The startup Finch will show at CES its new Shift motion controllers that do not require external cameras to obtain absolute positioning. In February 2017 they will send developer kits, and in the spring they will launch a Kickstarter campaign.
Finch has created the Shift motion controllers as a solution that does not require external elements to the player for its operation as in the case of Oculus Touch or Vive controllers. The startup claims that its peripherals have the same functionality as the Oculus and HTC controllers, including sensors to determine the position of our hands in real time with a subcentimetric accuracy and with 360º tracking.
We will be able to use the drivers to run content from Oculus or Steam VR, through streaming software that they will provide. “We believe that the Finch Shift kit will accelerate consumer interest in virtual reality in the near future. The main reasons for the slow market expansion have been the limited functionality and low quality of content for mobile VR, and the prohibitive costs of high-end hardware. With the Shift kit, anyone with a decent phone will be able to play the best virtual reality games from SteamVR and from mobile app stores. In addition, you can share the fun with your friends, just like you do with console games,” commented Alexey Kartashov, CEO of Finch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfEPdo-ZQkk
In February 2017, a developer version will be released for $179, which will include two controllers, SDK/API, accessories, three game demos and streaming software. The commercial version will be available for the second half of 2017 and after a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter is launched in the spring. In addition, by the end of 2017 they plan to add room scale through inside-out positioning, using the mobile camera, and have ready at least 50 multiplayer applications compatible with Finch Shift.
