New Haptic Vests Promise Enhanced VR Immersion

Virtual reality enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting bHaptics’ next move in the haptic feedback space, and the wait appears to be worth it. After a four-year hiatus, the haptic technology pioneer has unveiled three new products that aim to revolutionise how we feel our virtual experiences: the TactSuit Pro, TactSuit Air, and a revamped TactSleeve.

Premium Feels: TactSuit Pro

Leading the charge is the TactSuit Pro, priced at £399, which introduces some rather clever innovations to the haptic vest formula. The standout addition is the Controller Wheel, allowing users to fine-tune haptic intensity on the fly – a feature that could prove particularly useful when switching between different types of games. The vest’s 32 haptic motors should provide precise feedback, whilst the new Ring LED indicator adds a dash of cyberpunk flair to the proceedings.

TactSuit Air: The Lightweight Contender

For those seeking a more casual haptic experience, the TactSuit Air (£199) offers a streamlined alternative. Available in either Onyx or Ash colours, this 16-motor vest appears to strike a balance between functionality and comfort. The reduced motor count might actually prove beneficial for newcomers to haptic feedback who could find full-vest solutions overwhelming.

Slimming Down: The New TactSleeve

Perhaps most intriguing is the redesigned TactSleeve. At 40% lighter than its predecessor whilst maintaining three motors per arm, this £159 peripheral could be the sweet spot for players focused on action games. The reduced weight should help with those longer gaming sessions where comfort is paramount.

Compatibility and Launch Details

All devices will work with major VR headsets, and bHaptics boasts compatibility with over 270 titles – a significant library that should help justify the investment. Pre-orders open from 12th to 26th November, with shipping commencing from 27th November. Early birds will bag free shipping, a VR game key, and an exclusive customisation badge.

Initial Thoughts

Whilst we’ve yet to properly test these devices, bHaptics’ track record and recent £142 million Series C funding suggest they’re not merely making empty promises. The company’s position as Meta’s first official haptic solution partner under the “Made for Meta” programme lends additional credibility to these releases.

The real test will be how these devices perform in the wild, but the thoughtful feature set and tiered pricing structure suggest bHaptics has carefully considered different user needs and budgets. Watch this space for our full review once we’ve put these suits through their paces.

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