Samsung's virtual reality headset, the Gear VR, is the most popular device in its category. However, you need a compatible, high-end Galaxy smartphone for that to work. Most VR firms are now trying to launch standalone VR headsets, and Samsung has been toying with the idea since a few months. Now, the company has showcased the Exynos VR III, its first all-in-one VR reference platform.
The Exynos VR is a prototype all-in-one VR headset that makes use of an inbuilt display, an Exynos processor, and eye tracking. The eye tracking unit for the headset has been developed by Visual Camp, and it has been optimised to be used for mobile VR. Eye tracking offers an option of ‘foveated rendering', a method to save processing power by only rendering the area where the eye is focusing in 100% detail and clarity; rest of the area is rendered in reduced resolution.
Visual Camp CEO Suk Yunchan said, “By collaborating with Samsung Electronics, our technology was internationally recognized at MWCS 2017, enabling us to secure a bridgehead for future global marketing efforts. Now, we will continue promoting the high quality of Korean startup technologies and products overseas.” Foveated rendering is also helpful in reducing the heat generated by VR headsets.
Samsung plans to incorporate several other technologies such as facial recognition, hand tracking, head tracking, and voice recognition in the Exynos VR III headset. Samsung also spoke about its Exynos VR platform at the MWC 2017 Shanghai expo. Other companies, including Apple, Facebook, and Google, have been working on eye tracking technology for VR headsets. Apple recently acquired German brand SMI for VR and AR technologies.
