Which AR/VR headsets offer the best tracking capabilities for precise interactions?

SteamVR is still the gold standard for what concerns tracking in VR. It requires setting up your room, but it is able to give you a sub-millimeter accurate tracking pose of the controllers and of all items donning a Vive Tracker. that's why SteamVR is still very used inside arcades and B2B sectors. Quest has very good tracking, so if you don't need sub-millimeter accuracy, can be fine, too. Regarding hand tracking, I would say the best is currently offered by Ultraleap, with Quest being again the second-best contendant.

In my experience, Apple Vision Pro has the best tracking of all headsets, which is validated by years of AR Kit development on iOS. Other headsets just have drifts if the space is not setup correctly.

Althought new stand alone devices offer more user convenience, precision and quality syill belongs to the Wired VR interfaces with tracking such as HTC.

Les meilleurs prétendants sont évidement le méta quest 3 et le Apple vision pro, mais pour des interactions très précises, ceux ci sont encore un peu loin d'un niveau acceptable, peut être allons nous voir arriver des systèmes "mécaniques", exosquelette a coupler avec ces casque pour affiner et permettre d'avoir des mouvement extrêmement fins et précis.

These headsets represent the cutting edge in AR/VR technology, each excelling in precise tracking capabilities tailored to different user needs and applications.

There are a number of devices out there for this. Tracking can be achieved via strap on gear to external base stations to stand alone headsets doing this using cameras like the quest. Depending on your end result or usecase is what would dictate what to use. For industrial purpose and defense it is important to have precision hence headsets from Varjo (Industry benchmarks) use external base stations, where as games can make do with Camera tracking and wearables. In addition support for these devices should also be provided, like the wearables are not fully supported by the vast range of VR application on steam. Haptic gear can also be loaded with tracking tech but the devs need to provide support for it.

The technology behind the tracking for XR devices is built using AI, ML & CV algorithms along with computer graphics techniques such as 3D reconstruction. Oculus tracking is amazing, passthrough mode is really good and you can adjust your environment well based on space

The choice of the ideal headset depends on your needs and priorities. If smooth head tracking is crucial, Hololens is the top choice. If you seek the fusion of VR and AR, Magic Leap is unbeatable. For wireless freedom and immersive gaming, Quest is perfect. Vive offers the deepest VR experience, while Varjo excels in medical applications requiring ocular precision.

Additionally, you may consider third-party tracking add-ons. One very popular device, for example, is the Ultraleap controller, which can be connected to most headsets to add or improve hand tracking. Some manufacturers provide external trackers for peripherals, feet, elbows, or hips. These can greatly enhance immersion.

When talking about space, it might be interesting to think about geographical coordinate systems (based on longitude, latitude and altitude instead of the X, Y and Z axes of euclidean ones). In this way, it is not only possible to create larger interaction spaces (that account for the curvature of the Earth), but they can be more easily embedded into the real world through XR devices.

The formal, mathematical background of XR tracking is rarely discussed even though it is fundamental. Mostly, the XR runtimes take care of that for us. The key to having proper tracking is overlaying at least two "spaces" on top of each other, that is: Composing two transforms / 3D coord systems, which happens by multiplying two matrices. If the software fails to do that or problems arise you will quickly notice, as objects will not be there where they are supposed (or where they were seconds ago). There are various such spaces: E.g. the tracking space measures where the tracked object (such as the VR headset) is compared to tracking root. But the root of the 3D environment is also such as space.

Space is really critical because the headset when creating your environment, especially in VR its important to capture your space and 3D render the environment to the device. A lot of that uses advanced ML, CV & CG algorithms. Depth sensor camera on device needs to be bale to capture your whole space and background in real time to 3d construct your scene to the device.

Mucho va depender de la experiencia con la relación de espacio, si es una experiencia a campo abierto o que representa una habitación grande, vamos a requerir ese espacio para desplazarnos. Si a diferencia solo tenemos un espacio reducido, podemos falsear eso utilizando ascensores que nos lleven supuestamente a una plataforma superior cuando en realidad es el mismo piso.

No reino dos fones de ouvido AR/VR, a latência se ergue como um monarca implacável, ditando a fluidez e o realismo da experiência imersiva. Para os desavisados, a latência se manifesta como um atraso perceptível entre suas ações no mundo real e sua representação no virtual. Imagine empunhar uma espada virtual e observar um leve hiato entre seu movimento e o golpe infligido. Ou, imagine se deparar com um penhasco virtual, apenas para perceber que seu salto desesperado não foi registrado a tempo, resultando em uma queda abrupta e frustrante. Através de sensores e algoritmos de última geração, esses modelos capturam seus movimentos com precisão inigualável, traduzindo-os em ações virtuais instantâneas.

