It's 2024, and some are still working on VR shoes
London-based startup Freeaim aims to bring motorized VR shoes to market as an alternative to bulky VR treadmills.
A developer kit for the VR shoes, including an SDK, is now available. It is aimed at companies and costs 5,000 US dollars.
A more affordable consumer version is planned for next year, "at a price point comparable to, if not more affordable than, existing VR treadmills."
What does that mean? For comparison, the consumer-oriented Virtuix Omni One VR treadmill costs $2,600 excluding shipping (the headset is included).
Here's how Freeaim pitches its product:
"Rather than requiring a large and expensive machine to move a person, Freeaim's omnidirectional motorised technology is built directly into the sole of its shoes. These shoes require less hardware and material than treadmills, and can go to market with a price point far more accessible in the rapidly growing VR industry. Easily stored in a box or carried in a backpack, the shoes can sync with any VR headset supported by SteamVR and will work with most PC VR games that have walkable environments. The VR Shoes feel more natural and stable, similar to walking on a gym treadmill, but in any direction while being immersed in VR."
The startup has raised £250,000 in pre-seed funding. The funds will be used to launch the developer kit, make further hardware improvements and scale up production for the consumer version. The round was led by Nikolaus Oldendorff, Managing Director and co-owner of Reederei Nord GmbH in Hamburg.
Those attending AWE 2024 in Long Beach, California, can try out the VR shoes at the conference.
Freeaim should focus on B2B
Wearable VR accessories are a tricky business. Getting people to wear a VR headset on a regular basis is a challenge. It's even harder when it comes to dedicated trackers, gloves, vests, and shoes.
One of the few VR shoes that made it to the market are the Cybershoes, which are no longer sold in the official store or on Amazon. Apparently, the market demand was satisfied.
The Cybershoes were last sold for $250, while Freeaim's product could cost ten times as much and seems to be only compatible with PC VR. Hopefully, Freeaim will find interest in the B2B sector and should focus on this area.
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