VRgineers unveils the next generation of its XTAL professional 8K Virtual Reality headset

In Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality News

January 7, 2020 – VRgineers has today introduced the latest generation of the XTAL professional VR headset. Already in use with the U.S. Department of Defense, major national aircraft simulators and leading global automobile manufacturers, this latest version of the XTAL headset incorporates 8K resolution with a set of new features, including readability optimized for powerful GPUs such as the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 8000.

“Our customers are using the latest cutting edge technologies, so they expect the best from their VR solutions,” said Marek Polčák, VRgineers CEO & co-founder. “That means solutions optimized for the latest NVIDIA RTX cards with VirtualLink embedded. The latest generation of XTAL VR headset is the only solution today that meets these needs with 8K resolution.”

VRgineers introduced the original XTAL headset two years ago, which was designed specifically for the needs of professional users such as designers, engineers, pilots, doctors and trainers, and allowed them to virtually design, create, prototype, teach or train with high image quality and a wide field-of-view. The company states that its XTAL headset offers the visual quality needed for even the most demanding tasks.

VRgineers’ new XTAL headset includes the following technologies:

• High-density LCD displays with 8K resolution;
• Foveated rendering capabilities;
• AR mixed reality module add-on;
• Improved lenses with 180º FOV;
• Eye tracking capable of running up to 210 fps;
• Highly accurate Leap Motion sensors;
• Unique VirtualLink cable implemented;
• Capable of embedding to helmets for simulations.

This latest generation of XTAL features an embedded VirtualLink cable manufactured by BizLink. VirtualLink is an open industry standard developed to meet the connectivity requirements of current and next-generation virtual reality headsets. VirtualLink is a standards-based USB Type-C solution designed to deliver the power, display, and data required to power VR headsets through a single USB Type-C connector, providing a durable and simple connection. Instead of multiple cables, VirtualLink-enabled systems like XTAL only require a single cable to connect their systems.

The XTAL headset is currently being used by a variety of US Airforce airbases for pilot training, according to VRgineers. The first recipient of the new XTAL model will be the Vance Airforce Base in Oklahoma, which VRgineers states has ordered XTAL headsets as part of a complete upgrade to its training center. VRgineers are also participating in US Navy and US NAVAIR R&D initiatives to create next generation simulator solutions.

“The feeling that I got while flying the F18A in full VR mode in XTAL is really astonishing. It was so close to reality that I felt I was inside the F18A. As a pilot, that is exactly what I need to feel for training purposes,” said Capt. Taimeir, a former F18 pilot from the Swiss Airforce, CEO of Mirage Technologies.

VRgineers will be showcasing its new generation of the XTAL professional VR headset at this year’s CES 2020 in Las Vegas, January 7-10. Demos can be arranged upon request with the company.

Image credit: VRgineers