A new year means that it’s time for the annual CES event in Las Vegas, drawing tech companies both big and small to showcase their latest wares. bHaptics, the maker of the TactSuit haptic vest, has unveiled its newest product set to arrive later this year, consumer-ready haptic gloves called TactGlove.
Leveraging its experience of building the TactSuit, bHaptics’ TactGlove has been designed to work with camera-based hand tracking systems, such as the one employed by Meta Quest. The glove comes equipped with 10 Linear Resonant Actuators (LRA) placed at each fingertip which can be individually controlled using the bHaptics SDK so that developers can programme precise feedback.
TactGlove will consist of an inner and outer glove, both worn like any normal glove. The inner glove is there for hygiene. Machine washable, this allows multiple people to use the TactGlove when required. bHaptics will be releasing the TactGlove in Medium, Large and Extra Large sizes.
“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 settings at a very affordable price,” said Kiuk Gwak, CEO of bHaptics in a statement. “We are excited to see changes that TactGlove will bring to the virtual interaction as we move into the Metaverse era.”
Having already partnered with multiple developers to ensure support for its TactSuit (over 100 apps and counting), the company is already well underway ensuring support for its upcoming glove. For CES this week visitors will be able to play Unplugged and Hand Physics Lab using TactGlove.
To begin with, bHaptics will release TactGlove developer kits in Q2 2022 with a plan to launch a consumer version towards the end of the year. Unlike other haptic gloves which can cost thousands, the TactGlove will be firmly priced to encourage consumer sales, coming in at $299 USD.
And it’s not just the TactGlove bHaptics has on show at CES 2022. Its full TactSuit product lineup will be there including the flagship TactSuit X40. As further XR announcements are made at CES 2022, VRFocus will keep you updated.