Comfort is key for AR/VR headsets. Weight distribution is crucial; the Meta Quest 2 struggled due to poor balance, leading to discomfort. At QWR, we designed the XRONE headset, which weighs under 400 grams and includes adjustable IPD and a 90-degree flip-up feature for ease. These enhancements, combined with soft cushioning and balanced weight, ensure users can enjoy extended VR sessions without fatigue. This makes our headsets ideal for prolonged, immersive experiences.

Comfortability with the device is crucial as wearing a heavy headset for so long can really be a burden. Being able to strap on the device and have it feel lightweight is important as it adds comfort to the user. Scalability is another big problem that is being addressed in this space

If tracking is lost for some reason, it can cause serious discomfort and even break the application. If due to a tracking problem your avatar or digital self is suddenly outside of collision geometry, you can fall out of the world / get trapped behind a wall, etc.

Software updates enhance tracking accuracy, introduce new features, and improve user experiences. Enhanced Tracking Accuracy: Refines sensor data interpretation, boosting precision. New Features: Adds advanced tracking modes, better interfaces, and new interactive capabilities. User Experience Improvements: Reduces latency, improves graphics, and addresses user feedback for a seamless experience. Continuous updates ensure headsets, like our XRONE, maintain top performance with the latest functionalities.

The Meta Presence Platform SDK would be a great step ahead in creating a cohesive ecosystem for the development of MR experiences on the Quest 3 and more future headsets.

Yo recomiendo utilizar Unity como motor de realidad virtual, tiene buen soporte y muchos videos instructivos en YouTube. Estos últimos vienen muy bien explicados y para usuarios que no tengan ni idea de que hacer. Unity nos da muchas ventajas a la hora de usar sus assets, que son los paquetes ya prestablecidos y que te ayudan a con el proyecto en realidad virtual.

OpenXR is a standard by the Khronos Group that unifies the interface to tracking hardware for software. That allows XR software to accept input from "a hand tracking device", rather than specific hardware. This gives developers the ability to support a wide range of devices and gives hardware manufacturers access to a vast existing software ecosystem.

TransfrVR is an amazing company with 320+ VR simulations to help cultivate positivity around old stigmas and the skilled trades and train the workforce of tomorrow in a safe and affordable way. Please reach out to me if you want to learn more about our SDK!

The future of XR tracking is promising, driven by AI algorithms and sensor fusion. These advancements enhance interaction accuracy, enabling more immersive experiences. The expanding XR market sees growing adoption across gaming, education, healthcare, and more. In healthcare, XR aids in surgical simulations and patient care. In education, it transforms learning experiences, and in workplaces, it enhances productivity with virtual meetings and 3D modeling. Developers should stay updated on AI and sensor technology to create intuitive, lifelike applications. As XR's market continues to grow, opportunities for groundbreaking applications across all fields will expand, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

The future of Emerging tech is way more than we imagine. Lighter headsets and precision tracking will revolutionize the way we interact with devices. Almost all industries have started adopting XR and spatial computing tech. It is growing to a bigger medium with an infusion of AI. A day in a life with XR tech will be like Iron Man wearing a nuclear reactor as his heart.

I think one big future perspective to XR devices nowadays is utilizing neurotechnologies such as eeg to create wearable XR BCI that can interpret your thoughts and translate them into action such as scrolling through the screen. Being able to do that with your mind is mind-blowing and going to be a bug future, especially considering openbci galea.

In the future, the abundance of spatial data will increase ever more. Newer tracking software for instance can use a simple RGB video recording of your surrounds to reconstruct the space using machine learning. As more and more data will be available, sophisiticated tracking systems can use multiple sources to provide for excellent tracking quality.

If you’re looking for a VR headset with great tracking capabilities that’s also super user-friendly, you should definitely check out the Meta Quest 2 and its newer version, the Meta Quest 3. Both headsets offer inside-out tracking, which means you don't need any external sensors to get started. This makes setting up really straightforward and perfect for jumping into VR quickly, whether you’re playing games, exploring virtual worlds, or using VR for work. The Quest 3 builds on the solid foundation of the Quest 2 with improved graphics and processing power, enhancing the overall experience. These headsets are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into VR with minimal hassle and maximum enjoyment.

AI and QR Code Integration Modern AR/VR headsets are enhancing tracking through AI and QR codes. While QR codes offer precise location tracking, AI significantly improves object recognition and scenario adaptation, reducing the need for multiple physical markers. Benefits of Advanced Tracking Reduced Physical Markers: AI minimizes the dependence on QR codes, simplifying setup. Improved Accuracy: AI enhances tracking precision and responsiveness. Dynamic Adaptation: AI allows for real-time environmental changes, ensuring a seamless user experience. Future Prospects As tracking technology advances, expect more intuitive and accurate interactions, driven by the integration of AI and enhanced object recognition capabilities.