Microsoft has patented a virtual reality glove that allows users to experience physical feedback, but it's unclear if the product will ever see the light of day, let alone make it to Xbox Series X.
That's not to say Microsoft's virtual reality challenge is a failed venture. Virtual reality has slowly reached a point where we can better simulate ourselves in a digital space, but there are still a few things missing. Beyond some minor resistance through haptic feedback, most existing VR controllers can't accurately simulate the weight of objects, but according to Microsoft's recent patent, its VR Glove could be the answer.
Spotted by PatentlyApple, the patent was first disclosed earlier this month and filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as patent EP3977239. Described as an accessory for better VR interactions, work began on Microsoft's VR gloves in 2019, with the patent explaining that they would provide physical feedback to VR users when lifting virtual objects.
So how do you achieve this? By placing a "force application mechanism" on the back of the gloves, equipping them with sensors and motors. This will apply force feedback against your knuckles, better simulating interaction with objects. According to this patent, it is designed for professional use and video games.
In 2020, Microsoft introduced a wrist-worn virtual reality haptic device called PIVOT, designed to hang in the user's palm for a more believable catch-and-throw experience. Admittedly, the VR glove's design is very different from PIVOT's but, given the common ground between them, it could build on that earlier research.
It's an idea reminiscent of Nintendo's infamous Power Glove, an NES accessory best remembered for its role in the 1989 film, The Wizard, starring Fred Savage. Designed to let you play games through hand gestures, the Power Glove was poorly received for its imprecise controls. When the protagonist of your movie actively says "I love the power gauntlet. It's so bad", Nintendo obviously knew it.
It should be noted that the fact that these VR gloves have reached the patent stage does not mean that this product will be released in consumer markets. Many proprietary products do not get a commercial release and may only be reviewed by Microsoft engineers for research purposes, so until there is an official announcement to the contrary, we recommend that you keep expectations in check.
If the VR glove makes it to market, Microsoft wouldn't be the only player marketing VR gloves right now. The recent SenseGlove Nova is a pair of haptic gloves that can work with stand-alone headsets, like the Oculus Quest 2. Unfortunately, these aren't currently designed for the average VR user and only cost €3,999 (about $4,341.47). So if Microsoft does bring this market, it's not clear how they'll be able to achieve a consumer-friendly price.
Will we ever see Xbox VR?
Unlike Sony, with its upcoming PlayStation VR 2, Microsoft hasn't shown much interest in VR on the console gaming front, aside from Minecraft on the original PSVR. We've heard of a possible Xbox VR headset before and last year a post discovered by Italian Xbox users had a pop-up saying "An update is available for the VR headset." Unfortunately, this was blamed on a translation error, but it left fans wondering.
In general, Microsoft has focused on PC VR through mixed reality headsets, such as the HoloLens. When asked earlier, Xbox boss Phil Spencer didn't rule out VR on Xbox, but did express reservations about its suitability for the living room. That said, this patent specifically mentions use for "gaming, industrial, commercial, and healthcare scenarios," so there's always room for that in the future.