We don’t really know how to qualify FeelReal, but sensation mask seems to us to be the term that comes closest to reality, since it allows you to feel humidity, wind, cold, heat and smells in virtual reality experiences. The development kits will be shipped this summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrzEgkwikL8
With the whirlwind of GDC news, we had overlooked this curious initiative, but it certainly deserves a special mention, even if it is because of the daring of the device. At the GDC some journalists have been able to try it and the experience has not been extremely positive, mostly because of the overwhelming of the mask that, together with the HMD, makes us feel an authentic Darth Vader of virtual reality, and that does not come into direct contact with the skin. The mask connects via Bluetooth and has a battery that powers the tiny heaters, fans, vibration motors, microphone and odor cartridges with no less than 7 different environments:
- Ocean
- Jungle
- Fire
- Herb
- Wildfire
- Flower
- Metal
The device includes a simple multimedia player with which we choose a file and the sound we want to play with it, although there will also be an SDK for developers to control it directly from their applications. A few days ago there was talk of a Kickstarter campaign at the end of the month, but the fact is that the FeelReal development kit can be pre-ordered for $249,99 and will be shipped this summer, working together with Oculus Rift, Morpheus, Gear VR, Zeiss One and practically any similar device.
