When it comes to VR headsets, we can usually think about Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and OSVR. However, most of these headsets comes with their own methods of connecting to the computers, and computer manufacturers will have to make sure that their products have a specific port or reach a certain requirements in order to fully support these VR headsets.
This is why NVIDIA, Oculus, Valve, AMD and Microsoft came together to define the VirtualLink specification based on an open industry standard to encourage VR headset manufacturers to adopt this interface. This way, it will also push PC manufacturers to focus their efforts on this single interface and maximize compatibility across different kinds of VR headsets.
For more information on VirtualLink, please view the press release below.
New Open Industry Standard Introduced for Connecting Next Generation VR Headsets to PCs, Other Devices
VirtualLink Combines Simplicity of Single USB-C connector with Higher Bandwidth to Drive Rich VR Experiences
SANTA CLARA, CA (July 17, 2018) – A new industry consortium led by NVIDIA,
Oculus, Valve, AMD, and Microsoft today introduced the VirtualLink™ specification — an open industry standard that enables next-generation VR headsets to connect with PCs and other devices using a single, high-bandwidth USB Type-C™ connector, instead of a range of cords and connectors.
This new connection, an Alternate Mode of USB-C, simplifies and speeds up VR setup time, avoiding key obstacles to VR adoption. It also brings immersive VR experiences to smaller devices with fewer ports, such as thin and light notebooks.
To fulfill the promise of next-generation VR, headsets will need to deliver increased display resolution and incorporate high-bandwidth cameras for tracking and augmented reality. VirtualLink connects with VR headsets to simultaneously deliver four high-speed HBR3 DisplayPort lanes, which are scalable for future needs; a USB3.1 data channel for supporting high-resolution cameras and sensors; and up to 27 watts of power.
Unlike other connectivity alternatives, VirtualLink is purpose-built for VR. It optimizes for the latency and bandwidth demands that will enable headset and PC makers to deliver the next generation of VR experiences.
The consortium also announced the publication of an advance overview of the VirtualLink specification, available to companies that wish to receive details ahead of the upcoming VirtualLink 1.0 specification. Details are available at www.VirtualLink.org.
Support by Industry Leaders
Leading players in VR expressed enthusiasm for the new standard.
“Simulating reality requires incredible visual fidelity and processing power,” said Jason Paul, general manager of gaming and VR, at NVIDIA. “With a single, high-bandwidth cable, VirtualLink unlocks the full potential of the PC to power amazing VR experiences.”
“At Oculus, we’re committed to making VR easily approachable for a wide variety of people,” said Nate Mitchell, head of Rift, at Oculus. “A consolidated connection point is critical in removing barriers to experiencing high-powered PC VR. With the adoption of VirtualLink technology, purpose-built for VR, we look forward to helping push the industry forward into the next phase of VR.”
“We hope to see the results of this collaboration enhance the user experience and extend the possibilities for all developers and hardware manufacturers,” said PierreLoup Griffais of Valve.
“We have been involved on VirtualLink from the beginning and are supportive of industry-standard approaches for emerging Windows experiences including Mixed Reality,” said Scott Evans, general manager, Mixed Reality, at Microsoft.
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About VirtualLink
VirtualLink is an open industry connectivity standard for VR that was developed in collaboration by a group of leading silicon, software, and headset manufacturers. VirtualLink enables nextgeneration VR headsets to connect with a PC or other device using a single, high-bandwidth USB Type-C™ connector. VirtualLink supports four HBR3 DisplayPort lanes for high resolution displays, a USB3.1 data channel for high resolution cameras and sensors, and up to 27 watts of power.
Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, abilities, performance and impact of VirtualLink specification; next-generation VR headsets needing to deliver increased display resolution and incorporated high-bandwidth cameras; VirtualLink unlocking the full potential of the PC to power VR experiences; and the adoption of VirtualLink technology helping to push the industry forward into the next phase of VR are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to existing product and technologies; market acceptance of products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, the VirtualLink Consortium disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
VirtualLink is a trademark of the VirtualLink Consortium. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
