October 8, 2020 – Virtuix has recently announced the launch of the ‘Omni One’, a consumer version of the Omni, an omni-directional treadmill that enables players to walk or run in any direction through virtual reality (VR) video games and other virtual environments.
Inspired by the popularity of the company’s Omni Pro, a commercial version of the Omni available at more than 500 entertainment venues in 45 countries, Austin-based Virtuix has created Omni One, a home version that’s designed to fit inside a user’s home. According to Virtuix, compared to the Omni Pro, Omni One is lighter, more compact (4-ft. diameter), easy to fold up and store, and allows players freedom of movement, including crouching, kneeling, and jumping.
The Omni One offers a complete entertainment system that comes with its own standalone VR headset (what appears to be a Pico Neo 2 from the above video) and works straight out of the box, providing a seamless user experience. Omni One will feature its own game store with 30 titles at launch, including Call of Duty and Fortnite-style games developed by Virtuix alongside top titles licensed from third parties.
“Omni One is like nothing else out there – it’s a breakthrough in omni-directional treadmill technology,” said Jan Goetgeluk, founder and CEO of Virtuix. “Compared to Omni Pro, Omni One no longer has a support ring. So it gives users unrestricted freedom of movement, including crouching, squatting, backing up, and even jumping. You essentially become one with the machine.”
Virtuix also noted the benefit of using the Omni One for keeping users in shape by allowing them to burn calories while gaming. The company referred to its hardware as a “Peloton bike for gamers”.
Initially slated for 2022, Virtuix now aims to release Omni One in the second half of 2021. Before selling Omni One to the mass market, the company is launching a Regulation A funding campaign to spread awareness of Omni One among consumers, gamers, and the investment community.
Interested parties can now sign up to reserve a spot in the investment round and qualify for an investor discount of up to 40% (worth USD $800). For more information on Virtuix, please visit the company’s website.
Video credit: Virtuix / YouTube
About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.