Sony unveils smartphone motion-tracking bands for Metaverse - here’s how it works

• Sony unveils Mocopi motion capture device in Japan.
• Mocopi comprises six color-coded sensors that go at key parts of a person’s hip, head, wrists, and ankles to capture movement using a dedicated smartphone app.
• Check Sony Mocopi price, release date, and specs below.

Consumer electronics giant, Sony, unveiled Mocopi - its latest invention for motion capturing. The device requires users to wear six sensors and connect them to a smartphone to create avatars and animated short films.

Mocopi comprises six color-coded sensors that go at key parts of a person’s hip, head, wrists, and ankles using a clip or a velcro strap to capture movement using a dedicated smartphone app. With Mocopi, users can control a virtual reality or anime-style avatar in real time to create videos or hang out with people in metaverse services like VRChat.

The device is similar to a big Hollywood-style motion capture system but without the need for heavy equipment and operators.

According to Sony, Mocopi will help content creators involved in animation and movie production and facilitate them in developing key areas like fitness, motion capturing and lot more.

As per the released video, Mocopi is pretty accurate as the avatar closely follows a person’s motion, from dancing to running and even lip-syncing.
Mocopi: Features
The sensors measure 32mm in diameter, and they just weigh 8 grams. Sensors are battery-powered and come with a charging case. According to Sony, each sensor has a battery life of up to 10 hours, depending on the usage.

They even have IP65 protection to withstand dust and splashes of water.

To set up, connect each sensor to a smartphone via Bluetooth. Video recordings will be saved as an MP4 file with 1920 x 1080p resolution and a maximum frame rate of 30fps.

Sony will provide a software development kit to create custom avatars on 15th December. Further, motion data can be edited on selected 3D development software like MotionBuilder and Unity game engine. The full list of supported software still needs to be revealed.


Mocopi will be only available in Japan, and it will launch in late January 2023 for 49,500 yen (around $356). Pre-orders will start in mid-December.
Mocopi - future of VR?
Given features and specifications, Sony’s Mocopi is pretty cool, but it’s way too early to tell that it can convince people to join the Metaverse. The biggest barriers are the lack of a universal compatible app and limited smartphone support.

According to Sony, to use Mocopi, Android users must own Sony Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 III, Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 II, and Xperia 1 II. Whereas the selection for iOS devices is much wider.

Today, most AR/ VR headsets involve taking control of users' senses, like hearing and sight, to create an immersive experience. However, Mocopi lack these capabilities. Still, putting Mocopi into the hands of the general public may push the metaverse into the mainstream.

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