Shiftall, a Panasonic trademark, has shown the most recent MeganeX VR headset prototype. Along with the redesigned look, the firm also unveiled support for Valve Index controllers and a SteamVR Tracking module to offer precise tracking to the headset. Despite the fact that it appears the headset may no longer be standalone but rather made for PC VR, the business claims it will demonstrate the most recent design at the AWE Europe 2022 conference.
Even though the Shiftall MeganeX VR has a bad name, it has an intriguing design. A wishlist of outstanding characteristics for a PC VR headset includes SteamVR compatibility, inside-out and outside-in tracking, and a high-quality 2,560 x 2,560 (6.5MP) display per eye, allegedly at 120Hz with HDR support, all in an incredibly tiny form factor.
Shiftall seems to be getting closer to a release despite the headset being delayed from prior predictions of a debut in the spring of 2022. Only time will tell if the headset is as remarkable as it seems on paper.
A first look at a SteamVR Tracking module that mounts on top of the MeganeX headset was also included in the company’s latest MeganeX prototype. This, according to Shiftall, will enable the headset to opportunistically substitute external tracking for its own outside-in tracking system.
Although the brief demonstration video clearly shows shaky tracking, it is hoped that this will be improved to the standards expected from SteamVR Tracking before the headset’s release.
Shiftall said that the headset would come with an adapter that connects to the SteamVR Tracking module and adds compatibility for Valve Index controllers in addition to connecting to the headset. And since the SteamVR environment is interoperable, we anticipate that anything that can connect to a standard SteamVR adapter will also function with the headset (ie: Vive wands or Tundra trackers).
The removal of some of the “wings” on the outside of the lenses, which helps to make the headset seem a little more compact and goggle-like, will be noticeable to anyone who has used earlier versions of the headset.
Independent No Longer?
Strangely, when the Shiftall MeganeX was originally introduced, the business claimed that the presence of a Snapdragon XR1 chip allowed for solo use. However, the most recent information we have on the headset indicates that it is only a tethered VR headset and makes no mention of any solo functionality. To get more information on this front, we’ve contacted the firm.
