A new virtual reality headset is coming exclusively to iPhones. Developed by startup firm Occipital, the headset, simply called Bridge, packs a powerful feature that is not available on traditional VR headsets.
Unlike most virtual reality headsets for smartphones that are currently out in the market, Occipital Bridge packs a feature called positional-tracking. This feature allows high-end VR hardware like the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and the PlayStation VR to track the user's position and combines both the virtual and real world into one seamless and interactive experience, according to Wired.
Occipital is the firm behind the Structure Sensor, a strip of camera and sensors that is capable of mapping physical objects and environments with impressive detail. The Structure Sensor is also the technology behind Occipital Bridge that makes it stand out from typical virtual reality headsets for smartphones.
With this powerful technology, the Occipital Bridge also has a couple of drawbacks. First, the headset weights quite heavier compared to other traditional virtual reality headsets for smartphones. The Bridge is also quite big since Occipital has to make room for all the powerful hardware needed for the headset to properly function.
Moreover, the Bridge will not support all iPhone models. Instead, the headset will be compatible with only the powerful models which are the iPhone 6, the iPhone 6S, and the current flagship iPhone 7. The Bridge comes with a Bluetooth-powered remote that controls the user's motion, a feature which is somewhat similar to that of the Google Daydream VR headset.
According to The Verge, the Occipital Bridge is currently available in limited quantity. The headset will go on sale, probably limited only to developers and content creators, next week and will have $499 price tag. Occipital is planning a wider release some time next year and will cost $399.