January 11, 2023
By Sharan Kaur Phillora
Metaverse-focused companies presented their new VR equipment that activates users’ senses of touch and smells at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023. At the four-day tech gathering in Las Vegas, which ended on Sunday, the concept of the metaverse—essentially a term used to describe 3D virtual communities in which people can interact, work, and enjoy themselves—was a major topic of conversation.
Here’s what we know:
HTC has presented a top-of-the-line virtual reality headset to contend with main rival Meta, as well as other businesses and startups, showing off augmented reality eyewear and perceptual systems that enable customers to experience — and even smell — in a virtual world.
OVR Technology, headquartered in Vermont, unveiled a headset with a cartridge that contains eight primary aromas that can be blended to create various scents. It was slated for launch later in 2023.
The earlier business edition of the VR goggles, used mainly for promoting fragrances and beauty items, has been adapted to enable users to experience the scent of various things, such as a bouquet of roses or a marshmallow roasting over a campfire.
The company is promoting its product, which comes with an app, as a digital spa that combines elements of relaxation and Instagram. With a VR headset that contains eight aromas to be combined into thousands of various unique scents, ION makes digital experiences even more immersive and emotional. The scents are specifically designed to provoke different moods and emotions. Besides, ION can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone or PC so you can explore the world of 4D, multi-sensory experiences.
Aaron Wisniewski, CEO and co-founder of OVR technology said, ” we are entering a time when extended reality will shape the way we do business, have fun, learn, communicate, and maintain our mental health. The success of these experiences depends on how immersive and emotionally stimulating they are, and scent can give them an unparalleled advantage.”
Meanwhile, FireFlare Games executive Aurora Townsend shared the plans to launch a VR dating app. The Planet Theta app would incorporate immersive sensations like the feeling of touch once the respective technology becomes available on the market. So far, the project is scheduled to launch on Valentine’s Day, 2023.
About the author
Sharan Kaur Phillora’s thirst for knowledge has led her to study many different subjects, including NFTs and Blockchain technology – two emerging technologies that will change how we interact with each other in the future. When she isn’t exploring a new idea or concept, she enjoys reading literary masterpieces.
