One of the most awkward things about virtual reality headsets is that you don't know when you're about to hit a wall or coffee table in real life. Columbia, Md.-based startup Sensics thinks it might've found a way to fix that.
Sensics provides ubiquitous VR/AR software for headsets. For instance, instead of creating a Samsung Gear platform that only works with Gear headsets, Sensics creates software that can work with Samsung, Oculus and Google headsets. They call it open source virtual reality. "If you’re an Oculus customer, then you use the Oculus app store, the Oculus product, the Oculus home screen, but you can’t bring in the platform from other products, which in the long run isn’t good," said CEO Yuval Boger.
In its new suite of additions to its open source platform, which launched at the end of February, Sensics is revolutionizing not just the consumer experience—with built-in sensors that signal to users when they're about to run into a wall and a notification center that tells you who is calling your phone without leaving the virtual world (Is it your partner? Or a telemarketer?). It's also revolutionizing how VR software makes a profit.
"One way to make money through VR is to throw a conference or throw a party, and that's good for the event organizers, but there has to be another way," Boger said. "What we are introducing here is the first commerce suite for VR."
In short, Sensics is bringing advertising to virtual reality.
Advertisers have a few options to utilize the product. They can send push notifications to users that make movie and shopping suggestions in VR based on user preferences. Advertisers can also provide sponsored VR content through the new platform, like games or other videos. It's an interesting take on the age-old question: How exactly do you make money from creating virtual reality software? Especially given that Sensics gives away their open source virtual reality software for free to consumers.
"I know that some people think that advertising is evil, but the next time you watch CBS— well, they're advertising supported," Boger said. "That's how you watch the Super Bowl."
It's not the sexiest idea to bring advertising into the mix, but this way, Boger says, everyone benefits. The platform is still free and open to the public. Advertisers have an additional way to find new customers. Sensics still has a way to make money.
"It's been a great response. People are excited about things that I might not have guessed. For instance, we showed it to a couple of vendors and they said that the protector was something they always wanted," Boger said. "So far, it's a new platform and I'm sure it will go through some advancements and improvements. It's not just a new platform, it's a new medium.
"I think we're in for an exciting couple of months."
Image used via CC BY 2.0 — credit Andri Koolme
