A significant milestone has arrived for VR motion peripherals. Just an hour after Roto VR introduced its $799 spinning game chair, Virtuix finally announced that the highly anticipated Omni One VR treadmill will launch on September 10. It’s exciting news, given that this $2,595 system (excluding shipping costs) has been under development for over a decade.
In fact, the last time we covered this VR treadmill, the headline read, “A decade later, this VR treadmill is finally ready to ship,” dated April 3 of the previous year. It’s fascinating how technology can sometimes feel like it’s racing ahead at breakneck speed, while at other times, it seems unbearably sluggish. Hardware startups frequently find themselves in this slow lane.
Throughout its years of development, Virtuix has certainly generated a fair amount of buzz. The issue of locomotion in VR remains largely unsolved. Convincing your mind that you’re moving, all while you’re actually stationary, is less than ideal and can lead to unpleasant side effects such as nausea.
During Virtuix’s journey, the rise in interest around mixed reality—spearheaded by companies like Oculus/Meta, HTC, and the latest entrant, Apple—has coincided with their timeline. The startup proudly states it has accumulated a total of $40 million through venture capital and individual investments. The Omni One also enjoyed a significant spotlight, serving as the model for a similar system in Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of “Ready Player One.”
The Omni One features a deceptively simple design. Rather than utilizing a mechanical treadmill, it operates passively. Users wear specialized footwear, allowing them to glide in place within a concave saucer structure.
“With our official launch date set for September 10, we’re thrilled to welcome gamers to the Omni One community,” shared CEO Jan Goetgeluk in a statement. “The incredibly positive feedback from our beta users has only heightened our enthusiasm, and we’re eager to launch Omni One, revolutionizing the gaming experience for players of all ages.”
Virtuix has reported the sale of 3,000 units during the Omni One’s preorder phase, showcasing the anticipation and interest surrounding this innovative product.
