The MWC 2018 took place at the end of February in Barcelona. Like every year, this Mobile World Congress has brought us an opportunity to discover new smartphones like the Galaxy S9. However, VR was also at the rendezvous with the presence of HTC Vive. Discover the best of the best virtual reality games and experiences presented at the free show.
Every year, MWC (Mobile World Congress) takes place in Barcelona, Spain. This show is mainly dedicated to mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). But it is also one of the leading technical events in Europe. In fact, HTC was also in the game.
The Taiwanese firm comes again with its HTC Vive Pro, originally unveiled at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. As a reminder, this new HTC Vive offers (mainly) a rising screen definition of around 3K. The Asian manufacturer also took advantage of the event to expose its Vive Wireless Adapter to use the Vive Pro wireless.
Several select developers and companies accompanied HTC to present their VR experiences to the show’s visitors. The opportunity discovers the most ingenious and revolutionary uses of VR. Discover the best of the best virtual reality games and experiences presented at the MWC 2018.
MWC 2018 VR: VR Hot Air Balloons, a balloon simulator in virtual reality
MWC 2018 VR – Top of the Best Virtual Reality Games and Experiments
This virtual reality balloon simulator does not do things halfway. The installation is based on a real hot air balloon, connected to a motorized system allowing the user to find authentic sensations. While diving in the RV, the user flies over the grand canyon and feels like being pushed by the wind.
It is possible to use his hands accurately to control the burner and therefore the speed of the machine. The user can sit in the balloon, or stay up if he has the courage. A bluffing experience, presented by Janimation VR.
MWC 2018 VR: Mi Hiepa Sports, a realistic football game in virtual reality
Mi Hiepa Sports presents itself as a real football game in virtual reality. The user must hang Vive Trackers sensors at his feet, to use them in the HTC Vive VR.
Thus, all his movements are restored to virtual reality. The user can shoot, dribble, pass and juggle like in real life. The laws of physics are correctly transcribed, and the precision of the movements is impressive. This game is already used by several clubs, including Manchester United, to train the players.
This experience also allowed HTC to unveil its new SteamVR Tracking 2.0 tracking system. The scope of the sensors is extended, which will allow for example football clubs to train on a real scale using Mi Hiepa Sports. Vive Trackers have been updated to work with this new system.
MWC 2018 VR: SimforHealth, the Virtual Reality Surgery Simulator
SimforHealth is a virtual reality surgery simulator designed to allow professional surgeons to train safely before performing real-world operations. A simple VR helmet will enable doctors to practice from anywhere in the world.
This simulator is already used by many medical universities around the world, and its effectiveness is recognized by the entire health sector. As part of the MWC 2018, visitors to the show had the opportunity to try out the experience and become aware of the high possibilities offered by RV.
MWC 2018: Virtual Sports Table Tennis, a game of ping-pong in VR
Available on Steam since March 2017 for HTC Vive users, Virtual Sports is one of the best virtual reality sports games. Recently, thanks to the Vive Tracker sensor, this title has become even more interesting.
Attached to a racket, the accessory allows you to play Ping-Pong in the VR in an incredibly faithful and realistic way. The laws of physics are restored with bluffing precision. The bundle of ping pong racket and Vive Tracker is available on the HTC Vive official website.
MWC 2018: Arizona Sunshine, the life-size zombie shoot
Available since 2016, Arizona Sunshine is still regarded today as one of the best first-person shooter games available on the market. The game is also compatible with all major headsets VR high-end: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PSVR and Windows Mixed Reality
Despite this success, the developers of Vertigo Games do not expect to fall asleep on their laurels. Thanks to the latest innovations in the VR industry, it is now possible to play four in the same room in the real world, to be immersed simultaneously in the same part of virtual reality.
This new version of the game relies on the use of wireless adapters for HTC Vive, the new SteamVR 2.0 tracking system, and revolver accessories connected to Vive Tracker sensors. Also, killing the undead had never been so realistic. Already presented at CES 2018, this new version of Arizona Sunshine has also been exhibited at the MWC 2018.
MWC 2018 VR: Volkswagen trains its employees with the HTC Vive Pro
As part of the MWC 2018, Volkswagen Group announced plans to train 10,000 virtual reality employees in 2018. In 2017, the firm had already rolled out its Volkswagen Digital Reality Hub Group VR platform to enable its employees to collaborate. In partnership with Innovative, the company has now developed more than thirty simulations in virtual reality to train 10,000 of its employees in production and logistics.
One of these simulations, presented at the MWC, places the user in a virtual industrial space. And shapes it to perform different tasks. The software is optimized for the HTC Vive Pro. Inactive also unveiled its Inactive Workspaces solution, allowing all types of businesses to use VR to train their employees. The program will be available later in the year.
MWC 2018 VR: Samsung Gear VR 4D, Virtual Reality, and Thrills
The HTC Vive Pro was in the spotlight at the MWC 2018, but Samsung was also there with its Gear VR. The South Korean giant, who came to present his new Galaxy S9. So, that took advantage of the event to show attractions combining Gear VR and free seat.
Sitting in the seat, the user twirls in all directions. While the images scroll on the VR helmet screen. Guaranteed thrills. Each of these experiences lasts two minutes.