DPVR has announced the E4 Arc, a new virtual reality headset designed for arcade operators and other demanding commercial applications. Announced on 23 April 2024, it combines the lightweight E4 headset platform with built-in hand tracking from Ultraleap.
What is the DPVR E4 Arc?
The E4 Arc is based on DPVR’s 6DoF PCVR E4 and follows the design of the aforementioned E4C design. Its defining feature is an integrated Ultraleap’s Leap Motion Controller 2 camera.
That hardware is intended to let players interact with virtual environments using their hands rather than separate controllers. The camera supports a tracking depth from 10cm to 110cm and a maximum field of view of 160° by 160°, giving it a broad capture area for typical arcade interactions.
DPVR says the headset is aimed at arcade game manufacturers, corporate training and 3D designers. It may also suit education and training environments where removing handheld controllers could make sessions easier to manage.
Built for commercial VR use
The E4 Arc retains the lightweight form factor of the E4 family. That platform has been used by Raw Thrills for Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR, although that particular game does not require hand tracking. Other experiences, including VR SpongeBob Bubble Coaster and Trio-Tech’s Storm VR, could potentially make use of more natural hand-based interaction.
DPVR describes the built-in camera structure as a consumer-price-point design intended to improve durability and stability, including for unattended attraction locations. The headset also has a turbo cooling system with an upgraded fan, an improved vapour chamber and revised fan-control logic. Easily replaceable cables are included to simplify maintenance.
The company says it has worked on arcade projects involving Raw Thrills’ Godzilla Kaiju Wars and LAI Games simulators. DPVR also identifies International Games System, Wahlap Tech, UNIS Technology and VR 360 Action among its arcade-related partners and customers.
Enterprise and SteamVR applications
Although arcades are the initial focus, DPVR lists several enterprise uses for the E4 Arc. These include collaborative spatial design, prototyping, immersive CAD visualisation and design reviews. Hand tracking may also support safety training, industrial skills development, surgical education and aviation training without requiring physical equipment or materials for every exercise.
DPVR’s research and development team is testing compatibility with hand-tracking-supported titles in the SteamVR library, including VRChat and Half-Life: Alyx. The company says its broader goal is to provide precise, natural interaction for designers, engineers, educators, gamers and VR enthusiasts.
Pre-orders and availability
The E4 Arc was announced for preorder, with shipping planned for late May 2024. Pre-orders can be requested here. DPVR did not announce a price in the release. For comparison, the E4C was listed at $398 and the standard E4 at $600 at the time of the announcement.
For operators assessing new immersive attractions, the E4 Arc’s main proposition is straightforward: retain a compact commercial VR headset while removing the need for handheld controllers in experiences designed around gesture-based play. It could be an interesting addition to the wider range of racing and simulator arcades and other location-based entertainment systems.
Statements from DPVR and Ultraleap
“DPVR stands ready to provide support whenever and wherever headset customization is required,” said Derek Liu, DPVR’s vice president. He said the partnership with Ultraleap would begin with arcade simulator manufacturers and could lead to further headset development.
“Ultraleap is proud to collaborate with DPVR in introducing the brilliant new E4 Arc headset to the market,” said Miguel Rodrigues, Ultraleap’s senior vice president of product. He described the integration as a way to provide natural and intuitive interaction across different industries.
About the companies
Ultraleap develops hand-tracking and mid-air haptic technologies using machine learning and computer vision. Its systems are designed to support interaction with digital content without controllers, touchscreens or keypads.
DPVR is a Shanghai-based VR hardware and software company specialising in headset design and manufacturing. Its portfolio includes tethered and wireless devices for education, training, simulation and entertainment, alongside custom VR solutions for enterprises and consumers.
Learn more through DPVR’s website, or follow the latest developments in the RETROCADE arcade news. Operators planning a broader installation can also review the arcade machine buying guide before comparing commercial hardware.
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