The popularity of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) is rising as the industry delivers more immersive content and develops uses cases. As it grows, the need for a seamless experience drives the demand for better connectivity between devices, producing numerous wearable products that can aid in immersive experiences.
XR Today takes a closer look at eight of the world’s top immersive wearable solutions.
SenseGlove Nova
The SenseGlove Nova is a wearable haptic glove that enhances VR experiences by using pressure sensors to track the movement of fingers and allowing users to feel tactile feedback in their VR environment.
This allows for greater immersion in VR games, movies, and other content, making it suitable for anyone who wants to experience VR more realistically with an easy-to-use interface, representing a huge step forward for the VR training industry.
The gloves’ usability is as important as their technical features deliver natural interactions and help scale up the training process with lightweight, wireless, and standalone headsets as the gloves are easy to put on and remove. SenseGlove Nova can be used with Meta Quest and HTC VIVE headsets by mounting the controllers on gloves.
Motorola-Verizon’s 5G Necklace
Motorola-Verizon’s 5G necklace is a wearable device that allows users to connect to Verizon’s 5G network. The necklace has two antennas that extend around the user’s neck and provide a stronger signal for AR and VR experiences.
The necklace also includes a built-in battery, so users can stay connected for longer periods without recharging. 5G is vital for the future of XR as it has the potential to provide low-latency, high-bandwidth connections that can support immersive experiences. With faster connectivity and longer battery life, Motorola-Verizon’s 5G necklace is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy seamless AR and VR experiences on the go.
Meta’s Wrist-Based Wearable (Under Development)
Meta is developing a wearable device that uses electromyography (EMG) to track the user’s risk of injury while using XR devices. Originally announced in March 2021, the wearable, which is still under development, will provide powerful and intuitive ways to interact with AR by attaching to the user’s skin and monitoring the electrical activity of their muscles.
The wearable will also include contextualized AI to process EMG data and make sense of the diverse range of wrist-based control inputs. The wearable will provide the world’s “first ubiquitous, ultra-low-friction interaction” system, essentially allowing AR users to wave their hands around, make gestures, click, tap, pinch and release, all without leaving immersive environments.
Looxid Link Accessory for VR headsets
Looxid Link is an accessory for VR headsets that allow users to measure their brainwaves and eye movements. The device consists of two earbuds that attach to the VR headset, and each earbud has a sensor that measures different biological signals. The data collected by the sensors is used to provide feedback to the user about their emotional state, and this information can be used to adjust the VR experience accordingly.
For example, if the user feels overwhelmed or stressed, the VR experience can be more relaxing. This feedback can also be used to improve the overall design of the VR experience. Looxid Link is ideal for anyone who wants to measure their emotional state and adjust their VR experience accordingly.
Valve Index Ear Speakers
Valve Index Ear Speakers are wearable devices that offer high-quality sound for VR experiences. The speakers connect wirelessly to VR headsets and provide accurate 3D audio with minimal distortion or latency issues.
Users can wear the devices for hours without causing discomfort, thanks to their lightweight design, and the speakers are also compatible with many VR headsets, including the HTC VIVE and Meta Quest. With precise 3D audio and minimal latency issues, these speakers are perfect for people wanting to enjoy fully immersive VR experiences.
Rebuff Reality Tracking Belt
The Rebuff Reality Tracking Belt is a wearable device that attaches to the user’s waist and provides 360-degree tracking for VR experiences. The belt uses sensors to track the user’s movement, and this information is relayed to the VR headset, allowing for more immersive experiences.
The Tracking Belt is compatible with most headsets, including the HTC Vive, Meta Quest, and PlayStation VR. It is also comfortable to wear and can be used for long periods without causing discomfort.
Ekto VR Robot Boots
Ekto VR Robot Boots are wearables that enhance movement tracking and control for VR games and applications. These boots feature sensors that track the user’s movement in all directions, enabling them to easily navigate virtual environments.
Designed for use with VR headsets such as the HTC VIVE and Oculus Rift, the Ekto VR Robot Boots offer immersive and realistic VR navigation in 360-degree directions. The boots are also comfortable to wear and can be used for long periods of time without causing discomfort.
