As virtual reality becomes more commonplace, we will need ways to navigate the virtual world without accidentally bumping into furniture. Kat VR hopes it’s up to the challenge with the second generation of its Kat Walk C VR treadmill.
Originally reported by Road to VR, the Kat Walk C2 is basically an omnidirectional treadmill that allows the user to move “free” through a virtual environment as naturally as real life. This includes walking, running, sprinting, dodging, jumping, kneeling, and other actions you can perform in the game.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Kat VR says the C2 has one-to-one real-time foot tracking using optical sensors with latency of less than 10 milliseconds.
There is also a C2 Plus model that allows the user to sit down. In a YouTube video you can watch below, the company showed a person using a chair attachment to sit in a virtual car. This would greatly enhance the immersion during driving games.
KAT Walk C 2: The NEW definition of a VR treadmill! Kickstarter – MAY 14!
As for VR headset compatibility, Kat VR says the C2 has universal compatibility with all major headsets and works with all free locomotive games on all platforms.
Kat VR launched its original Kat Walk VR treadmill on Kickstarter in 2015. She followed it up with Kat Walk C 2020. She will be crowdfunding again as she launches C2 on May 14th.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
There will be different price levels on Kickstarter:
- Super KATer Extra Early Bird: $698
- Extra Early Bird: $798
- Early Bird: $898
- Special Kickstarter Offer: $998
The C2 Plus model, which includes the aforementioned chair and haptics, is sold as an add-on for $200.
While this is expensive, it’s roughly the same price that the Virtuix Omni launched at. Additionally, Kat C2 does not require Microsoft Kinect for spatial awareness. It also seems to track movement much better than the Strider VR treadmill.
Still, the Omni and even the original Kat Walk succeeded on a commercial level. Kat VR hopes to position C2 for a consumer audience. This would make VR more accessible to people who don’t have large, dedicated spaces for VR movement.
After the Kickstarter launches for the Kat C2 on May 14th, the first units should ship starting in July.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn