Bring your body into the virtual world with VR-trackers

In the dynamic world of virtual reality (VR), innovations have led to stunning experiences that transport us to boundless worlds. One of the most exciting developments in this field is full body tracking, which allows you not only to see your virtual environment but also to control your entire body. This is made possible through the use of VR trackers and tracker straps. In this article, we delve deeper into how these trackers and straps are used for full body tracking, with a particular focus on VRChat and the revolutionary SlimeVR tracker.

Full body tracking is a remarkable step forward in the evolution of VR. While VR headsets already offer an unprecedented level of immersion, adding your entire body to the virtual environment elevates the experience to a completely new level. This is where VR trackers and tracker straps come into play. With VR trackers, you can bring your body into the virtual world across various games and applications. A popular game where this is already widely used is VRChat. In VRChat, you can create an avatar of yourself, and by adding a few trackers to your arms and legs, this avatar feels even more realistic.

Imagine this: compact devices with advanced sensors that accurately capture the movements and position of different parts of your body. These are VR trackers. These small powerhouses are strategically attached to your body, such as on your waist, legs, and ankles. But how do these trackers stay in place as you move? This is where tracker straps come into play. These smart straps keep the trackers in place while still allowing you to move freely.

But how do the tracking methods work exactly? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

• Real body movements in VR: Thanks to the trackers, you can precisely mirror your physical movements in the virtual world. Dancing, running, and waving now feel just as natural in VR as they do in real life;
• Intuitive gestures: The trackers are smart enough to recognize your gestures and translate them into actions in the virtual environment. This gives you a much more natural way to interact than just using controllers;
Enhance social interaction: In VRChat, a vibrant social platform, avatars can mimick your movements and gestures thanks to full body tracking. This means that your interactions with others feel even more realistic.

There are now various VR trackers available. It is important to know that different VR trackers have various functionalities and benefits. For example, some users find HTC VIVE trackers to be advantageous, while others prefer Tundra or SlimeVR trackers. In the following overview, you will find all the VR trackers that are currently on the market and the pros and cons of each.

• HTC VIVE Tracker 3.0: The HTC VIVE Tracker 3.0 is perhaps the most popular VR tracker at the moment. The tracker can be placed on most VR tracker straps and uses tracking with external base stations. The VIVE trackers offer precise full body tracking;
• Tundra Tracker: The Tundra Trackers work similarly to the VIVE Tracker 3.0 with external base stations. They are somewhat smaller and lighter in terms of dimensions and weight than the VIVE trackers. Therefore, some users prefer Tundra trackers over VIVE trackers;
• Manus SteamVR Tracker: The Manus trackers are designed to be used with gloves and products from Manus VR. The trackers work like HTC VIVE trackers and Tundra trackers with external base stations;
• HTC VIVE Wrist Tracker: The VIVE Wrist Tracker is intended to be used without external base stations. Therefore, the wrist tracker from HTC VIVE is mainly used with standalone VR headsets, such as the HTC VIVE Focus 3 headset;
• HTC VIVE Tracker (announcement): The currently announced HTC VIVE tracker promises to be able to follow movements on its own without external base stations, much like the wrist tracker. Therefore, this tracker could also potentially be used with standalone VR headsets like the Meta Quest 2;

Besides the right tracker, you also need something to attach the tracker to. For this, you can use a tracker strap. At Unbound XR, you can purchase the following VR tracker straps:

• VR Tracker Straps Set: The VR Tracker Straps Set is the best-selling tracker straps. These are basic tracker straps that consist of two bands for the arms, a belt, and optionally for the hands.
• EOZ Tracker Straps: The EOZ Tracker Straps Set is similar to the VR Tracker Strap Set but is of somewhat better quality. They also include bands for the feet and are extra securely fastened with a strap over the heel.
• Rebuff TrackStrap Plus: The Rebuff TrackStrap Plus includes a built-in battery. With this, you can attach the tracker to the bands and connect it to the battery via a small cable. This ensures that the trackers do not drain or drain more slowly while you use them.

VRChat is a vibrant digital meeting place where users can express their virtual selves and connect with others. The addition of full body tracking has elevated the dynamics of VRChat. Your avatar can now precisely mimic your movements and gestures, making social interactions feel almost tangible.

A remarkable player in body tracking is the SlimeVR system. This innovative system uses advanced sensors that wirelessly communicate with your PC. Therefore, no wires, external cameras, or base stations are needed. With five trackers on your waist, legs, and ankles, SlimeVR captures your movements with pinpoint accuracy.

But what truly sets SlimeVR apart is its advanced software. By inputting your personal body proportions and the position of your headset, the software calculates the exact position of your joints. This translates into incredibly precise tracking of your movements.

To experience full body tracking yourself, you need the latest VR trackers and tracker straps. At Unbound XR, we offer a range of high-quality options, including the HTC VIVE tracker 3.0 and the essential VR tracker straps. Visit our webshop and explore our offerings to elevate your virtual reality to the next level.

Essentially, the combination of VR trackers and tracker straps has enabled groundbreaking immersion in VR. Whether you’re dancing in VRChat or exploring wondrous worlds, full body tracking adds a dimension of authenticity and interactivity that was previously unthinkable. With the pioneering technology of SlimeVR and the offerings of Unbound XR, there’s no better time to embrace the full potential of VR.