© Dieter Holger / Sensiks
Sensiks is a glimpse of the direction multisensory virtual reality could be heading.
One of the obstacles VR faces is delivering visceral, skin-deep sensations. Amsterdam-based startup Sensiks is trying to solve this problem with “sensory reality pods,” or SR, as its CEO calls it. Put simply, the “SR pod” is a high-tech booth emitting artificial heat, wind and more while you wear an Oculus Rift headset.
I had the chance to try out Sensiks at VR World London and interview CEO Fred Galstaun this week.
“We make multi-sensory experiences,” Galstaun said. “You can take any virtual reality content and we add wind, smell, extra sound effects, vibrations, heat fluctuations.”
When I tried out the mythical forest-like “Longing for Wilderness” experience, I found the booth’s heated panels to be overwhelming as I floated through a burning wood into the clouds. The “wind” and smells were a bit of an afterthought, if hardly noticeable. And the audio didn’t have the deafening quality you expect from a virtual rollercoaster ride at Disney Land or even a movie theater. Though, I admit: My ears and nose aren’t great.
There’s always room for improvement, but Galstaun claims the company’s main focus right now is content.
“We are really focused with connecting with the content creators,” he said. “Our product is as good as the content, so we really need top-notch content.”
The startup provides a platform where VR creators can “sensify” and sell their content for use in the booths. Sensiks takes a 20 percent commission with the remaining earnings going to the developer. As of today, the company has around 50 SR experiences available.
,
Source: VR Scout