Intel Shows Off 'Project Alloy' Virtual-Reality Headset
August 16 2016 - 2:40PM
Dow Jones News
SAN FRANCISCO—Intel Corp. stepped up an effort to shape the
fast-moving market for virtual-reality technology, demonstrating an
unusual headset prototype it hopes other companies will manufacture
and sell.
The chip maker, which also announced plans to collaborate with
Microsoft Corp. in the field, said its "Project Alloy" prototype
differs from other virtual-reality headsets in several ways, most
notably because it doesn't need to be connected to a
high-performance personal computer, as Facebook Inc.'s Oculus Rift
device does.
Project Alloy headsets also have front-facing 3-D camera
technology, known as RealSense, which allows the wearer to see
objects surrounding them in the physical world and to use hand
gestures to execute commands rather than a separate controller
device.
Intel's approach could be considered a variation on augmented
reality, a term that usually refers to headsets that combine
digital images with the physical world. The company on Tuesday
applied the term "merged reality" to Project Alloy, stressing the
benefits of RealSense in making simulated experiences more useful
and convenient.
"When sight and computing come together, it gives the device the
ability to understand and respond to its environment," said Brian
Krzanich, Intel's chief executive, at the company's annual
gathering of developers here.
The Wall Street Journal in March reported that Intel was working
on an augmented-reality headset using RealSense. Mr. Krzanich said
the company would share specifications for Project Alloy to allow
other companies to make their own versions of the product in the
second half of 2017.
No pricing was discussed for the technology.
Intel's effort coincides with Microsoft's own efforts in virtual
and augmented reality, which i nclude a headset dubbed HoloLens and
software known as Windows Holographic. Terry Myerson, a Microsoft
executive vice president, said his company would work with Intel to
help developers create software that would work with both
companies' technology.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
August 16, 2016 14:25 ET (18:25 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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