Freeaim: VR sneakers

2024: Product Announcement

In early July 2024, the British-American startup Freeaim introduced smart VR sneakers that can run on virtual reality. The developers believe that VR shoes can revolutionize the ways gamers move around virtual worlds.

The new smart trainers are essentially small portable treadmills. To prevent the gamer from walking around the apartment during the game, stumbling upon furniture, the developers decided to use omnidirectional treadmills. They are usually shaped like rounded platforms converging to the center, like a bowl, which causes the user's legs to constantly slip to the middle, holding the gamer in place. However, the use of such platforms resembles skating rather than cross-country running. In addition, omnidirectional treadmills are relatively large and expensive and require the use of seat belts or railings.

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Freeaim

Freeaim VR trainers are more like electric roller skates. They allow the gamer to move on a square section of a solid floor measuring at least 2 by 2 meters. When the gamer steps forward with one foot, the omnidirectional wheel modules on the pair sneaker push the second leg back, preventing him from moving forward. If the gamer begins to shift to the side, the sneakers will gradually return him to the center of the specified zone.

The current version of the system allows users to turn when walking (or jogging), turn while standing in one place, and take one or two steps to the left or right. One charge of the replaceable battery of each sneaker should be enough for 1.5-2 hours of use, depending on the weight of the gamer. Freeaim sneakers are compatible with any VR headset supported by SteamVR and can work with most PC VR games. For corporate customers, the new product is available for $4,999 per pair. The consumer model is due in 2025 and will cost about $1,000.^[1]

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