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Valve and HTC need your help for future VR projects

Catwell

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The HTC Vive is the latest in VR technology and they're asking for your help. Valve has opened their SteamVR to other companies; HTC is taking applications from small startups for new projects. (via Valve)

 

It might be time for you to explore the possibilities of developing in the VR industry. Big money is being offered up. It's enticing.

 

If you're a fan of videos games or YouTube “Let's Play” Players, then you know the HTC Vive is the top VR gaming system available at the moment. Unlike the Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive promises to provide users with a true VR experience. Rather than strapping on a headset and sitting in front of your computer, the Vive lets people move around an open area. There have been a few titles released for the headset, like Job Simulator, but since it's fairly new the library of games and peripherals is still pretty limited. That's about to change with new initiatives from HTC and Valve. And you can be a part of it.

 

HTC wants to expand its market and are currently accepting applications for new VR startup companies that will start in November. The announcement is part of the company's Vive X Accelerator program, which helps to mentor and support smaller VR startups and their projects. They have set aside $100 million for the new program. So far, the company has picked 33 companies, who will see investments from the fund and take part in a four month course to get their products ready for the masses. They're still accepting applications, but the company hasn't revealed how much of the fund is still available. Those chosen will work at HTC Vive X locations in San Francisco, Taipei, and Beijing. If you have a VR idea you want to make a reality, send in your application.

 

HTC is not the one inviting outside talents to be part of the team; Valve's getting on it too. Valve recently opened up SteamVR's tracking system to other companies for their own hardware. The development kit features a pair of HTC Vive base stations, EVM circuits boards for prototyping, 40 sensors for the tracked object, and a modular reference object people can use to began their own projects. "The reference tracked object comes with a handle that has a few sample buttons on it. Hardware developers can replace that handle with their own device and still use the reference shape for tracking," a Valve spokesperson elaborated. "They can also take the reference tracked object apart and use the tracking board out of it in a shape of their own design."

 

So, what's the catch? According to Valve there isn't one; they have no plans to charge licensing fees and the kit is free to developers. Granted this is true, but that doesn't mean there's isn't any money involved. Those who want to get in on the program need to attend a $3000 in person training session in Seattle as part of the process. Valve wants to diminish the need for the classes in the future. For now, sessions start in September and it's recommended groups of industrial designers and groups of engineers attend rather than individuals.

 

Valve has no specifications to how people will use the tech, but lists some examples as tracking for VR golf clubs, indoor drones, and custom head mounted displays. It's safe to say a lot of the tech will be used to create custom peripherals for the HTC Vive, which can range from a controller to a weapon for a VR game. If you dream of creating some VR tech and want to play around with the HTC Vive, this seems like a great opportunity. That is as long as you don't mind paying for and sitting through lectures. Come to think of it, it's more like a college course and if you couldn't sit still in those, then maybe the program isn't for you. It's great to see both HTC and Valve letting people create tech for them, but the programs are for a very specific group. If you just want a free HTC Vive, then you'll have to look somewhere else.

 

I have a HTC Vive... the only thing I do with it is find a new place to store it, when it gets in the way. Time to get creative...

 

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  • There is something that I'd like to do with the Vive. I tried one a few days ago, and I was really impressed. I tried the underwater scenario, and I actually managed to feel a bit of vertigo when I looked over the railings into the deep ocean below. It did take some work to convince myself that I was in a shop, with people walking around me, and probably looking at me smiling while I put my hands out to the sides to touch nothing.

     

    I have a rare condition called achromatopsia. Put simply, it is black and white vision. It is a bit more complicated than that, and to simplify things, I tell people that I am colorblind. To help explain my condition, it is close enough. I'd love to be able to create a scenario that shows every day situations to people who aren't colorblind, translating the vision to what a colorblind people would see. Would you like to color code those office binders? How about a red and green traffic light. Clothes shopping? I'd love to show people what my life is like, and it would beat the "Oh, you are colorblind? What color is this?" scenario that I am all too familiar with.

  • I have a HTC Vive... the only thing I do with it is find a new place to store it

    I'll happily store it for you. image image