Holoride launches and brings virtual reality to cars

Holoride launches and brings virtual reality to cars

The VR platform Holoride launches and brings virtual reality to selected Audi models. What can you expect from VR in the car?

The German start-up Holoride enables driving-synchronous VR experiences in the back seat of a car. Using an HTC Vive Flow, you can enjoy VR games, VR apps and other content that reacts to the car's movements while driving.

VR in the car: motion-synchronized virtual reality

To immerse backseat passengers in virtual worlds, Holoride uses a media format it calls "Elastic Content." Holoride taps into various vehicle data, such as navigation and sensor data, in real time and dynamically adapts the VR experience to it.

This creates a virtual space that is constantly in motion, where you can see and feel curves, acceleration or deceleration in virtual reality. Besides VR games, other content like 2D movies or HTC Phone Mirroring will be available. Screens of Android smartphones can be mirrored into the VR headset to use mobile apps like Netflix or Disney+.

Holoride also wants to offer a browser for streaming YouTube, Twitch or other websites. 2D applications are displayed on a virtual screen in cinema format, embedded in a motion-synchronous environment. This is expected to eliminate motion sickness symptoms that occur in sensitive people.

Launch title from the Among Us VR studio

Among the VR games that will be available at the launch of Holoride is Cloudbreakers: Leaving Heaven. The title was developed by Schell Games, who made Among Us VR, I Expect You To Die 1 and 2, and Until You Fall.

In the shoot 'em up you control a flying mech, shoot down enemy robots and collect resources to upgrade yourself. The difficulty level increases the longer you stay alive. Studios like ARVORE, Tripp or Magnopus will also deliver Holoride content in the future.

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Holoride Pioneers Pack is available now

The Holoride Pioneers Pack has been available on the Holoride website since November 2 and costs 699 euros. It includes the HTC Vive Flow VR headset, an 8BitDo Pro 2 gamepad, and a safety strap. The latter is connected to the vehicle's seatbelt and is intended to provide protection in the event of "unexpected events while driving".

Also included is a one-year subscription to the Holoride platform. After expiration, it can be renewed monthly for 19.99 euros each. If you sign up for a year in advance, the cost is reduced to 14.99 euros per month. The app library will be continuously expanded in the coming months. All content available so far can be found in the Holoride Library.

Holoride isn't exclusive to Audi or HTC

Holoride will be available for selected Audi models from mid-November. These include the A4 to A8, Q5, Q7, Q8 or the electrically powered Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportsback and e-tron GT models.

The prerequisite is the "Audi Connect Navigation & Infotainment" equipment package with the MIB 3 infotainment system and a controlled chassis. However, they must not have selected "Remote Parking Assist Plus."

Holoride plans to launch in the U.S. in early 2023 and in other European and Asian markets later this year. Although Audi holds shares in Holoride, the platform will also be available for models from other manufacturers in the future. The collaboration with HTC is also not exclusive, so it may be possible to use Holoride with other VR headsets in the future.

Sources: Pressemitteilung