Sony is trying to take on the metaverse with new motion capture devices collectively known as Mocopi.
Consisting of six color-coded sensors, the Mocopi system attaches to key parts of a person’s body (your head, hips, wrists, and ankles) using Velcro or clip-on straps in order to capture motion via a dedicated smartphone app. With this technology, users can control their anime style avatar in real time to either create videos or hang out with people in compatible metaverse services such as VRChat. It’s similar to a big Hollywood-style motion capture system but without the dedicated equipment or operators. Sony hopes Mocopi will help content creators “co-produced in films and animations” and facilitate development in key areas such as fitness platforms, according to the company. Advertising. (Opens in a new tab)
if it was Video preview is belief (Opens in a new tab)Mocopi is actually very accurate. The avatar closely follows the person’s movements from running, dancing, and even lip-syncing. Once this is done, users can watch the animated avatar video on the mobile app.
Features
The sensors themselves are 32 mm (just over an inch) in diameter and weigh 8 grams (0.28 ounces). It’s battery operated and comes with a charging case, so you don’t have to worry about getting tangled up in wires. According to the Mocopi product page (Opens in a new tab)Each sensor has a battery life of up to 10 hours depending on how often you use it. It even has an IP65 protection rating which means it is completely protected from dust and can withstand splashes of water.
The Setup feels very straight forward (Opens in a new tab) very. Each disc connects to smartphones via Bluetooth LE, but must remain stationary during the pairing process for them to connect properly. Next, you calibrate the sensors so that the avatar syncs up properly.
Video recordings will be saved as an MP4 file with a resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080) and a frame rate of 30fps. The motion data itself is recorded separately, which can be uploaded to a computer for further animation. If you don’t like the style of the anime avatar, you can upload your own.
Sony will make the Mocopi Software Development Kit (SDK) available on December 15, allowing creative users to create custom assets. Motion data can also be edited on select 3D development software such as the Unity game engine and MotionBuilder. The full list of supported software is still unknown, but this information will be released on December 15th along with the SDK.
Mocopi will be exclusive to Japan as it will launch in late January 2023 for 49,500 yen (about $356 USD) along with the official app. Pre-orders begin in mid-December. It is not known whether or not Mocopi will see an international release, but given that the app is entirely in English, it is certainly possible. Besides, Sony is no stranger to export its technology For willing overseas buyers.
The future of VR
Admittedly, Mocopi is pretty cool, but it’s too early to tell whether or not he can convince people to join the metaverse. Part of the indecision is the great barrier to entry be it Expensive headphones, the lack of a killer app, or, in Sony’s case, limited smartphone support. According to Mocopi’s product page, Android users should own one of six Sony Xperia models such as 5 iv to use the app. However, the choice of iOS devices is much larger, starting with iPhone 12 to me iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, getting virtual reality technology into the hands of users may be the impetus the metaverse needs to break into the mainstream.
If you’re interested in diving into virtual reality, be sure to check out TechRadar’s recently updated site Best VR headset list.