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Disney unveils the HoloTile floor (ign.com)

823 points by wallflower · 935 days ago · 294 comments on HN

Article summary

Disney has unveiled the HoloTile floor, a multi-person, omni-directional, modular, and expandable treadmill floor that allows people to have a shared virtual reality experience and walk in any direction without colliding or walking off its surface. The floor is made up of tiles that work together to keep people or objects in the center. The technology has potential applications in virtual reality, theatrical stages, and other areas. However, its development and implementation are still in the early stages.

Main themes

  • Virtual Reality
  • Treadmill Technology
  • Motion Sickness
  • Immersive Experience
  • Theatrical Applications
  • Safety Concerns

What commenters say

  • The HoloTile floor may not be able to handle fast or sudden movements, which could limit its effectiveness.
  • The technology could be useful for certain applications, such as theatrical stages, but may not be suitable for consumer VR.
  • Some people are skeptical about the potential of the HoloTile floor to solve motion sickness issues in VR.
  • Others believe that the technology could still be useful for improving immersion in VR, even if it doesn't completely eliminate motion sickness.
  • The HoloTile floor may require a large area to be effective, which could make it expensive and impractical for widespread use.
  • The technology could potentially be used in combination with other techniques, such as tilting or vibration, to create a more immersive experience.
  • Some people are concerned about the potential safety risks of using the HoloTile floor, particularly if users are not able to walk normally on it.
  • Others think that the technology has a lot of potential for future development and improvement, particularly if it can be scaled up and made more affordable.