Pico just updated its best VR headset feature and now I'm even more jealous my Meta Quest 3 doesn't have it too

Date:
Wed, 09 Apr 2025 19:30:00 +0000

Description:
Pico has upgraded the Pico 4 Ultra's incredible trackers with a new one for your waist.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Pico just debuted waist trackers that work just like its feet trackers It's out
now for 39.99 (around $50 / AU$85) When we reviewed the Pico 4 Ultra, its motion trackers were the headset's best feature

Pico has just announced an upgrade to its best VR headset feature: a new motion tracker for your waist, and yet again, Im left wishing my Meta Quest 3 could get this upgrade, too.

When I tested the Pico 4 Ultra last year, its best feature was the pair of motion trackers you could buy as an add-on. These often came included for
free as part of a bundle during sales of the VR headset.

Youd attach them to your feet, and you could bring surprisingly accurate foot tracking to supported games. Combined with hand tracking, this led to supremely immersive experiences, as you could interact with your whole body
as if you were really in virtual space. (Image credit: Pico)

Now, that simple yet effective solution is coming to a brand new Pico Motion Tracker for your waist. In fact, the device is launching today (April 9,
2025) for 39.99 (around $50 / AU$85).

We havent been able to test the tracker for ourselves, but given how impressive the foot trackers are, we expect Picos new waist trackers will be solid, too, when used in supported titles such as VRChat and compatible PCVR titles through the Pico Connect feature.

I can see this waist tracker being perfect for VR exercising, dancing games, and allowing players to use new VR props like a hula hoop, but well have to wait and see how its implemented. (Image credit: Pico) Meta needs better body tracking

Meta does offer its own basic body tracking via your headsets downward-facing cameras but its not the most robust solution. The AI it relies on is fairly good at predicting where your legs and body should be, but it isnt always perfect. Further, it hasnt been implemented into many VR apps in the way that Picos sophisticated solution has been.

While Picos motion tracking is superb, Im still not convinced its the best headset option for most people.

It doesnt have the same impressive software catalog youll find on Metas Quests, and its pricier than the Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3 without offering a significant performance bump.

That coupled with it not being available to buy in every region the Meta
Quest 3 is including the United States, and that it's a device that has struggled to build a name for itself except amongst VR enthusiasts who are staunchly anti-Meta.

Meta has yet to announce physical motion trackers for Quest with its CTO shooting the idea down last year (via UplaodVR ) but I seriously hope that changes. Theyre easily the best Pico feature, and the Meta Quest 3 would be much more versatile if it had access to the same tools. You might also like Pico 4 Ultra VS Meta Quest 3: the battle of the best mid-range VR headsets This beginner-friendly train-driving simulator is the chillest Meta Quest 3 game I've played but it's not for everyone You might get a free Meta Quest 3 to use on your next flight, but I'm not keen on the advertising it'll serve you



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/pico-jus t-updated-its-best-vr-headset-feature-and-now-im-even-more-jealous-my-meta-que st-3-doesnt-have-it-too


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