December 29, 2021 – bHaptics, a provider of haptic solutions that have native compatibility with more than 100 virtual reality (VR) apps, has recently unveiled its newest product, ‘TactGlove’. According to the company, TactGlove is equipped with 10 Linear Resonant Actuators (LRA) that can be individually controlled and is compatible with camera-based hand tracking systems, such as the Meta Quest VR headset device and Ultraleap’s Leap Motion hand tracking device.
bHaptics stated that to date, haptic gloves have been heavily focused on providing hand tracking functionality, which has to some extent made such devices only really viable for businesses to use due to bulky and uncomfortable designs and high price points. TactGlove however, takes advantage of camera-based hand tracking systems, which the company states has allowed it to focus more on the quality of haptic feedback, and ultimately aid in reducing the price of its devices. As a result, bHaptics is now offering consumers a haptic glove solution that can be readily used with VR headsets at home, for a price of only USD $299.
The TactGlove’s 10 LRA-type motors are placed at each fingertip and are individually controllable using bHaptics SDK, allowing content developers to program delicate and precise feedback. The TactGlove also comes in 3 sizes: Medium, Large and Extra Large. Made of light and stretchable fabric, TactGlove can be worn comfortably just like regular gloves. Furthermore, the gloves come with a set of inner liners, which can be easily washed and replaced for hygiene purposes.
According to bHaptics, TactGlove is already natively supported by few VR apps, namely Unplugged: Air Guitar, Hand Physics Lab, and bHaptics Player, which attendees at CES 2022 will be able to try at the bHaptics booth along with the company’s existing TactSuit lineup.
“We are committed to connecting people through the haptic technology and TactGlove truly marks a milestone in that sense because it allows people to have a realistic interaction not only with virtual objects, but also with their friends and colleagues in VR/AR (augmented reality) settings at a very affordable price,” said Kiuk Gwak, CEO of bHaptics. “We are excited to see changes that TactGlove will bring to virtual interaction as we move into the Metaverse era.”
The company stated that developer kits for TactGlove will be available in Q2 of 2022 from the official bHaptics website. A consumer version of TactGlove will then become officially available for purchase for USD $299 later in 2022.
bHaptics has partnered with Unplugged: Air Guitar and Hand Physics Lab to showcase its new TactGlove device at CES 2022 this year. For more information on bHaptics and its entire haptic device offering for VR/AR, please visit the company’s website.
Image / video credit: bHaptics / YouTube
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.