HTC Vive Officially Endorses the FinchShift 6-DoF Controller
Finch Technologies is in the process of preparing to launch its FinchShift 6-degrees of freedom controller to developers this month. The company will be taking to CES 2019 next week to showcase its latest design. Today, however, Finch has announced that Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has tested and confirmed compatibility of its Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 VR Reference Design with FinchShift, and that HTC Vive has endorsed the mobile controllers by offering them to its developer community.
Originally showcased at XRDC 2018, the FinchShift controllers offer full room-scale, 360-degree tracking without the need for external cameras or sensors, combined with the FinchTracker armband module for complete immersive freedom. Available in either touchpad or joystick designs, they can be used in either single arm or dual arm modes thanks to the latest IMU sensor technology by Bosch Sensortec and the proprietary sensor fusion algorithms from Finch.
HTC has confirmed it will enable FinchShift controller support in an upcoming WAVE SDK release, ensuring compatibility with the Vive Focus headset: “HTC has worked with Finch Technologies over the past two years, and we are excited to include the FinchShift controllers in our ever-expanding VIVE eco-system,” says Rikard Steiber, President of HTC VIVEPORT. “For both developers and VR enthusiasts, these controllers help to break down the barriers to intuitive VR interaction in the all-in-one category.”
Finch has been designed to work with all mobile devices including Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Go and Oculus Quest, with the company stating: “The controllers are compatible with a wide range of devices and headsets and work with both iOS and Android operating systems.”
“Intuitive interaction with full freedom of movement is critical for immersive XR experiences and a must for mass consumer and enterprise adoption,” said Hugo Swart, head of XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Qualcomm Technologies continues to expand the list of collaborators that complement the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR platform. The FinchShift controllers provide a natural and seamlessly integrated 6-DoF experience.”
Finch will begin shipping the FinchShift controller this month, with a single set of controllers retailing for $249 USD. As the controllers are being focused more towards developers and enterprise initially, that cost does reduce depending on the number of units purchased. VRFocus will be at CES 2019 to bring you the latest feedback on FinchShift.
https://www.vrfocus.com/2019/01/htc-vive-officially-endorses-the-finchshift-6-dof-controller/
