New portable system can unleash the power of virtual reality for business.
Popular virtual reality headsets such as the Oculus Rift are tethered to a PC, significantly limiting freedom of movement. So HP has put a VR-capable computer into a backpack – but it's very much for business, not entertainment.
HP describes its new Z VR Backpack as “the world's first professional wearable VR PC”.
Features include a 16GB Nvidia Quadro P5200 graphics processing unit and an Intel Core i7 vPro processor to minimise disconcerting dropped frames, and hot-swappable batteries to extend session lengths.
Potential applications can be found in a wide variety of fields – HP has mentioned product design, architecture, healthcare, first responder training, automotive, retail and entertainment.
For content creators, a docking station will speed the transfer of VR models from development PCs to the Backpack.
The Z VR Backpack is scheduled to go on sale in September – prices have yet to be announced, but don't expect it to be cheap. A VR “immersion centre” will open in Sydney before the end of the year so that customers can experience VR technology and consult HP’s experts.
Here's a sample of what's possible from HP:
