D3-U: A physical camera accessory for VR environments

Thanks for sharing, @turoczy! In coordination with HTC VIVE’s announcement of the Tracker accessory, we introduced the D3-U - an image capture device that features a holographic viewfinder, physical controls at the user’s fingertips, and a lightweight, balanced body that was 3D printed and finished in matte black. D3-U leverages the VIVE Tracker, which enables new form factors for VR accessories. To showcase the D3-U, we developed an adventurous VR experience, Exoplanet, which is narrated by Mary Mac, also the voice of General Motors’ navigation system On Star. Exoplanet takes participants on a mission to investigate the mysterious life form Arche on extrasolar planet Kepler 22-b. Arche is a mind-bending creature that is visually influenced by audio waves. Participants examine Arche through full-spectrum, x-ray, subatomic, and thermal D3-U camera filters. Printed snapshots are produced in real time as a physical takeaway from the experience, captured by the camera. If anyone has any questions about the camera, Exoplanet, or what we’re up to at dotdotdash let me know!