Virtual Reality Hardware Radar for Q3 2014

Here’s our updated Hardware Radar chart for the Consumer Virtual Reality sector, updated with Q3 data. The radar shows companies within the emerging ecosystem developing peripherals and related hardware for VR.

Launch Stage

We’ve assigned companies according to launch stage as they bring their products to market. Launch stages are classified as follows:

• Announced / Pending Funding: A prototype has been announced but the company/inventor has not yet secured funding.

• In Development: A prototype has been publicly demonstrated and/or the company has funding (privately, via Kickstarter or from third-party funding including VC’s).

• Pre-Order / Dev Kit Available: The product is in a stage of development beyond a prototype, has made limited versions available to developers and/or is taking pre-orders.

• Consumer Version Available: The product is available for purchase by the general public.

Hardware Categories

We’ve segmented the VR hardware market into eight different categories, as follows:

• HMD – Integrated: A virtual reality head-mounted display with the screen integrated into the unit. This segment (obviously) includes Oculus VR, as well as companies such as VRelia, Gameface Labs (classified as a HMC – head mounted console), Avegant, Sony and ANTVR.

• HMD – With Mobile Device: A virtual reality head-mounted display using a third-party mobile device as the screen. Companies in this segment include Durovis, Seebright,Altergaze, Vrizzmo and Samsung.

• Controller – Hand Device / Glove / Body Unit: An input device using hands and/or body movement for tracking via sensors. PrioVR, STEM, Control VR and Leap Motion are all included in this element of the market.

• Controller – Treadmill  / Foot Control:  An input device that tracks leg/foot movements. In this category we include Virtuix Omni, InfinAdeck, the Cyberith Virtualizer and Stompz.

• Controller – Haptics:  An input device for hands and body that also provides tactile feedback by force or vibration. The KOR-FX Gaming Vest, iMotion and the Reactive Grip are three of the products included here.

• 3D Camera: A video or image recording device that captures 3D stereoscopic views. Jaunt, Giroptic and Matterport are within this grouping.

• End-to-End Platform: A company that provides HMD systems coupled with input devices and motion capture. This category brings together companies that are creating VR experiences encompassing HMDs, input devices, games and other elements. Survios and  VRCade  are two examples.

• Misc: Products not fitting into other categories. We’ll keep a close eye on this category to see if it’s worth keeping, but in the meantime we’ve allocated Petal, a VR fan into it. This company was recently unsuccessful with Kickstarter funding but we’ve kept it on the radar. Continue reading →

The Face Race. A List of Companies developing Virtual Reality Headsets

Over the coming weeks we’ll be updating all key KZero charts and reports relating to the Consumer Virtual Reality market. The first Q3 update related to our market sizing for consumer VR, which can be read here.

Turning our attention to the launch timings for companies developing HMDs for virtual and augmented reality, hot of the press is our Device Spectrum visual, shown below.

So, there’s things we know, things we are assuming (based on rumours, conversations and other intel) and things we don’t know. Mashing all of this together produces the visual above. Continue reading →