GameFace Labs today introduced the developer kit for the company’s upcoming Head Mounted Console (HMC) VR device. The new headset is a standalone VR device, but it’s unlike any other headset we’ve seen on the market. Most standalone VR headsets feature processing hardware sourced from Qualcomm, which provide ample performance for mobile content, but GameFace Labs opted for a more powerful configuration. The GameFace Labs HMC features Nvidia’s Jetson TX2 module with a Pascal GPU, which enables it also to support SteamVR content.
The GameFace Labs HMC runs Android 7.0 Nougat and supports Android VR software that you can find on the Google app store. GameFace Labs said that the Head Mounted Console would be the first cross-platform VR device. The HMC operates as a standalone unit for Android and native VR content, but you can also tether it to your PC to access your Steam VR library.
GameFace Labs worked with Triad Semiconductors to ensure that the HMC would be compatible with Valve’s SteamVR (Lighthouse) Tracking system to enable sub-millimeter room-scale tracking. The GameFace Labs developer kits include Lighthouse base stations, and a pair of 6-DoF tracked controllers.
GameFace Labs is currently accepting pre-order applications, but the company said that the developer kits are in limited supply and it would be selective about who will get a kit. Hopeful developers must pass an applications process to qualify for the purchase. Qualified developers will receive the opportunity to purchase a GameFace Labs HMC Developer Kit for $599. They would also receive a retail HMC when they hit the market later this year.
GameFace Labs said that it would deliver the first dev kits over the next few weeks.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | GAMEFACE LABS HEAD MOUNTED CONSOLE – HMC |
|---|---|
| Compute Platform | Nvidia Jetson TX2 Module - |
| GPU | Nvidia Pascal, 256 Cuda Cores |
| CPU | HMP Dual Denver 2/2 MB L2 + Quad ARM® A57/2 MB L2 |
| Memory | 8GB L128-Bit DDR4 Memory |
| Storage | 32GB eMMC 5.1 Flash Storage |
| Connectivity | 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet |
| Display | 2560x1440 WQHD Low-Persistence OLED, Sub 20ms latency |
| Power | 19V AC Adaptor or Battery Pack |
| Tracking Technology | Valve SteamVR (Lighthouse) 6-DoF tracking |
| Compatibility | Standalone: Android 7.0, Native GameFace Labs content Tethered: SteamVR content via OpenVR |
