Draft:Cybershoes

'''Cybershoes are an VR accessory that allows users to walk and run in virtual environments by rolling their feet over a carpet while sitting on a chair. The product is designed to enhance the immersive experience of VR and address common issues such as motion sickness and the physical limitations of indoor spaces.'''

Product
Cybershoes are composed of five parts: the shoes, the seat, the carpet, the base station and the software. The shoes that users strap over their regular footwear are equipped with rollers that translate the user's physical movement into in-game locomotion. Designed to be used while seated, users mimic the action of walking or running, The base station is a small box that connects to the VR-PC via USB or to a standalone VR headset via wireless adapter. The software converts the data from the shoes into VR movement commands. The product is compatible with various VR systems and has seen integration with 70 SteamVR and 20 Meta Quest games.

Benefits
•  They increase the immersion and realism of VR by allowing users to physically move in the virtual world with their legs instead of their fingers on the controller.

•  They reduce motion sickness by synchronizing the visual and vestibular inputs, creating a consistent perception of motion.

•  They provide a fun and easy way to exercise while playing VR games, as users can burn calories and improve their cardiovascular health by walking or running in VR.

•  They are affordable and compact compared to other VR locomotion devices, such as treadmills or omni-directional platforms, which are often expensive, bulky, and noisy.

Drawbacks
•  They require users to sit on a chair while using them, which may limit the range of motion and interaction in some VR scenarios.

•  They may not be compatible with some VR games or applications that do not support free locomotion or have different control schemes.

•  They may cause fatigue or discomfort for some users after prolonged use, as they involve constant movement of the feet and legs.

Availablility
Until end of 2023, Cybershoes were available for purchase on various online platforms, such as Amazon, Steam, or directly from the official website. The price of Cybershoes ranged from $199 to $399 depending on the version and accessories. Cybershoes also offered a 30-day money-back guarantee for customers who are not satisfied with the product.

History
Cybershoes were invented by Michael Bieglmayer, a software engineer and VR enthusiast from Austria. He came up with the idea of using shoes with rollers to move in VR after experiencing motion sickness and discomfort from using traditional controllers. He started developing the prototype of Cybershoes in 2015 when he had an epiphany on the rooftop of an apartment building with what he described as "cyber flip-flops", when he realized the same foot movements could be done seated but without being bonded to an external frame with a climbing belt.

In 2016 Bieglmayer joined forces with Igor Mitric, who shared a childhood dream of magical shoes that could transport him to fantastical worlds. They initially focused on a business model to bring 3D architectural models into VR but pivoted to gaming in 2017, and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2018 to fund the production of the device.

Media Coverage and Reception
Cybershoes have been met with positive reception in the VR community, as evidenced by the successful Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns and notable media coverage. The product has received media coverage from outlets such as TechRadar, TweakTown , VRScout , VR Focus, VR Voice , RoadToVR, Digital Trends , CNET , RoadToVR, and UploadVR. They have also been featured on Amazon for easier purchase availability and received positive reviews for reducing motion sickness and enhancing. The product received negative reviews for the lack of precise positional tracking and the lack of compatibility with popular VR games on the Meta Quest.

Cybershoes have been featured in various tech and gaming trade shows, including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where the company showcased the finished product and its new activity tracking feature in 2020. The company also received a CES Innovation Award recognition.