VR headset FOVE 0 costs $599 and will ship later this year

FOVE tracks your eyes, and is now available for pre-order.

David Craddock

November 2, 2016 2:52 PM

2

FOVE 0, a virtual reality headset that tracks eye movement, is now available for pre-order and will begin shipping out to Kickstarter backers by the end of this year (via UploadVR).

FOVE 0 offers a different VR experience than the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. It outputs visuals at 2560x1440 via an OLED display and refreshes at 70Hz, just shy of the 90Hz refresh rate enjoyed by the Rift and Vive; and a FOV between 90 and 100 degrees.

What sets FOVE 0 apart is its ability to track eye movement using a 120fps infrared tracking system. That feature allows developers to optimize certain elements of their games, such as using a technique called foveated rendering to only render the part of the screen where your eyes are focused, thereby cutting back on processing.

FOVE 0 also allows eye movement to be interpreted as a form of input. That opens up all sorts of unique possibilities, such as linking camera control to your vision—far more comfortable than having to crane your neck, and more immersive than fiddling with an analog stick.

The headset costs $599, but pre-ordering between now and November 9 gets you a $50 discount. You can expect to receive your device in early 2017, shortly after Kickstarter backers get theirs.

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.