The SteamVR Knuckles EV3 Model Is Now Available to Developers

cageymaru

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The third revision of the SteamVR Knuckles has been refined in multiple ways to improve energy efficiency, input feel, strap design and more. The SteamVR Knuckles EV3 ship with access to tech demos complete with source code for developers to test out the functionality of the devices. Unity support has been added through a plugin. You can see the older model in action here.

Knuckles EV3 is the result of iterating and improving upon the EV2 prototype. The team has worked hard to improve usability, fit and finish, and consistency across all units. Grip FSRs (force sensors) more consistent from unit to unit. Higher efficiency sensors increase battery life by 2 hours. Players can now expect 7-8 hours of playtime per charge. The System button has been recessed slightly to avoid accidental presses.
 
The longer battery life is a plus, but I'm not sure what to think yet about their design. My first impression is they kind of look like a crappier version of the Oculus Touch controllers, which imo are the best out there still--though I do wish they were a little lighter. These also look more complicated for the average person to just pickup and use, and I'm not sure that's a good thing either. Hopefully they are better in practice than they appear though.
 
Risistance/Capacitive touch sensors tend to be a bit noisy.

It will be interesting to see how they resolve these issues.

Svetzky golet with pattern matching maybe?
 
The longer battery life is a plus, but I'm not sure what to think yet about their design. My first impression is they kind of look like a crappier version of the Oculus Touch controllers, which imo are the best out there still--though I do wish they were a little lighter. These also look more complicated for the average person to just pickup and use, and I'm not sure that's a good thing either. Hopefully they are better in practice than they appear though.

Considering that the Oculus lacks both the touch sensitive trackpad AND the ability to detect fingers, I don't know what to think of your comment...
 
Looking better and better, can't wait. This plus the wireless module are on my to buy list next year.
 
Considering that the Oculus lacks both the touch sensitive trackpad AND the ability to detect fingers, I don't know what to think of your comment...

Touche. To be fair, I was giving my point-blank first impression just seeing them for the first time. The more I read up on them the more I see there is much to like, and as a vive user myself I'll likely pick these up when they're available. I'm at least as excited for the headset wireless adapters to ship out soon--that has been a long time coming from htc.
 
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