Intel plunges deeper into virtual reality, Internet of Things at IDF

by Robert Hof , Aug. 16, 2016 – 

After mostly missing the last technology wave - mobile computing - Intel Corp. today charged full-bore into what it views as the next big tech markets: virtual reality and the Internet of Things.

In a marquee announcement, the chipmaker announced a self-contained virtual-reality headset called Project Alloy to kick off its Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, its annual three-day conference for software and hardware developers and other partners. In addition, Intel said it's working with Microsoft Corp. to make holographic interfaces using Intel technologies available on Windows 10 personal computers next year.

Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich (pictured above), pitched Intel's version of VR that is intended to blend the virtual world and the real world, or more specifically VR and AR, or augmented reality. "We're driving toward a "merged reality," he said as he announced that Intel is building a new production studio in Los Angeles using the technology. "We believe it's a game changer for virtual reality."

In particular, Project Alloy, which is intended as a prototype that other companies would manufacture, will allow for headsets that allow for six degrees of mobility. That means much more freedom to move around in virtual spaces with a better awareness of the real world without external sensors for guidance - which would avoid, for instance, as one Intel staffer demonstrating it onstage put it, "injuring the CEO of a Fortune 500 company."

Alloy headsets also will use cameras with Intel's RealSense motion and depth sensing technology to allow for more accurate position tracking. In addition, Alloy will enable more natural manipulation of objects in virtual environments using only one's hands rather than separate controllers. Intel demonstrated how the headset will show one's hands as well as the image of another real person in the room, though both examples looked like works in progress (photo below).

Not least, the headset won't have to be tethered to a PC like Facebook's admittedly more powerful Oculus Rift. Intel plans to make the technology freely available via open source next year.

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