Sony has released a new set of wearable motion trackers called Mocopi that not only allow users to record their moves, but also give them access to the metaverse and control a digital avatar with their phones.
Takeshi Aimi, senior manager of Sony’s motion business group commented, “We label this a metaverse product instead of a VR peripheral because we expect the virtual world to further blend with the real world. People will access the metaverse without head-mounted displays in the future, and we didn’t want to limit the product’s use to just VR users.”
As the metaverse and Web3 continue to grow and become more popular, Sony has been striving to expand its resources beyond console gaming by creating services that allow for access PC and mobile gaming.
In a translated press release, Mr. Yasushi Funakoshi, CEO of HIKKY Co., Ltd. said, “I am very happy that an international company like Sony is approaching a young new market, where startup HIKKY and creators are struggling, with an aggressive product. Such devices are difficult to develop and sell on our own, but they are essential to solving the essential issues of the market. We are confident that this device, which is provided by Sony’s technology and know-how that Japan boasts to the world, will create many opportunities for creative revolution.”
With their PlayStation VR2 headset coming soon, Sony are building an ecosystem of virtual reality experiences that could – with sufficient developer support and user take-up – quickly eclipse the tentative and work-focused moves so far made by the likes of Meta.
The company’s Mocopi is currently priced at $360 and is scheduled to launch in Japan come late January 2023.
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.