Photo credit: www.engadget.com
Sony Demos Hand Tracking for PlayStation VR2 at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Sony has showcased hand tracking capabilities for its PlayStation VR2 headset, just as thoughts dwelled on its support status. This development was highlighted at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024, a significant conference concentrating on computer graphics and interactive techniques, as reported by UploadVR.
Although Sony has not officially announced the functionality, a published description of their presentation at the event indicated that hand-tracking support is integrated within the latest PlayStation 5 development kit. Furthermore, Mixed noted that Sony had filed a patent for multiple hand-tracking features in May 2023, marking this demonstration as a significant step in bringing those ideas to fruition.
The introduction of hand tracking could enhance user experiences by enabling more intricate movements and controls in applications and games. Unlike traditional controllers, where haptic feedback reinforces actions, hand tracking emphasizes the natural movements of the user’s hands, providing a more realistic interaction approach. A video demonstration shared on social media exhibited the hand-tracking abilities on the PSVR2, appearing to match the responsiveness and precision seen on devices like the Quest 3, suggesting promising performance for the feature.
Despite the absence of an official announcement regarding this feature, its existence hints at Sony’s ongoing commitment to the PSVR2. Released in 2023, the PSVR2 has been recognized for its advanced features such as headset haptics and eye tracking, along with notable titles like Horizon VR: Call of the Mountain. Yet, the headset has struggled to gain widespread traction due to a lack of ongoing support and new content. Reports indicate that key internal studios have not produced enough virtual reality titles, with Sony making cutbacks, including layoffs at studios involved with VR games like Firesprite.
Adding to the uncertainty, a drastic budget reduction for future VR development was reported by Android Central in June. The subsequent release of a PC adaptor for the PS VR2 in August 2024 seemed to signal a shift in focus away from dedicated VR game development, offering users access to a broader array of PC VR titles available on platforms like Steam. While the introduction of hand-tracking support does not inherently rectify Sony’s strategy towards the headset, it does illustrate potential for enhancements and innovation, even if the PSVR2 may not currently be a primary focus for the company.
Source
www.engadget.com