Google is bringing its virtual paintbrushes to the Oculus Rift. The virtual reality painting app Tilt Brush is now available on the VR headset from Oculus VR, one of Facebook's divisions.
The VR app is more than just a medium where users can play around with colors and brush strokes. The Tilt Brush allows users to paint with light, fire, stars and music. It also lets users paint in 3-dimensional space with the aid of virtual reality. This means artists are no longer limited to the spaces within the canvas. In fact, the whole room is the canvas. Another important thing about the Tilt Brush is that it can be used anywhere and anytime as it does not require an internet connection to work.
The Google Tilt Brush app was made available with the HTC Vive VR headset first before it made its way to the Oculus Rift. According to CNET, there is little difference between the HTC and Oculus versions of the app. In fact, one of the few differences is that the HTC Vive utilizes wands while the Oculus has its Touch motion controllers. The controllers are a bit pricey but are worth it considering that they are comfortable to use and very responsive. That said, the Touch controllers help create beautiful art in a one-of-a-kind virtual experience.
The Oculus Touch also offers a couple of other features that are not yet possible with the HTC Vive version of the VR painting app. The Touch has capacitive surfaces that act like a touchscreen. Resting the finger without pressing it down will give the user a preview of what the art would look like. The user can also save a color palette when saving a sketch.
According to Elisabeth Morant, product manager of Tilt Brush, the app will probably not be made available to Google's own Daydream VR headset soon. Tilt Brush requires a six-degree-of-freedom tracking system to accomplish precise movements of the brush. The Daydream will need some adjustments or updates before it can come with the Tilt Brush as it only has three degrees of freedom.
The Tilt Brush app for the Oculus Rift is available starting today for $29.99. The Oculus Touch, meanwhile, is worth $200.
