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Live VR Stream of Democratic Debate Largely Panned

NextVR’s live virtual reality stream of the recent democratic presidential debate drew some harsh criticism from tech pundits, leading many to quip the emerging technology isn’t ready for prime time.

Trade pub CNET described the candidates as “barely recognizable” using the “awkward” Samsung Gear VR headset that held an overheating smartphone inches from the viewer’s face. Re/code called the VR goggles “limited” and said the headset overheated several times.

A Time magazine tech editor called the experience isolating.

To be fair, NextVR handled the content side of the equation through the use of four cameras placed around the ballroom at the Wynn Casino, and not the hardware, which often was described as heavy and clunky, two issues that will likely be mitigated in next-generation models.

First-time VR participants, like CNN political commentator Van Jones, seemed more impressed. He called the experience “totally insane.”

The stream didn’t produce many glitches or delays, a hallmark of NextVR’s proprietary technology that’s been used to stream concerts and sporting events with NASCAR, the NBA and NHL.

“It was a very promising first step toward meeting our vision of delivering compelling live content in virtual reality,” said NextVR co-founder DJ Roller. “Our partners at CNN are pleased as well as we clearly showed our capabilities as the only virtual reality company that can produce, direct and broadcast a lengthy live event in virtual reality.”

And the Winners Are …

Universal Electronics Inc.’s Paul Arling and Mavenlink’s Raymond Grainger took home Outstanding Technology CEO honors at the 2015 OC High-Tech Innovation Awards.

Here’s a look at other category winners: 

• Clean Tech: Blossom Smart Sprinkler Controller by Irvine-based Blossom;

• Cloud/SaaS/Web Platform Solutions: Corent SurPaaS by Aliso Viejo-based Corent Technology;

• Consumer Devices & Software: Insteon Hub by Insteon in Irvine;

• Cyber Security: CylancePROTECT by Irvine-based Cylance Inc.

• Enterprise Hardware & Devices: Integrated GNSS Master Sync Solution by Microsemi Corp. in Aliso Viejo;

• Enterprise Software: iPourit Self-Serve System by iPourit Inc. in Lake Forest;

• Medical Technology: Helix Laboratory Information Management System by Technossus in Irvine;

• Mobile & Wearable Technology: Lexmark Mobile Capture by Lexmark International Inc. in Lexington, Ky. Lexmark acquired Irvine-based Kofax Ltd. in March for $1 billion;

• Semiconductors: LightSpeed-II CL20010 by ClariPhy Communications Inc. in Irvine.

Visit www.octechalliance.com for the entire list of winners.

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