Virtual Reality headsets have come a long way from when they first came out, with features such as higher resolutions, wider lens capacities, and overall better performance. From only being able to handle 480p to now making their way up to 4K, VR has gone through extensive advancements. But there is always more room to add and improve, and that’s where FeelReal Inc. thinks they can push forward with their FeelReal Sensory VR Mask.
Back in 2015, FeelReal Inc. had done a Kickstarter for their Sensory VR Mask, only gaining half of what their original goal was. At the time, VR headsets were still fairly new in coming into being, and so was this mask. When the Sensory Mask was first pitched, it was more of a helmet and had some unique features. It had four settings to allow users to feel heat, cold, wind, and rain. It also had ac compartment that held 7 different scents that could be combined to create hundreds of others. However, it didn’t reach its original goal, and thus it was never released.
Fast forward to today, and FeelReal Inc. has started it up again, now with a new and improved and more visually appealing Sensory VR Mask. The new Sensory Mask has upped the number of scent compartments to 9 aroma capsules, which users can pick and choose from 255 aromas on their store. For instance, playing a racing game, players can smell actual burning rubber, an odd but interesting experience.
Along with these new scents comes a four-set of motors and sensors that allow users to feel heat, wind, rain, and impact:
- Water Mist: Users can feel the rain on their cheeks with the ultrasonic ionizing system.
- Heat: Sense the warmth of the desert with safe micro-heaters.
- Wind: Enjoy the cool mountain breeze with two powerful micro-coolers.
- Vibration: Endure the impact when force-feedback haptic motors kick in.
With these settings users will not only smell their game, but actually feel it too.
While the Sensory VR Mask from FeelReal Inc. is something that is very ambitious and many users and players alike would probably enjoy, it still could come off just as bizarre as it sounds. Opinions are polarizing regarding this news, with Twitter users on both sides arguing the direction this could take VR:
Whether or not it’s the next step for Virtual Reality, FeelReal Inc. has made it clear they’re determined to start a new path. To keep up with the Sensory VR Mask, check out their website or follow their twitter.