The Digital New Deal is a program in South Korea that invests in new technologies. This is why they are strongly supporting the metaverse industry in South Korea. However, for the Metaverse to truly become a reality, Korea needs its own standalone VR headset. Thankfully, a few standalone VR headset startups in Korea are gaining a lot of attention. Thanks to these headsets, companies are creating immersive experiences using virtual technology like never before.
The potential for VR headsets to break into the mass market is especially in the context of the Metaverse. The Metaverse is a virtual world where people can explore and interact with others. It’s still in development, but it can change how we interact with each other and information. This means there will be a demand for VR headsets not just in South Korea but worldwide. They are vital in allowing people to access the Metaverse.
So if you’re interested in VR and the Metaverse, keep an eye on these Korean startups working on standalone VR headsets. They may just have the next big thing.
Looxid Labs
VR startups in Korea – Looxid Labs developed the world’s first mobile VR headset that is equipped with both eye-tracking and brainwave sensor technologies called LooxidVR. The detachable biometric sensor technology comes with a mobile VR headset, and the company is developing an attachable accessory that works with other VR headsets. LooxidVR uses eye-tracking sensors to track eye movement as well as the size of the user’s pupils when viewing content. The company utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze the VR user’s emotional states. Therefore with LooxidVR, VR users’ emotional states such as stress levels and gaze attention can be tracked after post-analysis of the acquired brainwave and eye-tracking data.
“The biggest benefit of our VR device is being able to detect the unspoken language of users that could not be tracked before. It is a new and better way of acquiring direct emotive data from consumers,” said Looxid Labs CEO Chae Yong-wook.
LooxidVR took home the Best of Innovation Award at CES 2018 and has since partnered with major Korean companies in the advertising industry. Their focus for 2022 will be VR user analytics solutions and psychological therapy through VR content. This will allow Looxid Labs to build better AI systems for emotion analysis. They raised $4 million in their Series A funding round from VC firms such as Samsung Venture Investment and are working closely with HTC. The VR startup will look to enter the US market by partnering with US companies moving forward.
Looxid Link
Looxid Labs has created a brainwave interface that enables VR users to control experiences simply using their brainwaves. It is called Looxid Link and the first trial version was released in early 2020. It has a foam facial interface with EEG sensors that are built in. Currently, it is a developer kit that is supplied with its own SDK which supports Unity. Furthermore, Looxid Link includes access to several demo applications that can be used to train users’ attention. The end goal is to ensure compatibility between brain-sensing technology and major VR headsets for VR-ready PCs.
LUCY
LUCY is a VR brain training tool for people 50 and above. It helps improve cognitive function by focusing on attention, memory, and perception and gathering data on behavioral responses. In addition, it provides a full health report for the users. It is both portable and easy to use. LUCY comes with a wireless VR headset with AI technology that allows the software to adapt to each user. Therefore, it can be used in homes or as a part of a larger community (elderly care homes/retirement homes).
TEGWAY
TEGWAY is a startup that specializes in making the world’s first useable flexible thermoelectric devices (FTED) and their applications. Their technology is enhancing and revolutionizing technology in the thermoelectric field. TEGWAY’s FTED performs better than a traditional TED because it is flexible, thin, light, and responds instantly. Therefore with FTED, there are no application design restraints or limitations. One of their products includes a VR headset that is equipped with a temperature sensor called ThermoReal. ThermoReal can detect high and low temperatures in real time and can be applied to VR equipment, beauty products, and automobiles. Furthermore, they will be doing a joint venture with Canada’s AI professional accelerator called Happysona.
Awards to date.
- The UNESCO Netexplo Award in 2015
- The Africa Development Award in 2018
- Seoul VR/AR Device Awards in 2019
