All-in-one wireless VR headset uses Intel RealSense to merge realities for an immersive experience

By: Jim Harrison

At IDF 2016 in San Francisco, Intel unveiled their Project Alloy all-in-one virtual reality headset, which features the computer and sensors integrated directly into the headset and leverages Intel RealSense technology in a big way. The headset is wireless, so you are free to roam around (being careful not to step off of the demonstration stage), and it allows a free range of motion with six degrees-of-freedom across a large space.

All sensors are integrated into the headset. Alloy’s merged reality is made possible by Intel RealSense cameras attached to the headset and is not dependent on setting up any external sensors or cameras around the room.

The really big deal (I think) is its immersive experience. The headset has a camera that can see your hands in front of you. Through “merged reality,” you can see your hands, other things in the room, and even the wall you are about to run into. Using Intel RealSense technology, not only can you see these elements from the real world, but you can use your hands to interact with elements of your virtual world — merging realities. 

Obviously, you need to see it in action. According to Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, “Merged reality delivers virtual world experiences more dynamically and naturally than ever before — and makes experiences [that are] impossible in the real world now possible.”

Project Alloy will be offered as an open hardware platform in 2017.