Video Games Get Physical With Oculus Rift & Omnidirectional Treadmill

The concept of gaming accessories has been taken to a whole new level. Combine the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset with the Virtuix Omni omnidirectional treadmill and you have access to a fully immersive gaming experience.

In a video released by Virtuix, a former marine uses both the Omni and the Rift to play Team Fortress 2. The demonstration shows how using the Omni and Rift can make playing games much more entertaining and much more intense.

The Virtuix Omni lets players walk and run around on a treadmill that translates their motions into the game environment. Not only does the Rift and Omni make you feel like you’re actually part of the action, it lets you kill two birds with one stone by letting you play your favorite games in virtual reality while also giving you a good workout. As of right now, your movement is tracked by Microsoft’s Kinect, however, in the future, Virtuix plans on integrating a tracking solution inside of the Omni.

In fact, Virtuix says that the Omni would be ideal for applications such as home exercise, as well as training a simulation physical therapy, and even virtual tourism. The whole thing is still pretty much in the prototype phase, but the company will soon be available to fund via Kickstarter.

Source: slashgear.com, hothardware.com