In Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality News
June 1, 2023 – Ultraleap, a provider of extended reality (XR) technologies such as hand tracking and mid-air haptics, has announced at AWE 2023 this week the launch of its Leap Motion Controller 2, the second generation of the company’s hand tracking camera that allows users to use their own hands to interact naturally with digital content in 3D.
Leading on from its predecessor, the Leap Motion Controller 2 is the ideal hardware for experiencing Ultraleap’s hand tracking technology. Key improvements over the original Leap Motion Controller include higher resolution cameras, increased field of view, and 25% lower power consumption, all in a 30% smaller package for optimum placement and convenience, according to the company.
Ultraleap stated that the new hardware is the most flexible camera ever developed by the company and is compatible across platforms and complimentary hardware including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) headsets, PCs, and holographic displays.
The company did note that with the announcement of the new product, the original Leap Motion Controller is now retired. However, existing customers can continue to access the latest compatible software including the soon-to-be-released Gemini for macOS. Support will also continue to be provided, according to the company, but future versions of the software will not deliver any performance improvements to the original Leap Motion Controller device though.
Leap Motion Controller 2 launch partners
Designed for the world of XR, the Leap Motion Controller 2 allows users to immerse themselves for longer in untethered VR experiences with Pico, including the Pico Neo 3 Pro and Pro Eye, Pico 4 Enterprise, and Pico G3 models for business.
Amir Khorram, Head of PICO Enterprise North America, said: “The relationship between Ultraleap and PICO has already helped to create a powerful XR enterprise ecosystem that is transforming the way businesses and industries engage with digital content. We’re proud to support Ultraleap in the launch of the Leap Motion Controller 2 and demonstrate the unparalleled precision and responsiveness of Ultraleap’s hand tracking with Pico’s cutting-edge virtual reality devices at AWE, including our latest headsets PICO 4E and G3 for business.”
Using the Leap Motion Controller 2 as an accessory, users can also enhance their experiences on both PC VR and untethered on the Android XR2 platform with Lenovo’s ThinkReality VRX headset.
From AWE this week, Ultraleap is allowing attendees to experience true mobile AR through the integration of its Leap Motion Controller 2 and DigiLens’ ARGO smart glasses for enterprise and lite-industrial workers. At the event attendees can experience interactive learning with 3DCAD, an application that allows users to explore and interact with 3D models.
Brian Hamilton, VP of Sales & Marketing at DigiLens said: “We are incredibly excited about the launch of the Leap Motion Controller 2 and its integration with our ARGO smart glasses. At DigiLens, we strive to provide cutting-edge augmented reality solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency at scale for enterprise and lite-industrial users. Hand tracking is a vital component for our customers as it empowers them to interact seamlessly with digital content, enabling faster and more precise manipulation of virtual objects. This technology opens up new possibilities for training, remote collaboration, and real-time data visualization, revolutionizing the way industries work.”
During the show, Ultraleap will also be demonstrating the Leap Motion Controller 2 attached to Tilt Five AR headsets and used in conjunction with Battle Map Studio. The experience allows users to interact and play games and build virtual worlds using their real hands instead of controllers.
Wider platform support and more software
With the Leap Motion Controller 2, for the first time Ultraleap’s Gemini hand tracking will be compatible with macOS, Android XR2, and Windows, opening up opportunities for content creators to access global audiences with their games and applications.
Beyond XR use cases, the company noted that its Leap Motion Controller 2 can also help to enhance the way performers express their music and art, enable VTuber presenters to embody their avatars, and allow natural interaction with applications and games on macOS, Android XR2, and Windows.
Since its launch in 2013, a million units of the original Leap Motion Controller have been sold and more than 350,000 developers have created applications and interactive experiences with hand tracking, according to Ultraleap.
Tom Carter, CEO and Co-founder at Ultraleap said: “As we unveil the smaller, lighter, better Leap Motion Controller 2, we celebrate a decade of pioneering advancements in hand tracking technology. This latest generation builds upon the strong foundation laid by its predecessor and reconfirms our commitment to providing our global community of developers and creators with the world’s best hand tracking technology. The Leap Motion Controller 2 not only represents the culmination of our journey so far but also enables a future where natural interaction becomes the norm.”
The Leap Motion Controller 2 is available for pre-order now through RobotShop for USD $139 (MSRP). XR Headset Mount and license options are separate. Global shipping is expected in Summer 2023. The Leap Motion Controller 2 macOS, Android XR2, and Windows releases will be made available at the same time.
For more information on Ultraleap and its hand tracking technology, please visit the company’s website.
Image / video credit: Ultraleap / YouTube
About the author
Sam Sprigg
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.
