Microsoft patents weird VR glove – but could it come to Xbox Series X?
Microsoft has patented a VR glove that lets users experience physical feedback, but it's unclear whether the product will ever see the light of day, let alone come to Xbox Series X.
That's not to say Microsoft's VR glove is a fruitless endeavor. Virtual reality’s slowly reached a point where we’re able to better simulate ourselves in a digital space, but there are still a few things that it lacks. Beyond some minor resistance via haptic feedback, most existing VR controllers can’t accurately simulate the weight of holding objects, but according to Microsoft's recent patent, its VR glove may be the solution.
Spotted by PatentlyApple, the patent was first unveiled earlier this month, filed through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under patent EP3977239. Described as an accessory that allows for better VR interactions, work began on Microsoft's VR gloves in 2019, with the patent explaining they’d provide physical feedback to VR users when lifting up virtual objects.
So, how does it achieve this? By placing a “force-applying mechanism” on the back of the gloves, equipping them with sensors and motors. That’ll apply force feedback against your knuckles, better simulating object interaction. According to this patent, this is designed for professional use and video games.
Back in 2020, Microsoft unveiled a haptic wrist-worn VR device called PIVOT, designed to swing into the wearer’s palm for a more believable catching and throwing experience. It’s true that the VR glove’s design looks significantly different to PIVOT but, given the common ground between them, it could be building upon that prior research.
It’s an idea reminiscent of Nintendo’s infamous Power Glove, a NES accessory mostly remembered for its role
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