Date:
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Category:
Stuff / Miscellaneous
Manufacturers:
Natural Point
Author:
Jason Wall
Editor:
Kyle Bennett

TrackIR 4 Pro Point-of-View Headset

This infrared motion tracking system gets clipped onto your headset or visor and allows you to change your POV in-game by merely moving your head. This is a great idea, but does it work, and who is it for?

Introduction

Founded in 1997, Natural Point is a company that specializes in optical tracking devices. These include an ergonomic mouse alternative, a motion capture and tracking module for industrial users, and a hands-free point-of-view controller for gamers. Either these guys are incredibly lazy, or they’re revolutionizing the world of computer-based input devices. All of Natural Point’s gadgets are novel in design, and while they may not appeal to all users, there will be some that will look at a device as a saving grace from frustration and/or disability. For instance, its SmartNAV mouse alternative could allow those with a physical disability to easily use the mouse without having to do anything but move their head.

From the company:

NaturalPoint specializes in the design, manufacture, distribution and support of innovative, cutting edge high performance optical tracking systems, motion capture based video gaming inputs, and Hands Free Ergonomic mouse Alternatives. NaturalPoint is revolutionizing Computer Gaming input, breaking cost barriers in Motion Capture and Analysis, and changing the lives of people with special computer access needs.

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The TrackIR 4 Pro

Natural Point first branched out into the gaming arena in 2001 with its TrackIR 1. Its TrackIR 3 Pro was released on a global scale and was very well-received. Its TrackIR 4 Pro is the newest incarnation of the series and sports a new headset kit. It connects to your computer by USB, so it is functional on virtually any current computer. The only thing that it requires is a headphone set of some kind or visor because the unit must have something to clip onto.

The company claims to give extended functionality in games where point-of-view (POV) is integral to game play. Its flagship application for many years has been Microsoft’s Flight Simulator, but also includes support for other gaming genres such as racing titles and even first-person shooters (FPS).

Some examples of the TrackIR in action can be found here and here.

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Note: If you’re interested in purchasing this device, hit this link for a special discount to [H] readers only.