With Virtuix’s Omni One, gamers seeking a more immersive VR experience at home may at last succeed. Since years, Virtuix has been creating the treadmill-like gaming device, and just recently, Omni One has begun shipping to backers as a result of crowdfunding campaigns. Currently, Virtuix is launching a new round of funding, which it has stated will result in the release of Omni One for general sale later this year.
You may recall the Omni from 2013; it was funded in less than 24 hours after its Kickstarter launch. The Omni One is based on the Omni Pro, a bigger but comparable model that is offered in entertainment venues all around the world. The omnidirectional, or circular, treadmill is four feet in width by five feet in length and weighs roughly 250 pounds. The safety component enters through a vertical bar that is attached to a waist strap with controllers on either side and a shoulder strap. Through a video game, players can run, walk, kneel, and even jump. When not in use, the Omni One can easily be folded up.
Retail prices for Omni One will start at $2,595 plus shipping for the treadmill and a specially made Pico Neo 3 VR headset. The cost is a little more than Virtuix’s original estimate of $1,995. The quoted price is discounted by 30% for investors.
It should be noted that Virtuix intends to sell first-party games via its own shop, even though the business claims compatibility with other VR games may emerge in the future. At launch, 30 films will be offered, but the business said in a Facebook post that it has a “shortlist” of over 200.
Although customers should be able to purchase the Omni One later this year, it is unknown how many units will be made. According to Virtuix, 35,000 regular customers are currently on a waiting list while 900 “investors” have applied to purchase beta units.
