Exciting times are ahead for virtual reality enthusiasts, especially with the recent buzz around VR motion peripherals. Not long after Roto VR introduced their $799 rotating game chair, Virtuix has finally confirmed that their much-anticipated Omni One VR treadmill will be launching on September 10. This announcement marks a significant milestone, as the $2,595 system, excluding shipping, has been a labor of love for more than a decade.
I remember just last year, on April 3, we published a piece headlined, “A decade later, this VR treadmill is finally ready to ship.” It’s fascinating how technological advancements can sometimes rush by at warp speed, while at other times, they crawl. Often, it’s those hardware startups that seem to linger in development, patiently waiting for their moment.
Over the past decade, Virtuix has successfully piqued the interest of many technology enthusiasts. Locomotion in VR is still a challenge; tricking our brains into feeling motion while we remain still is far from perfect and can sometimes lead to queasiness.
During this journey, Virtuix has witnessed the growing fascination with mixed reality, spearheaded by big names like Oculus/Meta, HTC, and now Apple. They’ve secured a substantial $40 million from venture capital and individual investors. The Omni One even gained a bit of fame as it inspired a similar concept in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of “Ready Player One.”
The Omni One is characterized by its seemingly simple design. Instead of using a motorized treadmill, the system functions passively. Users wear special shoes and replicate walking motions on a concave platform, akin to slipping in place.
“We’re thrilled to announce the official launch date of September 10 and are eager to embrace the Omni One community,” said CEO Jan Goetgeluk in a press release. “The enthusiastic feedback from our beta testers has fueled our anticipation, and we look forward to redefining the gaming experience for players, young and old.”
In their preorder campaign, Virtuix successfully sold 3,000 units of the Omni One, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in gaming technology.
