After many years of producing projectors, Optoma starts to
get out of its comfort zone by targeting virtual reality segment. In the Game
Developers Conference 2016 that's held in San Francisco, Optama introduces its
first VR headset.
If compared to Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, there is something
unique about this Optoma's VR headset: it doesn't require a cable to connect to
a PC. The connection is utilizing a wireless signal that operates at a
frequency of 60 GHz, much faster than Wi-Fi.
Optoma claims that the contents streamed by its VR headset
can run smoothly without lag. Even so, Optoma's VR headset still requires a
separate accessory in the form of USB transmitter to activate the head tracking
function.
Optoma's headset brings 5.46-inch AMOLED screen with a
resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a viewing angle of 90 degrees. Optoma
develops it following the OSVR standard that's proposed by Razer, which means
it will be compatible with contents that are designed for that platform.
The approach that's taken by Optoma is clearly different
from the Salon Q headset which is also wireless because of bringing integrated
computer component. Optama's headset is also not the same as the Samsung Gear
VR or Google Cardboard that rely on smartphones as content processing.
So far there has been no further detailed information about
this headset. Optoma hasn't found the right name for this device; it's just
called Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display. This headset is planned to be
released this year, but there is no certainty about the price.