Logitech builds VR keyboard kit to make it easier to type while using the HTC Vive

While you might be a good touch typist and have been able to do so in virtual reality, sometimes losing sight of the keys will throw you off. Logitech is hoping to make things easier for you with its new VR keyboard kit called the Logitech Bridge. This system works with the HTC Vive VR and makes use of a Vive tracking disk, a Logitech G gaming keyboard, and an accessory that links the two together. Once you have this set up, you’ll be able to see a 3D virtual keyboard that looks precisely like the one you’re using. There are even customization options on how the keyboard looks as well as custom keyboard layout. It’ll let you replace hotkeys or shortcuts with actual labeled buttons. If the game or app you’re using makes use of the Vive’s SteamVR software, the Bridge system will work with it.

Unfortunately, it won’t work with just any Logitech keyboard, you need to shell out US$150 for the concept. Yes, it’s still a concept now and it’s going out to 50 developers who are interested in trying it out. If you’re an interested developer, you can try and apply for one through this form. Applications will close on November 16.

Source: The Verge

Firefox adds VR support to its browser tomorrow

It took a bit of time but Mozilla is finally adding virtual reality support to its web browser. The Firefox 55 version will come out tomorrow, August 8^th. This web-based VR on Firefox will come to all Windows users that have HTC Vive or Oculus Rift headset. Mozilla has been working on this for a while with a standard called WebVR, which lets browsers run virtual-reality experiences. It’s already available through Firefox’s pre-release version, Firefox Nightly, as well as limited availability in Servo, a browser engine built by individual developers and sponsored by Mozilla.

Aside from adding VR support, Firefox 55 will add a new tool called Firefox Screenshots. While still in beta when it comes out, this feature will automatically save your screenshots to the cloud and then copies these to your clipboard. These screenshots have an expiration date of two weeks unless you manually set it to last longer.

Source: The Verge

HTC reportedly looking to create a new kind of mobile VR headset

A recent story from CNET claims HTC might be looking to develop a new virtual reality headset. According to the smartphone maker’s Chief Financial Officer Chialin Chang, the new headset might be built to work with its new flagship, the U Ultra. Chang wouldn’t say anything else about this device or possible release date. But it might be wise for HTC to develop a mobile-based VR as that has been picking up more quickly than PC-based systems. According to VentureBeat, Samsung has shipped over five million Gear VR units.

Chang says HTC intends to fill the gap between products like the Gear VR and PC-based systems like its own Vive system. HTC released its own statement following the interview with something that doesn’t quite seem like there will be a product coming anytime soon. “In a recent interview, Chialin Chang was referencing the idea that there are different ways to approach VR that span the full spectrum from truly mobile 360 to immersive room-scale like the Vive, and everything in between. As HTC, we’re better prepared than most companies to reach that full spectrum.”

Demo for a HTC Vive Tracker accessory lets you take photos in VR

The Vive Tracker pushes the capabilities of HTC’s virtual reality headset further by letting actual objects be turned into controllers. One developer taking advantage of this is dotdotdash. Their team has created a virtual reality camera that will let you take pictures inside the VR space and even print these out in real life. Called the D3-U, it’s currently only a concept but a brief VR demo shows what it can do. The D3-U was used to capture images of mysterious life forms on Kepler 22-b. But it isn’t just simple point-and-shoot, just like how we use modern smartphone cameras, the D3-U lets users zoom in and out, use real-time filters like X-ray and thermal images. Imagine what this proof-of-concept can bring into the VR space if it ever does become widely available?

Source: The Verge