Virtual Reality (VR) has always been about the experience. As technologists and scientists worked together to create a mix of technology to bring VR closer to real-life experience, challenges surfaced. Cost and lack of flexible solutions resulted in many corporations shunting their desire to offer the VR experience.
Humans are driven by 6 sensory systems—smell, taste, vision, touch, hear, and proprioception (for body balancing). VR initially was and is based on 2 senses (sight and hearing), but this could change soon. 4 years of research was mandated on the path of smell by FeelReal. FeelReal, a VR technology building company, decided to build a multi-sensory mask that can be attached to any VR headset to give a complete sensory experience. After 4 years of relentless experimenting, FeelReal finally decided to release the final finished product.
The mask will have a scent generator, which can contain a replaceable cartridge containing 9 individual aroma capsules. It can process 255 different scents with various permutations and combinations and change them through the VR experience. To make the VR experience more real for the senses, the company has added the mist element brought through the ionizing experience; wind using 2 micro-coolers; heat and warmth using micro-heaters; and vibration through the force-feed haptic technology.
The VR mask is compatible with Samsung Gear, Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, HTC Vive, and Playstation VR. It weighs up to 7 ounces, comes with a complete wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4-hour backup. The mask will be available in 3 colors, that is, white, black, and gray. The pre-order FeelReal mask kit for $ 249 comes with a handful number of free cartridges.
The company added that users would be able to watch 360 videos, but the currently supported videos are less. Many VR headset providers and application providers can benefit from the technology as it brings the required immersive experience, which lacked initially, and the low cost of the mask will push the adoption.
