Apple is reportedly working on its own virtual reality (VR) headset and a new patent suggests it will be paired with other devices including smart shoes.
The tech giant was recently awarded a patent for ‘smart footwear’ that sends haptic feedback to the user’s feet while they are immersed in a virtual world.
An image in the document resembles that of a sock or shoe that would deliver different sensations, such as a feeling of hot or cold, to various areas using electromagnets.
Apple is expected to release its VR headset next year that will be powered by its newly launched M1 Mac Processor, but is said to cost $1,000 per unit.
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Apple was recently awarded a patent for ‘smart footwear’ that sends haptic feedback to the user’s feet while they are immersed in a virtual world
The patent, first spotted by Patently Apple, states the smart foot device would be a VR Gaming accessory to enhance the experience.
The shoe or sock is describe as providing different sensations, such as cold for walking on a tiled floor or hot like strolling down a beach on a sunny day.
Fitted inside the footwear would be electromagnets, which would also line the platform on the device.
‘Haptic output components may be arranged in an array on a haptic output device,’ Apple stated in the patent.
The shoe or sock is describe as providing different sensations, such as cold for walking on a tiled floor or hot like strolling down a beach on a sunny day. Fitted inside the footwear would be electromagnets, which would also line the platform on the device
‘The haptic output components may include piezoelectric components, electroactive polymer components, electromagnetic actuators, and other haptic output components.’
The document suggests force from the user’s feet will activate the haptic feedback feature to unleash feelings ‘of resting or sliding across a tiled surface or other surface with surface irregularities.
‘Friction effects (e.g., resistance to lateral motion) and other effects may also be produced using the haptic output devices,’ the patent states.
‘Control circuitry may supply control signals to haptic output components in a haptic output device to produce haptic output.’
The document suggests force from the user’s feet will activate the haptic feedback feature to unleash feelings ‘of resting or sliding across a tiled surface or other surface with surface irregularities
The haptic output may be generated based on sensor signals such as sensor signals associated with foot movement and/or based on information received from an external electronic device.
Apple’s VR headset has been rumored for more than a year, but the latest details suggest it will feature with its upcoming $1,000 VR headset
Bloomberg reported the headset would be a standalone device, allowing Apple to compete with Facebook’s Oculus, and is a ‘niche precursor’ to AR glasses that are in the ‘architecture’ phase.
