform coming this year: six degrees of freedom-enabled content, higher resolution output, and augmented reality support. Support for 6DoF for immersive video is highly anticipated, but a complex challenge. NextVR’s solution is likely to be worth looking out for, as they plan to bring the technology to live broadcasting in the future.

TPCast Plus Adapters Coming Soon

Image courtesy TPCast

Announced for the “first half of 2018” is a new suite of ‘TPCast Plus’ wireless products designed to cut the cord on high-end VR. The new system aims to address the shortcomings of the original TPCast line, with various hardware and software improvements. TPCast Plus claims ‘full support’ for microphones, “increased stability and anti-interference,” and a streamlined setup process.

HTC Reveals Vive Pro

Image courtesy HTC

The new HTC Vive Pro was revealed at CES, sporting various improvements over the standard Vive headset. See our detailed hands-on here. New 1440×1600 OLED panels make the Pro ‘78% higher resolution’ than the standard Vive, the same as the Samsung Odyssey. Many design features of the Vive headset have also been refreshed, with a new head strap with integrated audio, and a dual camera system on the front. An official wireless adapter was also confirmed for the summer. Compatible with the existing Base Stations, the Pro also supports the upcoming SteamVR Tracking 2.0 that can track larger spaces.

Xiaomi Branded Oculus Go

image courtesy Xiaomi

Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi has confirmed it will produce a China-only version of the Oculus Go called the ‘Xiaomi Mi VR Standalone’. The company is partnered with Oculus to manufacture the upcoming $200 Oculus Go headset, which is expected to launch soon worldwide. In China, the device will be sold as the Mi VR Standalone, and will use Xiaomi’s Mi VR content store.

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There’s already been plenty of exciting news, but CES 2018 is just getting started. Stay tuned!

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The trial version of Microsoft’s Monster Truck Madness probably had something to do with it. And certainly the original Super Mario Kart and Gran Turismo. A car nut from an early age, Dominic was always drawn to racing games above all other genres. Now a seasoned driving simulation enthusiast, and former editor of Sim Racer magazine, Dominic has followed virtual reality developments with keen interest, as cockpit-based simulation is a perfect match for the technology. Conditions could hardly be more ideal, a scientist once said. Writing about simulators lead him to Road to VR, whose broad coverage of the industry revealed the bigger picture and limitless potential of the medium. Passionate about technology and a lifelong PC gamer, Dominic suffers from the ‘tweak for days’ PC gaming condition, where he plays the same section over and over at every possible combination of visual settings to find the right balance between fidelity and performance. Based within The Fens of Lincolnshire (it’s very flat), Dominic can sometimes be found marvelling at the real world’s ‘draw distance’, wishing virtual technologies would catch up.
  • Scottie

    Where the fuck is the Pimax coverage? Road to VR you suck at reporting

  • crim3

    Don’t read the comments, don’t read the comments, don’t read….. oh no! I read the comments :'(

    • XE

      Don’t reply the comment, don’t reply the comment, don’t reply…. oh no! I reply the comment :'(