News JVTech Sony wants to turn you into an anime character
Technology is evolving very quickly, but the goal for brands is to democratize it even faster just to capitalize on it. For once, it’s Sony’s turn to offer a neat little tech that lets you embody your favorite waifu.
Mocopi: motion capture accessible to all
A brand new motion capture technology is being marketed via a commercial on Sony Japan’s YouTube account. It’s called Mocopi, and the goal is to make motion capture accessible to everyone without having to mess with fairly complex software.
The principle of Mocopi is simple, you only have to place six color dots on the head, hips, arms and legs to get an impression of professional motion capture. Obviously this is consumer technology, just a little gadget to test out while you have fun, so don’t expect Hollywood rendering.
Performance session recorded for God of War (2018)
Sony’s video shows that the sensors have to be connected to the app individually. A bit like wireless headphones, it shows each sensor’s battery, as well as where each sensor should be.
Motion capture is still a niche technology used mostly by film and video game professionals, but Sony wants to make it easier without forcing you to buy an integral combination of dedicated software. Weighing 8 grams per sensor, Sony has developed this gadget to facilitate the recovery of recording data directly on your smartphone and to export videos in MP4 format through the application. Sony also announces that Mocopi is also compatible with other software or games such as VRChat.
Sony also shared the autonomy of Mocopi, you can embody your best waifu or any other 3D avatar for about 10 hours before having to charge the sensors directly in their small box with a USB-C cable.
To make the technology compatible with most software, Sony will start sending development kits to many studios starting December 15th.
An even easier way to create content
Of course, the goal is also to reach streamers who can transfer their avatar in motion capture directly to Twitch without having to dig around in the 3D software jungle.
While virtual reality headsets are still struggling to break into the influencer market, in part because viewers simply don’t have access to the same visual content as the videographer, this type of motion capture technology could one create a whole new scene of streamers who can embody different characters to spice up their lives.
Sony even speaks of compatibility with game engines like Unity. So imagine how motion capture would be easier and more accessible to create prototypes for example.
Meanwhile, pre-orders are slated to begin mid-December via Sony’s online store. But the biggest surprise is the price! To use the app with Mocopi sensors you have to pay 358 US dollars, the prices in dollars have not yet been communicated.
