Virtual reality (VR) is one of the hottest new technologies, creating opportunities to make videogames and movies more immersive to consumers. But VR stops short of providing a full immersive experience because it focuses only on the head.
Immersit is a device that slips under any sofa, chair or bed with four legs and creates motion and vibrations in response to whatever is happening in a compatible movie or videogame. It supports up to 1,100 pounds and works in conjunction with an app for Android and iOS mobile devices. Its software initially supports the PlayStation 3 and 4, the Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows and Linux. Immersit is also compatible with the Oculus VR headset and is expected to be compatible with the HTC Vive and new Oculus VR headsets.
More than 300 movies and 120 games are already compatible with Immersit and more than 1,000 movies and 320 games are expected to be compatible by the time it ships. Immersit ships in October at about $900, although early bird Kickstarter backers can get one for a pledge starting at about $560. A smaller, vibration-only version without motion functionality is available to early birds for a pledge of about $201. Its makers hope to raise $95,366 by March 16.
Movie theaters have already experimented with the same kind of technology with their seats, and there have also been interactive game chairs for the home using similar technology, including X Rocker. What makes Immersit more appealing than the latter products for consumers is that they can use it with their existing furniture. It’s hard to tell from the campaign video, however, just how well Immersit works -– especially when factoring in the many different designs of chairs, sofas and beds there are on the market.