From root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Thu Apr 27 14:39:56 1995 Return-Path: Received: from mx5.u.washington.edu by stein2.u.washington.edu (5.65+UW95.02/UW-NDC Revision: 2.32 ) id AA09398; Thu, 27 Apr 95 14:39:56 -0700 Received: from hitl-new.hitl.washington.edu by mx5.u.washington.edu (5.65+UW95.02/UW-NDC Revision: 2.31 ) id AA08553; Thu, 27 Apr 95 14:39:45 -0700 Received: from relay4.UU.NET (relay4.UU.NET [192.48.96.14]) by hitl.hitl.washington.edu (8.6.12/8.6.12) with ESMTP id OAA11091 for ; Thu, 27 Apr 1995 14:35:06 -0700 Received: from mail02.mail.aol.com by relay4.UU.NET with ESMTP id QQynic18170; Thu, 27 Apr 1995 17:30:14 -0400 Received: from newsbf02.news.aol.com by mail02.mail.aol.com with SMTP (1.37.109.11/16.2) id AA126678212; Thu, 27 Apr 1995 17:30:12 -0400 Received: by newsbf02.news.aol.com (1.38.193.5/16.2) id AA04148; Thu, 27 Apr 1995 17:30:11 -0400 Posted-Date: 27 Apr 1995 17:30:03 -0400 Received-Date: Thu, 27 Apr 1995 17:30:11 -0400 To: sci-virtual-worlds@uunet.uu.net Path: newsbf02.news.aol.com!not-for-mail From: johnw84426@aol.com (JohnW84426) Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds Subject: Vritual i-O supported by WIN 95 API for affordabel VR Date: 27 Apr 1995 17:30:03 -0400 Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364) Lines: 84 Sender: root@newsbf02.news.aol.com Message-Id: <3np2cr$41e@newsbf02.news.aol.com> Reply-To: johnw84426@aol.com (JohnW84426) Status: OR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 1995 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Branley (206) 223-2365 Laura Ames (206) 223-6408 VIRTUAL i-GLASSES TO BE FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 95-BASED GAMES SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Virtual i-O, Inc. announced today its Virtual i-glasses product is supported by Microsoft's new API for the Windows(r) 95 operating system. The Virtual i-glasses will be compatible with a large number of Windows 95-based games. Seattle-based Virtual i-O designs and manufactures Virtual i-glasses, an eight-ounce virtual reality headset that provides full-color, three-dimensional video and computer-generated images in a distortion-free display. The i-glasses project an image comparable to an eighty-inch monitor viewed at a distance of eleven feet. Virtual i-O's proprietary three-degrees-of-freedom headtracker allows for viewing full 360-degree environments. Fully adjustable earphones provide high-fidelity stereo sound. The see-through optics of the headset require none of the cumbersome IPD or focus adjustments characteristic of virtual reality helmets. The release of the Microsoft(r) Windows 95 Game Software Developer's Kit marks the beginning of a new generation of PC gaming. "We're pleased that Virtual i-O has announced compatibility of its Virtual i-glasses with upcoming games for Windows 95," said Brad Silverberg, vice president of the personal systems division at Microsoft. "Peripherals such as these glasses will help make the gamer's experience more fun." Virtual i-O President Linden Rhoads believes developers are beginning to examine the huge, relatively untapped demand for Windows-compatible games. "We'll see a significant increase in VR and gaming titles supporting true stereo 3-D imaging and head tracking as a result of this important API," said Rhoads. "We've always been committed to helping developers build these compelling features into their work, but Microsoft's decision to include Virtual i-O's support in its API removes significant obstacles that developers have previously faced." Virtual i-O currently develops content in-house and understands the issues developers face when integrating new hardware technologies. "Most developers hate wasting time writing drivers for every new hardware peripheral coming down the pike," said Timothy Childs, Virtual i-O developer relations manager. "That's why we've made a considerable effort in making the best head mounted display development environment in the industry." Virtual i-O, Inc. is based in Seattle, Wash. and employs more than 70 people. The company, founded in May 1993, is funded by private investors including Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI) and Logitech International. # # # Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. John Williamson VR and 3D Development email: john.williamson@vio.com 206.382.7410