Meta announced a new technology for feeling things in virtual reality. The company unveiled prototypes of haptic gloves. These gloves let users feel physical sensations while using VR headsets like Quest. People can touch and feel digital objects as if they were real.
(Meta Announces Facebook VR Haptic Interaction)
The gloves use advanced technology. Small air pockets inflate quickly across the glove surface. This creates pressure on the user’s skin. Special sensors track finger movements precisely. This combination makes interactions feel natural. Users can feel the shape of a virtual ball. They can sense the texture of digital fabric. They can experience the weight of a tool.
Andrew Bosworth leads Meta’s Reality Labs. He stated the goal is realistic interaction. “We want your hands to move freely,” Bosworth explained. “You should feel objects naturally. This technology makes VR feel more real.” The gloves aim to solve a big VR problem. Touching virtual air breaks the feeling of being inside the virtual world. These gloves provide missing physical feedback.
(Meta Announces Facebook VR Haptic Interaction)
Meta researchers spent years developing this. Early prototypes were bulky and slow. The new versions are much lighter. They react almost instantly. This speed is crucial for believable touch. Meta sees this as vital for the metaverse. Feeling objects is key to working or socializing there. The company continues testing. A final consumer product is still years away. This development marks significant progress for VR interaction.