A critical factor for the success of virtual reality lies in the specifications that some headsets demand. The Gear VR requires a smartphone, the minimum specs for the Oculus Rift are brutal, and the HTC Vive seems to be following the same path. An alternative is to integrate all the necessary hardware directly into the headset, and that's exactly the strong suit of the AuraVisor project, which in addition to eliminating the need for external components, also does away with cables.
A new contender in the VR arena
If you feel that your enthusiasm for virtual reality has faded a bit, I must admit I share that sentiment. Now, don't misunderstand me: without a doubt, there are apps and games out there that can blow your mind with how spectacular they are when viewed through a VR headset. These devices will have to fight hand-to-hand for a place in the market, and I think we'll enjoy watching that battle... but the wait is getting too long. Will 2016 really be the year of virtual reality? One thing is certain: competitors keep adding up. There's a new gunslinger in town, and its name is AuraVisor.
What does AuraVisor offer?
What exactly does AuraVisor offer? How does it stand out from the rest? First of all, AuraVisor is not just a headset; it carries the same hardware you'd find in a smartphone, tablet, or ARM computer. With this configuration, AuraVisor eliminates any dependence on external hardware or cables that limit the virtual experience. The only companion accessory is a Bluetooth gamepad, and with Android as its operating system, its library of apps and games is more than impressive. Specs? Rockchip RK3288 quad-core SoC at 1.8 GHz, a five-inch screen (1080p per eye), WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 16GB of storage, an SD slot, and a battery with five hours of life.
Kickstarter and pricing
AuraVisor recently started its Kickstarter campaign, and with almost a month to go, it has already received half of the £100,000 it needs to move forward with production. The current price for each headset is £155 ($233), and it includes both the headset and the compatible gamepad. They ship worldwide, and the first deliveries will take place between April and May of next year.
