You might have caught a glimpse of the Feelreal mask prototype when it made headlines back at GDC 2015, the smell-o-vision add-on for VR headsets that promised to bring plenty of scents to your nostrils and haptics to your face. The company has now announced that Feelreal is definitely for real, and coming to consumers via a Kickstarter on April 9th.
Update (April 3rd, 2019): Feelreal announced that their Kickstarter is all set for go, slated for April 9th at 11AM ET. Day-one backers are promised a discounted price from the MSRP of $300, which includes the Mask and 10 basic scents for $200.
A preview store page is already active, which shows off all versions of the mask, including ones for Vive, Rift, PSVR, Go, and Gear VR. Interestingly enough, the company has also styled their $50 aroma packs to certain games such as ‘Beat Saber’ and ‘Skyrim VR’, as well as the film ‘Ready Player One’.
The company is currently taking reservations on their storefront prior to the Kickstarter’s launch, which cost a $1 deposit to guarantee the special $200 price.
Original Article (December 26th, 2018): Feelreal contains what the company calls a “scent generator” that holds replaceable cartridges with nine individual aroma capsules, generating scents such as burned rubber, gunpowder odor, lavender and mint.
The company however is planning to provide a storefront of different 255 scents so users can mix and match as they please, all of them designed by Kiev-based perfumer, olfactologist, and perfume critic Bogdan Zubchenko.
“We’ve chosen distinct scents that accurately simulate the atmosphere of games and movies. Feelreal aromas are safe to inhale and are similar to those used in the food industry,” the company claims on their website.
The unit also incorporates a few haptic devices including an ultrasonic ionizing system for water mist, micro-heaters for heat sensation, micro-coolers for wind, and haptic motors for vibration.
Feelreal is designed to fit Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PSVR, Oculus Go and Gear VR, and connects to the headset via Bluetooth or WiFi. The unit, which comes in white, grey and black, attaches to VR headsets via magnetic mounts that allow for easy removal and scent replacement. An on-board battery promises four hours of battery life.
The company is advertising out of the box support for games such Skyrim VR, Beat Saber, and Death Horizon, as well as their own catalog of experiences called Feelreal Dreams that highlights the mask’s various features. Users will also be able to watch 360 videos with the Feelreal player and experience supported videos, the company says.
There’s no word on exactly when the Kickstarter is due to arrive, although early adopters can now sign up for updates on the company’s website, and receive what the company calls “a substantial early bird discount” when the crowdfunding campaign goes live (see update).
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