Valve Corporation's recently released virtual reality headset — the HTC Vive — has been speculated to boast a new controller that would provide its users with more realistic hand movements.Though the HTC Vive was recently released last April 5th, the virtual reality headset is speculated to gain a controller upgrade sometime in 2017.
During Steam's Steam Dev Days event, Valve Corporation teased Vive fans with what seems to be a prototype for the new HTC Vive controller. The Steam Dev Days event had Steam present several topics including best business practices as well as technical integration with the Steam service to event goers.
Since the new HTC Vive controller was unveiled at the Steam event, some event-goers couldn't help but leak photos of the new Vive controller online.
Bit Space Development CEO Daniel Blair even leaked a photo on his official twitter account. His post showed the new HTC Vive controller. "Some close up shots of the new #Vive Controllers. #SteamDevDays," his twitter post said.
Valve's new HTC Vive controller apparently sports new wrist-gripping velcro straps that are said to provide users with a more comfortable and natural feel. The new straps also prevent users from accidentally throwing or dropping their controllers. What's more is that the new straps make it possible for players to completely let go of the controllers, therefore gaining a more realistic hand-movement experience.
Aside from the wrist straps, the new controller is also equipped with a leash that will go against the user's palms to add more flexibility and manageability.
The new HTC Vive controller is also rumored to come with a new control system that would track the user's hand movements that can be repeated in-game. The device would also be equipped with new sensors that would monitor whether the user is opening or closing their hands, a feature that would work well when a user is gripping or dropping items in-game.
The control system allows users to track their hand movements in order to repeat it in-game.The VR accessory has built-in sensors that monitor the opening and closing of hands. Such activities are associated with the gripping or dropping of items during a game.
As of now, there is still no official news as to what features the new HTC Vive controller will have, but Valve representative Doug Lombardi stated that they are currently "focused on gathering feedback on the design prototype." He added that they "will have more details soon."
