Microsoft is experimenting with ways to prevent nausea while using VR headsets

Microsoft is working to solve the issue of nausea when using VR headsets like the Oculus Rift. If there's one thing to complain about virtual reality headsets, it's the simulation sickness some wearers can experience when enjoying VR content. It's an issue that can affect those who are susceptible to feeling nausea, especially during long sessions. But how does the company hope to achieve this? By adding some cheap LED lights.

As showcased in the video, Microsoft has added an array of inexpensive LEDs around the central display. This enables the overall experience to emulate a much higher field of view for the wearer, hitting 190 degrees horizontal, which should help reduce the possibility of feeling sick when wearing the headset.

" Our findings show that sparse peripheral displays are useful in conveying peripheral information and improving situational awareness, are generally preferred, and can help reduce motion sickness in nausea-susceptible people."

The company produced two prototypes with the concept implemented on virtual and augmented reality headsets, dubbed the SparseLightVR and SparseLightAR, respectively. Some good news for those who have tried out VR headsets already, but found them to induce nausea.

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.