After more than a decade of work and $40 million in funding, Virtuix is launching its Omni One virtual reality gaming system for home consumers today.
I had the opportunity to try out the Omni One in a demo in San Francisco, where I played multiple games wearing a Pico-based VR headset. It takes some time to adjust to running in place on a treadmill that can move in any direction, but once you get the hang of it, you can fully immerse yourself in the VR experience and get a good workout at the same time.
Founded in 2013 in Austin, Texas, Virtuix has been dedicated to developing the Omni VR omni-directional treadmill technology. After starting with a successful Kickstarter campaign, the company shipped systems to Kickstarter backers in 2017 and gained traction in theme parks with over 3,500 Omni Pro systems installed in commercial locations. Now, they are focusing on bringing an updated system for home consumers with the launch of the Omni One.
The Omni One treadmill, priced at $2,595, offers over 50 games designed for the omni-directional gameplay experience.
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Origins
CEO Jan Goetgeluk’s vision was to create a system that allows people to walk or run in VR using their own legs instead of a traditional controller. With the Omni One, users can experience a full-body VR gaming system at home.
The Omni One system offers seamless tracking for walking, running, crouching, kneeling, jumping, and strafing in 360 degrees. It includes the Omni One treadmill, a standalone VR headset, and access to the Omni One game store.
The game store features titles optimized for seamless movement and compatibility with the Omni One platform. To see upcoming titles, visit omni.virtuix.com/games.
Goetgeluk emphasizes the importance of using your own legs for healthy gaming and full-body activity that promotes calorie burning and physical activity.
The full system
The Omni One entertainment system includes the Omni One treadmill, a customized Pico 4 Enterprise VR headset, and access to the Omni One game store.
The Pico 4E VR headset features a superior display, seamless connectivity, a lightweight design, and supports PC connection for playing games through SteamVR.
The Omni One treadmill has a compact, easy-to-assemble design with a four-feet diameter and built-in wheels for portability. The system includes hand controllers with haptics, eye and face tracking, interaction inside-out tracking, and full-color passthrough.
The optional Omni Online premium subscription enhances the gaming experience with free games, online multiplayer, cloud game saving, customizable profiles, and exclusive member events.
Size limitations
The Omni One system supports users under 250 pounds, with height limits ranging from four feet four inches to six feet four inches tall and vest fits players with a 46-inch waist.
Users need good balance for treadmill running and can adjust sensitivity and friction levels for a smoother experience. The Omni One system is designed to prevent nausea and motion sickness by simulating natural leg movements.
Getting Started
Upon purchase, users receive an Omni One Treadmill, VR headset, controllers, overshoes, foot-tracking sensors, cables, chargers, and cleaning essentials kit.
Setting up requires at least a 6 feet by 6 feet floor space, free of obstacles, with clear space around the Omni One system. Users then download the Omni app to guide them through assembly and calibration.
Secure the vest, calibrate the playspace, attach foot trackers, and follow directions for setup. While it requires effort, the immersive experience justifies the setup process.
Game variety
The Omni One game store offers over 50 titles optimized for movement, ensuring an immersive gaming experience without complicated settings.
Available games span various genres like action, RPGs, puzzles, sports, and family-friendly options, with new titles added weekly to expand the Omni One experience post-launch.
Multiplayer combat
Multiplayer combat games like Elite Force offer physical gameplay requiring players to move and aim by simulating real-world actions, creating an immersive battlefield experience.
With dynamic game modes including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture-the-flag, Elite Force enhances multiplayer engagement with physical gestures for loading weapons and interactive gameplay features.
Other game titles like Peaky Blinders, Affected: The Manor, Ruinsmagus, and Hubris offer diverse gaming experiences tailored for the Omni One platform.
Omni Online
