The Facebook Reality Labs’ (FRL) chief scientist, Michael Abrash, explained the recent update and how it seemed like a goofy idea, terming it as a novelty at best. He avoided conflict by adding that this is just an imperative step in development as he informed that he does not tell researchers what or how to do it. He takes faith in the ability of his researchers and mentions that this faith and freedom towards the researchers would be the stepping stone for revolutionary tech.
These comments from Abrash regarding the update were on FRL’s recent reverse passthrough VR system that allows the user to see the world outside whilst wearing the headset. It also serves as the opposite by allowing the world outside to see the user’s face behind the VR set. The development of this technology presents on the basis that, anytime the user steps out of the bound of the augmented reality world, the system would initiate and allow the users to see everything around them. This would be done with the assistance of cameras on the outer surface of the VR headset.
Even though this seems like an amazing feat in working, the world seeing the user’s eyes and reaction is still under the works and would be embarrassing in encounters if the person behind the headset is making eye contact while that outside would not even see the eyes unless the software runs on augmenting the display of behind the headset on a second screen attached to the outer surface of the headset. However, as Abrash said, this idea is just a novelty.
The update program headed by Matsuda released the new headset ahead of the SIGGRAPH conference where this product is to be pitched, tested, and present as FRL’s entry. The problem of presenting the eyes and capturing the reality was solved by presenting animated eyes on the receiving end of the software. The world could see almost the real eyes of individuals behind the headset. However, the efficiency and efficacy of the new development are yet to go through beta and in-person testing to be better suited for these. The resultant device looks similar to an octagonal frame, similar to very big glasses that magnify your eyes.
Facebook’s spokesperson agreed that this is not an extraordinary achievement expected of the company. HTC already utilizes face tracing for its headsets. Apart from that, Facebook is actively working for the Light Field Displays and their ability to make social interactions better in these uncertain times.
Read next: Facebook brings down personal accounts of all those involved in NYU Ad Observatory team
These comments from Abrash regarding the update were on FRL’s recent reverse passthrough VR system that allows the user to see the world outside whilst wearing the headset. It also serves as the opposite by allowing the world outside to see the user’s face behind the VR set. The development of this technology presents on the basis that, anytime the user steps out of the bound of the augmented reality world, the system would initiate and allow the users to see everything around them. This would be done with the assistance of cameras on the outer surface of the VR headset.
Even though this seems like an amazing feat in working, the world seeing the user’s eyes and reaction is still under the works and would be embarrassing in encounters if the person behind the headset is making eye contact while that outside would not even see the eyes unless the software runs on augmenting the display of behind the headset on a second screen attached to the outer surface of the headset. However, as Abrash said, this idea is just a novelty.
The update program headed by Matsuda released the new headset ahead of the SIGGRAPH conference where this product is to be pitched, tested, and present as FRL’s entry. The problem of presenting the eyes and capturing the reality was solved by presenting animated eyes on the receiving end of the software. The world could see almost the real eyes of individuals behind the headset. However, the efficiency and efficacy of the new development are yet to go through beta and in-person testing to be better suited for these. The resultant device looks similar to an octagonal frame, similar to very big glasses that magnify your eyes.
Facebook’s spokesperson agreed that this is not an extraordinary achievement expected of the company. HTC already utilizes face tracing for its headsets. Apart from that, Facebook is actively working for the Light Field Displays and their ability to make social interactions better in these uncertain times.
Read next: Facebook brings down personal accounts of all those involved in NYU Ad Observatory team
