Introduction
Today we shall discuss a topic very different from what we usually write about in our blog posts. We have already published a blog introducing you to the metaverse and how it will affect our daily lives. In this blog, we shall look into the hardware that is being developed or is already in use to help users have a more immersive experience during their time in the metaverse.
Perceiving The Meta-Reality
Our brain understands the physical world by receiving and analyzing electrical signals sent to it by our sense organs. Our sense of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste provides us the information necessary to perceive the world around us i.e. our reality.
Through the calculated distortion of these senses, we can trick our brains into changing our realities without affecting the physical realm. Higher the number of our senses involved, more immersive will be our experience in a virtual world. With the promising future of the metaverse being realized more and more with each passing day, the hardware required to experience this virtual reality must also meet the benchmark set by the idea of the metaverse. Many companies have come up with innovative and groundbreaking ideas to make this possible.
Illusion Of Sight
The earliest hardware innovation in the field of virtual and augmented reality was the VR and AR headsets which allowed users to ‘see’ the metaverse.
PlayStation VR by Sony
Sony PlayStation VR was one of the pioneers in introducing the earthlings to the world of virtual reality. Though it has been almost 6 years since the release of this headset, the wide and exclusive variety of VR content makes this headset an absolute favorite among VR gamers. With the gap between this headset and its competitors increasing rapidly, this headset will likely become obsolete before long. To revive its legacy, Sony is planning to release a new VR headset later this year.
Valve Index by Steam
Valve Index was launched back in 2019 but is still a major player when it comes to VR headsets. It has dual lenses with a resolution of 1,600 by 1,440 pixels per eye and a 144 Hz refresh rate. It has 170 degrees horizontal and 104 degrees vertical field of view which is impressive even after 2 years of its first launch. One aspect where Valve really shines is their “knuckle” controllers which have a seamless, individual finger tracking mechanism.
Reverb G2 by HP
Unlike the previous Reverb model which was designed for businesses and enterprises, HP collaborated with Microsoft and Valve to create Reverb G2 to meet the needs of VR gamers. It has the highest resolution among any consumer VR headsets at 2160 by 2160 pixels per eye. Though the tracking system of the Reverb controllers is not favored by many users, HP makes up for it with its high resolution and immersive spatial sound features.
Oculus Quest 2 by Facebook
The Oculus Quest 2, launched in September 2020 is hands down the best stand-alone VR headset in the market right now. The higher processing power, low weight, and cheaper price of this headset as compared to its predecessors make it an absolute favorite among VR fanatics. This headset has a resolution of 1832 by 1920 pixels per eye with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The Quest 2 uses third-generation Oculus Touch controllers to navigate seamlessly in the metaverse. Apart from the issues of having a mandatory Facebook account, poor quality of head straps, and irritable face pads, the Oculus Quest 2 is definitely worth a try for someone looking for an entry point into the metaverse.
Illusion Of Sound
Though all VR headsets come with built-in headphones, most of them can be connected to an external headphone for better sound quality. Developments in the technology of spatial sound are definitely making the users’ experience in the metaverse more immersive and life-like.
Though most VR headsets come with a built-in speaker or headphone, the use of an external audio device is preferred by many VR users. Advancements in spatial sound technology by Dolby Atmos are paving the way for future VR tech companies to shine further in the audio aspect of virtual reality as well.
With more and more companies competing to explore the relatively new world of spatial sound, it will be interesting to see how immersive the VR experience will get in the coming year.
Illusion of Touch
The technology which creates the feeling of touch for its users by using vibrations, motion, and/or force is called haptics or 3D Touch or Kinaesthetic Communication. Let us discuss some insane projects that are already available for VR enthusiasts.
TESLASUIT
The TESLASUIT is one of the most advanced full-body haptic suits available for the general public. Because of its electro-stimulation technology, the learning experience of any skill is highly improved as the suit provides 360 degrees of awareness and engages the muscle memory of the users.
The advanced biometrics of the suit provides real-time body statistics thus helping users to closely and precisely monitor their vitals during training. This also helps them track their learning progress in a much more detailed manner.
Integrated skeletal and 3D kinematic motion capture accurately mimics the users’ body movements in virtual and augmented reality environments thus giving the illusion of presence.
The extremely comfortable fit, advanced software, and other futuristic features make the TESLASUIT an ultimate go-to for people interested in a more immersive dive into the metaverse.
HaptX Gloves DK2
Unlike most haptic gloves which use vibration or even electricity as a mode of feedback, the HaptX Gloves DK2 uses advanced tactile feedback, dynamic force feedback, and microfluidic technology that brings the users’ hands into the virtual and augmented world.
Shadow Dexterous Hands accurately mimics the movement of hands and SynTouch BioTac technology captures tactile feedback and sends haptic feedback data to the users’ hands.
HaptX Gloves can also be operated remotely without compromising the accuracy of its technology.
OWO Haptic Vest
The OWO vest is made up of breathable Italian Lycra, conductive gel, carbon electrodes, and elastic cables and brings the physical sensation of touch into the virtual world.
The Sensation Technology of the OWO vest allows users’ to feel up to 30 different sensations on up to 10 different parts of their upper body including their arms.
Illusion of Smell
Developers are working on increasing the VR immersion further by engaging the users’ olfactory senses. HAPTICSOL launched the Cilia Developer Kit which stimulates the sense of smell in the metaverse. Though it is in its very early stages, Cilia opens the gates for new experiences in the metaverse.
Conclusion
The revival of the VR and AR technologies along with the infinite possibilities of the metaverse has made everyone very excited about the future.
