Show HN: VR-OS is a desktop operating system beyond the limits of your monitor

Show HN: VR-OS is a desktop operating system beyond the limits of your monitor(matthaeuskrenn.com)

18 points by matthaeus 6 years ago | 9 comments

KirinDave 6 years ago |

This seems really interesting, but I am curious what headset hardware is sufficient for it as of yet. My experience trying this with Virtual Desktop was that my Occulus simply lacked the resolution to make these screens comfortable.

asarazan 6 years ago | |

I'm really hoping somebody at Oculus/HTC/Microsoft sees this and wants to develop it, because I agree the hardware industry needs to step up its game to make this a reality.

matthaeus 6 years ago | |

Yeah pixels per degree in common VR headsets is probably another 3x or 4x off :( No big deal, they just have to become lighter AND better :D

cwxm 6 years ago |

Looks really great! This is the best implementation of this I've seen so far.

It does feel like it'd be great to combine VR headsets with hand gestures (gloves or rings maybe?). In the video for example, your slack window is far away. My immediate instinct was to grab that slack window closer to me.

matthaeus 6 years ago | |

Thanks! The way I think about hand tracking is that it has its applications, but has to be used very thoughtfully. The mouse is approachable and gives me access to my entire field of view just by moving my wrist a bit. Hand tracking can feel amazingly natural, but lifting my hand/arm and possibly reaching out is a lot more work which people won't realistically want to do too much over the course of a day. If moving windows closer/further is a big use-case (which it isn't in my concept), I'd rather find an easy way to to that with the mouse than forcing people to reach out.

cwxm 6 years ago | | |

I think that's very fair. It would be a tiring movement to do time after time during the day vs the small movements that you have to do with a moouse.

metalliqaz 6 years ago |

I don't think something like this will take off until a few things happen. First, headsets have to be more comfortable, cheap, and convenient. Lets just assume that will happen.

But also, programs will have to be made with VR in mind. This is still showing browser windows and other programs as square items on a virtual screen. My existing tri-screen setup (2nd hand corporate hardware, cheaps) is really good at that, and I can use it without any claptrap on my face. I can also use it with others when they are with me.

Perhaps apps that break out of the box will be more common when VR is more widespread.

matthaeus 6 years ago | |

Yeah totally agree that this has no chance until HMDs get a lot more comfortable to wear, and better especially in the resolution department.

This is not a "2D apps on virtual screens" concept though. Every app can be freely moved, meaning there are no limitations to how you set up your workspace(s).

Also, I agree that there are SOME apps that will greatly benefit from making use of immersive/3D/stereo. But the significant majority of apps that you use today are great in 2D and will remain really great in 2D.

RocketSyntax 6 years ago |

More transparency on the fingers.