All Mode
I said it before and I will say it again, the lack of touch-sensitive feedback is the greatest issue that virtual reality platforms currently face. This is especially problematic for virtual reality porn content as tactile feedback is one of the most important elements of sexual activities. If developers can come up with a solution, VR porn and sexual simulators will go from fun media forms to all-out modern day sexual necessities that even your grandma will own.
That said, I don’t believe a solution will come all at once or anytime soon. There are many companies attempting to crack this egg of a problem in a variety of different ways. One of such companies called Hapto believes that its haptic solution will provide users a sense of touch that will make virtual objects appear more real than is currently possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaxMkSPnvlo
Both a game controller and a haptic feedback device, Hapto describes their Hapto controller product as “a unique wearable gaming controller that enables you to feel the shape, density, and distance of objects within a virtual space.”
Image credit: Hapto
Looking at the Hapto device reminds me of the 1980s or the early 1990s. Actually, this thing looks like a severed hand of Buzz Lightyear with all the fingers removed. Super hot! Overall, the Hapto looks more toyish, plastic, and colorful than I would want. In other words, as an adult, I would feel funny waving one of these things around while in VR.
This thing looks like a severed hand of Buzz Lightyear with all the fingers removed.
As for functionality, Hapto’s device works as a fully functional virtual reality controller. I think this means that it can replace Oculus Touch controllers or HTC Vive controllers. I’m not sure how well this would work given that the Hapto does not seem to have many of the respective touch functions of the Oculus or HTC Vive controllers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUEPqC4LtGY
A Game Controller
Hapto says their controller works to “touch, hold, grab, shoot, fight” with four buttons allowing users “to take action.” I’m not sure 4 buttons is enough, but perhaps with motion controls, such a control scheme could work? The controller glove, or, more aptly, a labeled controller bracelet/amulet does provide motion control and tracking.
Image credit: Hapto
The controller has 3 neon dots on top of it which allow it to be tracked with great precision. Hapto says that the “three light circles catch even the slightest gesture.” Once again, this doesn’t seem like enough but perhaps it will work flawlessly.
The Haptics
As for the haptic element of the controller, Hapto’s device works very differently than other haptic solutions I have heard about. Instead of using electroshock, vibrations, or contorting rubber mechanisms, Hapto’s controller uses “pushers” which are small pegs that push into the hand of the user wearing this device.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ-kGhsN0Kk
Hapto says their controller has “20 pushers that work in turns with varying degrees of activity, providing various effects according to the things you touch in VR and ensuring that the experience feels real.”
Could little pegs pushing into the palm of my hand, be used to provide the haptic sensations necessary to provide the haptic feedback necessary to emulate the feeling one gets when caressing a supple breast?
Look at this guy trying to grope a VR Babe. Image credit: Hapto
I doubt it. But this could just be the start. I can see how such a haptic “pusher” approach could be used to simulate the basic sensations of holding or touching objects. Perhaps future versions with more pegs that simulate different sensations of smoothness or hardness will be developed. If Hapto is successful and continues along this path, then perhaps down the road, I will have a device that can simulate the sensation of touching a supple breast like I always wanted. If you are interested in helping Hapto get to the market check out the Indiegogo page at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hapto-vr-feel-everything-you-touch-with-vr–2#/.
looks like there is a different gadget to feel each body part, best way is to get a girlfriend and do everything in reality lol
Sounds better than nothing though. I also hope it’s just the start.
Looks quite interesting as it can feel the depth and density of objects and offers haptic simulations of varying intensity… That said not very clear about how the three light controls can detect gestures… Hapto seems to be quite in the preliminary stage of development, though holds a potential ahead… Also, any word regarding its working with mobile VR platforms?