Video Reality (VR) is definitely one of the next big things in the wireless mobile world and nobody wants to be left out of the game. HTC is teaming up with Best Buy on September 8 at Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto for the first-ever Life & Tech Wearable Tech Expo and Fashion Show. The event is free and will show-off technology from nearly 30 exhibits. They will showcase the latest in health and fitness, life-logging cameras, smartwatches and a wearable Tech fashion show. There will be celebrities there as well as panel discussions and industry experts to answer your questions. There will be interactive demos and even exclusive product launches.
It was back in the beginning of March at Mobile World Congress (MWC) that HTC announced a major partnership with the leading game developer Valve and its Steam platform. Up until now, Oculus, who has their own VR headset, the Oculus Rift DK2, also teamed with Samsung to develop their Gear VR, was the major VR player. However, HTC is counting on consumers to turn to their new HTC Vive. While the HTC Vive truck was in San Diego in July during Comic-Con weekend, this is the first time Canadians will get a chance to experience the HTC and Valve co-developed VR headset. So if you are into VR, then this show will be a must do on your list.
We had some hands-on experience with it in San Diego and came away impressed – it is really something you have to try to appreciate fully the VR experience. HTC did not discuss too many particulars as they are still tweaking the unit before commercial sales begin. HTC was quick to point out the 90Hz refresh rate and the 360-degree field of view with full room scale. The refresh rate is important because lower rates have caused a motion sickness in some people that seems to dissipate with the higher rate. There are over 70 sensors on the unit to capture the full freedom of movement. HTC is also planning to add wireless controllers for a more traditional gaming effect as well as the tracking of hand movement, much like you would see with Microsoft’s Kinect.