Virtual Reality provides us with unique simulated experiences and allows us to enter a virtual world that we can both see and interact with. Cool right? But have you ever wondered how to choose the best way to interact with the virtual world?
Currently, the majority of you use controllers and buttons to interact with your virtual surroundings, but did you know that there are other ways to actually touch, grab and feel the virtual? Let’s take a look at; VR controllers vs VR gloves!
What are VR Controllers used for?
Currently, VR controllers are the most common form of interacting with the virtual world. After connecting your controllers with your console and headset, the controllers can be used to move around, pick things up, and interact with virtual objects. VR controllers are usually held by the user and consist of buttons and touchpads that can be used to interact with the virtual environment. A popular use for VR controllers is in VR gaming as they are used with the main goal of entertainment and there is no necessity for realistic interactions.
There are many different types, brands, and qualities of controllers, varying in cost, degree of movement, battery life, tracking precision, and ergonomics. Most VR headsets when purchased already include VR controllers.
What are VR Gloves used for?
VR gloves are wearable devices that allow the user to experience tactile sensations and interactions in virtual reality. VR gloves can be divided into several categories; from hand tracking and vibrotactile feedback gloves to force-feedback gloves and contact feedback gloves.
With just a few main brands currently on the market, VR gloves vary greatly in price, usability, sensory receptors, tracking accuracy, and weight. SenseGlove gloves use force-feedback to provide the user with interactions and sensations that mimic those of real life. They allow the user to use their whole hand to touch, grab, squeeze, hold and connect things in virtual reality naturally, without the need to hold the controllers in their hands.
By allowing for real-life movements and interactions, the gloves reinforce muscle memory and increase sensory feedback, ultimately creating a “real” virtual experience. This creates great opportunity for companies implementing VR training as it allows the user to learn by doing in a realistic and natural way. Something that is simply impossible with VR controllers.
Some examples of the use of VR gloves to improve training in different industries can be found here.
Pros of VR controllers
- Economical
- Wireless
- Ready to use
- Usable for all VR games and scenarios
Cons of VR controllers
- Unrealistic unnatural interactions
- Limited interactions
Pros of VR gloves
- Reinforcement of muscle memory
- Feel virtual objects like they are real
- Increased sensory feedback
- Intuitive and natural interactions
Cons of VR gloves
- Higher priced than VR controllers (Prices starting from around $5000)
- Some must stay connected with cables
Conclusion
VR controllers are currently the most common mode of interacting in virtual reality due to their attainability and low cost. Particularly in the gaming industry, VR controllers are currently more accessible than VR gloves. VR gloves are still quite new to the market. However, there are already hundreds of companies using haptic force-feedback VR gloves for VR training and other business applications. Some gloves like SenseGlove Nova are completely wireless and easy to use, which also enhances the realism of VR interactions.
VR gloves are able to provide the user with immersive, intuitive, and realistic experiences which create optimal environments for training and learning due to the lifelike interactions. These same experiences cannot be had with VR controllers. While VR controllers work perfectly well for gaming and simple VR situations today, VR gloves prove to be far superior for VR training and learning within the business world.
If you’d like to arrange a meeting with one of our team to discuss the possibilities of implementing VR gloves for your business, feel free to get in touch!
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