Nolan Bushnell’s Modal VR Launches Virtual Reality Platform For Enterprises
Modal VR enables companies to set up virtual reality experiences that are life-size and large-scale, like setting up a field for a new kind of laser tag game or a shared virtual tourism experience.
Crawford started Modal VR a few years ago because he wanted to create believable experiences in VR. The system is completely wireless, and it comes with various sensors with batteries. Over time, the company hopes to make the wearable technology more invisible and lightweight, Bushnell said. And the way the system is built, there could be large numbers of people who share the same virtual experience.
Rather than stuffing the brains in a backpack like The Void and Zero Latency, Modal VR's power comes from a dedicated unit it calls the VR Fabricator, which communicates with the headsets and body suit wirelessly. Each unit can track the locations, body positions, and voice comms of up to 10 players at once, but by stringing them together over a local network or online can apparently support "exponentially" more users. Admins control the game through the Command Center software, running on a connected laptop or PC.
VR headsets aren't flattering at the best of times, and with its two bug-like antennae on top, Modal VR's Visor is no exception. That said, we'll forgive it if it can fulfil its promise of very low-latency, wireless VR. Built-in headphones provide 3D audio, and there's a little gaming mic hanging in front of the wearer's mouth through which to bark orders at teammates.
Body tracking is handled by what looks like a series of straps that monitor the movement of the arms, legs and waist, capped off with gloves. Modal VR says the suit is optional, but if it actually works well, it might be the key ingredient. Like a motion capture system for animation, the suit can also record a wearer's movements, for QA or other purposes later.
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