Skip to main content

The 3DRudder makes your virtual reality experience a bit more hands-off

Back in early 2015, we took a look at what then seemed like a promising input device for use with VR, the 3DRudder. Now that device is available to the public, so we caught up with the company’s CEO, Stanislas Chesnais, to take a look at what makes the 3DRudder different from the other VR devices you’ll see in our coverage of CES 2018.

While VR continues to innovate on a variety of spaces, movement in virtual reality spaces is far from a solved problem. Some companies are packing computers right into the headsets to eliminate cables, others are tracking full body movement, some are even tracking your eyes and brain activity. This works great for some things, but 3DRudder aims to provide a solution that is more backward compatible with existing games.

Recommended Videos

“The idea is that you want to move in VR, you want to have your hands free to shoot, grab, pull, whatever,” Chesnais told Digital Trends. “The idea of the 3DRudder is that it’s a simple device you put under your feet while sitting, and by tilting the device you move in the game.”

Essentially, you’re moving the directional pad or analog stick of a traditional controller to your feet, allowing your upper half to focus on aiming and shooting, or whatever you may be doing in the game. This sounds like it could be difficult to get used to, but when we got the chance to try 3DRudder for ourselves, we found it surprisingly easy to get used to. That you’re sitting while using the device could also help to alleviate some of the fatigue that some users experience with VR.

Along with the hardware, the 3DRudder comes with dashboard software that allows you to use it with existing games, including non-VR games. As one example, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is supported, at least the spectator mode, allowing you to control your view of the match with your feet, leaving your hands free to type or take a sip of a drink. The software allows you to map keyboard keys to the 3DRudder controller as well.

The 3DRudder is available now, and retails for $140. To buy one or find out more information about just how it works and what games are supported, see the 3DRudder website.

Kris Wouk
Former Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
This HP Chromebook is under half-price today — just $190
The HP Chromebook 14 laptop on a white background.

You should turn your attention towards Chromebook deals if you want to buy a new laptop on a tight budget, and we've found an offer that you won't want to miss. From its original price of $410, the HP Chromebook 14 is down to just $190 for savings of $220 from Walmart. You won't always have the chance to get this device for less than half-price though -- in fact, the opportunity may be gone as soon as tomorrow. If you want to take advantage of the discount, you need to buy the Chromebook right now.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14

Read more
Avast’s most complete antivirus plan is 70% off right now
Couple making selfie inside car with open window.

Avast has been popping off with incredible deals this month. The antivirus company recently offered 70% off its Premium tier of virus protection. For the next 30 days, Avast is extending that offer to its Ultimate tier of protection. That means you can protect one device with Avast Ultimate for $33 for a year, down from its usual $110. If you want to cover 10 devices, you'll only pay $42 instead of $140.

Let's dive into what Avast Ultimate offers and why you might want it over the free tier or the Premium plan. This deal is live now, and will stick around for the next four weeks.

Read more
Amazon’s Kuiper satellite launch called off 30 minutes before liftoff
ULA's Atlas V rocket on the launchpad at Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Amazon is keen to get its second batch of internet satellites into orbit, but it won’t be happening just yet.

The launch of 27 Project Kuiper satellites was set to take place early Monday afternoon ET at Cape Canaveral in Florida, but just 30 minutes from liftoff, rocket operator United Launch Alliance (ULA) said it was standing down for the day “due to an engineering observation of an elevated purge temperature within the booster engine” on its Atlas V vehicle. In simple terms, this means part of the booster became too hot and needs to be investigated.

Read more