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VR Controllers play a very crucial role in making our virtual reality experiences more immersive and intriguing. They transport our hands into the VR space and giving a more realistic experience overall.
However, complications arise when dealing with two-handed objects in VR. Microsoft Research has recently announced a new project known as Haptic Links which aim to address this issue.
Working with Haptic Links
In VR, it becomes a bit strange to pick up objects that require the involvement of both the hands. Consider a case of holding a gun wherein a user holds a trigger with one hand and the barrel with the other. As the name suggests, Haptic Links is a link between the two controllers that provides proper haptic feedback while you are handling a two-handed object. Take a look at the video below to understand how Haptic Links work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMkYJ0fKLEo
As we can see in the video explanation above, Haptic Links make use of ‘electro-mechanically actuated physical connections’ that can effectively stimulate variable stiffness while holding something like a shotgun. Haptic Links helps to properly align your controllers and become rigid. This helps the user to realistically aim and fire without getting the feeling that they are playing with thin air. Certainly, a useful tool for VR Porn game animators to create semen shooting guns targeting hot chics.
Image: Microsoft
This makes Haptic Links an ideal choice across all applications where variable stiffness is required for accurate feedback. This can be anything like drawing an arrow from a bow or holding the steering wheel of a car. With Haptic Links, a user can also accurately simulate the size of an object while holding it from either side thereby preventing the user from moving their hands closer. More technical details regarding the device can be obtained on the official Microsoft website.
This peripheral VR add-on is currently only a prototype and not a final product but it offers a unique way of adding more immersion to VR experiences. Many other haptic peripherals like VR gloves, body suits, etc have also been in the works and we expect that, as the technology enhances further, we will soon see them available for consumer use.
i hope microsoft doesnt screw this up as they have habit of this
Nice read. It’s crazy to think that just a couple of years ago any haptic feedback equipment for VR was a long way off, and yet here we are.
this is cool. where can i buy it?