Top Haptics Products that Launched in 2023

As the new year begins, it's a good time to reflect on the highlights that made the last year exceptional. 2023 was not only filled with a plethora of new apps, music, films, and books but also marked a significant rise in innovative haptics-grade consumer technology. From cutting-edge gaming systems to VR/AR accessories and wearables, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular haptics products that launched in 2023. 

1. PSVR2

The PSVR2 is PlayStation's follow-up to the PlayStation VR, which was released in 2016. Launched in February 2023, the virtual reality headset and controllers were developed with the PlayStation 5 in mind, improving on its predecessor in several ways. For example, the PSVR2 uses a single cable instead of the multiple ones seen with the PlayStation VR, and it comes with eye-tracking , 4K HDR-enabled OLED screen, a 110-degree field of view, and built-in tracking cameras.

The PSVR 2 also comes with dedicated Sense Controllers that feature haptic motors and motorized resistive triggers. Additionally, the PSVR2 introduces a new feature called Headset Rumble, which is a haptic motor in the headset that simulates vibrations.

According to Space.com, the PSVR2 has been called one of the best VR headsets released in 2023. IGN has also praised the PSVR2 for providing users with one of the best console VR experiences.

2. Meta Quest 3

Released last October, the Meta Quest 3 is the successor to the Quest 2 and Quest Pro. Touted as "the first mainstream mixed reality headset", it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, a 2064 x 2208 LCD in front of each eye, and the new Touch Plus controllers. 

The Touch Plus controllers feature advanced haptics—each controller "provides a heightened level of sensory immersion," according to ZyberVR, and "Actions like drawing a bowstring in a game will now be accompanied by physical feedback, enriching the overall gaming experience." Also released this year is Meta Haptics Studio, a developer tool for creating haptic effects for systems like the Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, and the Meta Quest Pro. 

The Meta Quest 3 debuted in SteamVR stats at 5.20%, putting it in 5th place among the most used SteamVR headsets for November 2023. 

3. iPhone 15 Series and iOS 17

The launch of the new iPhone has become something of a yearly tradition. For 2023, the iPhone 15 series was announced/launched with a new Titanium design, USB-C charging, and a brand-new Action Button. 

The Action Button uses haptic feedback to indicate entering and exiting the specific mode assigned to it. For example, three quick taps on the Action Button indicate going into Silent mode, while exiting Silent comes with one haptic vibration. 

In conjunction with that, Apple also released iOS 17, which gives users the ability to customize Haptic Touch. According to The Verge, by simply changing Haptic Touch from the Default" setting to the "Fast" setting, users can get a phone that feels far more responsive.

The iPhone 15 global debut was marked by long lines, consumer hype, and sold out pre-orders. Analysts expect the iPhone 15 sales to contribute to slight revenue growth for Apple during the last quarter of the year. 

4. The MSG Sphere 

The Sphere in Las Vegas officially opened its doors last September 2023 with the first of 25 performances of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere. A $2.3 billion project, the Sphere boasts a giant LED screen on its exterior, a humongous internal 16K resolution screen, and new immersive features for the audience during live performances. 

The Sphere boasts 10,000 haptic seats complete with an infrasound haptic system that allows audience members to "feel" various environmental effects, like the rumble of thunder or a motorcycle. The venue also features various other multisensory technologies, including scent-based immersion. 

5. Motion 1 Haptic Gaming Chair

Taiwanese manufacturer Cooler Master released a line of new products this year, but the one that probably caught the eye of gamers and movie fans alike was their Motion 1 Haptic Gaming Chair. A collaboration with D-Box Technologies, the Motion 1 was claimed to be "the world's premier haptic engine gaming chair." According to PC World, it uses "65,000 haptic effects such as movements, waves, vibrations, and textures to simulate the entertainment you're experiencing on screen."

The Motion 1 Haptic Gaming Chair was teased at CES 2023 and officially debuted at Computex Taiwan. It was the recipient of numerous design awards such as the IF Design Award 2023, A' Design Award Gold 2023, and the DEMark Design Excellence Award.

6. Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go is a new Windows gaming handheld device from Lenovo, designed to provide gamers with increased flexibility in terms of when and where they game. The device is equipped with hall effect joysticks, intended to enhance responsiveness and accuracy during intense gaming sessions.

According to Lenovo, the Legion Go includes HD Haptics and 6-Axis IMU Gyro. The Legion Go also uses haptic feedback to communicate when the touchpad—located underneath the right thumb—is in use. 

The Lenovo Legion Go was first announced in Berlin during IFA this year and was featured in numerous publications' "Best of IFA 2023" lists. It's also been named a CES 2024 Innovation Award Honoree. 

7. LG Gram Style 

The LG Gram Style was introduced at CES 2023 as an extension of LG's existing Gram line. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, the Gram Style upholds the same characteristics as the rest of the line, namely its lightweight and long-lasting battery life.

One unique feature of the LG Gram Style is its 'hidden' touchpad. At first glance, the laptop appears to lack a touchpad, but LEDs illuminate upon contact, delineating the area and helping keep users' fingers oriented on its smooth glass surface. The touchpad incorporates haptic technology, providing haptic feedback to the user instead of a traditional physical click when pressed. 

8. PlayStation Portal

The PlayStation Portal was released in the last quarter of the year, and it's Sony's first-party remote play device. It doesn't play games locally via cartridges, discs, or built-in storage; it casts your PS5 games anywhere as long as your console is on and connected to the internet. 

The PlayStation Portal is designed to look like a DualSense wireless controller with a screen in the middle. It also features the same voice-coil actuators found in the aforementioned controllers, which Sony says "can provide more precise and more nuanced haptic sensations. According to Screenrant, the adaptive triggers can simulate different forces and tension when interacting with in-game equipment and settings, potentially enhancing the player's sense of immersion in the game. 

Looking Forward

As we look back at the remarkable advancements in haptic technology in 2023, we can't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what's to come in 2024. The integration of haptics in the gaming industry, consumer electronics, and even in live performance venues like the MSG Sphere may revolutionize the way we experience digital content. 

In 2024, we expect to see a greater adoption of haptic technology across different industries. As technology continues to evolve and develop, the line between the physical and the digital world will become increasingly blurred, creating an avenue for more immersive and interactive experiences for users. We believe haptics is at the forefront of this evolution, further incorporating our sense of touch into digital experiences.

At TITAN HAPTICS, we are excited to be a part of this revolution. We have been working tirelessly with our engineers and designers to develop innovative haptic products that will meet the evolving needs of customers. We have some exciting projects ahead of us, and we look forward to sharing with you some innovative products that will push the boundaries of what's possible with haptic technology.