ANTVR Mix: play Steam VR games in augmented reality

ANTVR Mix is an atypical and original device presented as part of the GDC 2018. These AR glasses allow you to play Steam VR games in augmented reality. A new approach, at the crossroads of different immersive technologies.

ANTVR Mix, ANTVR Mix: play Steam VR games in augmented reality,

ANTVR Mix: play Steam VR games in augmented reality

In Europe, the manufacturers of virtual reality helmets can be counted on the fingers of one hand. In China, on the other hand, the market is shared by several hundred companies.

Among these unknown manufacturers in our regions, we count ANTVR. This company based in Beijing presents itself as the Chinese answer to Oculus and has already marketed several VR helmets. In total, the company has sold over one million units to date.

ANTVR Mix: augmented reality glasses to play VR games

During the GDC 2018 in San Francisco, ANTVR was present to unveil its first product for international marketing. The ANTVR Mix is not a VR helmet, but an augmented reality helmet with a particularly original concept.

The device allows you to play games from the Steam VR catalog in augmented reality. Thus, games initially thought for virtual reality, and the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift-like Google Tilt Brush or Space Pirate Trainer can be launched on this machine.

ANTVR Mix, ANTVR Mix: play Steam VR games in augmented reality,

ANTVR Mix: play Steam VR games in augmented reality

The elements of the game are superimposed on the player’s environment. Only the background has been removed to allow the user to continue to see his real situation.

Still, at the prototype stage, ANTVR Mix is currently fishing for a visual quality that leaves something to be desired. The images are blurred and not very detailed, even if adjustments make it possible to adjust them.

However, product manager Andrew Li promises that the screen will be improved by the time the finished product is launched expected by the end of 2018. Apparently, the design of the device will also be adjusted to appeal to the general public.

ANTVR Mix: the first international production of the Chinese manufacturer

For the rest, this device resembles a headset like the Microsoft HoloLens, with persistent virtual elements appearing all around the user.

So it’s not glasses like Google Glass or Intel Vaunt that settle for a small screen in the corner of the user’s eye. The manufacturer also specifies that it is the smallest pair of AR glasses offering a field of vision of 96 degrees.

The ANTVR Mix augmented reality glasses will be the subject of a participative fundraising campaign on Kickstarter from April 2018.

It will, therefore, be possible to support the project and contribute to it to receive the device in the preview. After that, it will be available for sale worldwide at the end of 2018, for a price between 500 and 1000 dollars.