We are excited to announce the release of Head Mounted VR Update 2.5! 🎉 This significant milestone focuses on enhancing the Unreal Engine VR Hand experience. This update brings substantial improvements to hand class, introduces streamlined component, and fixes critical issues to provide developers with more realistic and efficient hand setup for virtual reality. 🖐️✨

🔗Original blog post

What's New in Head Mounted VR Update 2.5?

1. Introducing the UVR_HandComponent 🆕

The traditional AVR_Hand actor has been replaced with the new UVR_HandComponent, revolutionizing the way developers implement Unreal Engine VR Hand mechanics. This component is no longer an actor, which means:

• Automated Hand Setup 🤖: The hand setup process is now fully automated, relying solely on component parameters.
• Simplified Configuration ⚙️: Developers can easily adjust hand settings without dealing with complex actor configurations.

  

2. Automated Finger Inverse Kinematics (IK) Setup 🦾

Enhancing VR hand animation in Unreal Engine, the Hand Component now includes an automated IK setup:

1. Select Animations 🎥: Simply choose your open and closed hand animations.
2. Tip Sockets on Hand Skeleton 🦴: Set up tip sockets directly on the hand skeleton for precise finger movement.
3. Define Finger Segments ✋: Specify the number of segments (traces) for each finger to achieve realistic bending and movement.

   

3. Automated Collision Setup 🎯

Improving VR hand collision in Unreal Engine, the Hand Component now features an automated collision setup:

1. Socket-Based Configuration 🔌: Collision setup depends on start and tip sockets placed on the skeletal mesh.
2. Enhanced Interaction Accuracy 🎯: This automation ensures precise collision detection, enhancing the realism of hand interactions in VR environments.

   

4. Reduced Number of Hand Components 📉

We've streamlined the hand components by reducing their number:

• Simplified Structure 🧩: Fewer components mean less complexity and easier management.
• Optimized Performance ⚡: Reducing components helps improve performance, crucial for VR.
  

5. Fixed Hand Blueprint Open Delay ⏱️

Addressing previous issues, we've fixed the Hand BP open delay. Hand Blueprints now open promptly, enhancing development workflow.

6. Improved Hand Physics Network Replication 🌐

We've enhanced the Unreal Engine VR Hand physics replication over networks:

• Smoother Multiplayer Experience 🕹️: Hand physics now replicate more reliably in multiplayer sessions.
• Consistent Interactions 🤝: All players experience consistent hand physics, crucial for collaborative VR applications.
  

7. Streamlined Hand Parameters 🎚️

The number of hand parameters has been reduced:

• Easier Customization 🛠️: Developers can focus on key settings without being overwhelmed.
• Simplified Development 🏗️: Streamlining parameters accelerates the development process.
  

8. Optional Pre-Built Hand-Attached Menu 📝

Developers now have the option to disable the pre-built hand-attached menu. Remove unnecessary menu to create your own.

9. New Debug Settings 🐞

We've added debug settings for:

• Collision 🛡️: Test and fine-tune collision.
• Grab Mechanics ✊: Adjust grabbing interactions for objects.
• Finger IK 🖖: Refine finger IK setups.

These tools help developers optimize VR hand interaction in Unreal Engine more effectively.

10. Enhanced Hand Physics Constraints 🔗

Hand physics constraints now use pure Constraint Instances:

• No Additional Components 🚫🧩: Eliminates the need for extra components, simplifying the physics setup.
• Foundation for Future Updates 🏁: This change prepares the system for upcoming enhancements where hands will use physics built from scratch.

11. Introducing Chuck: Your GPT-Powered Documentation Assistant 🤖

We are thrilled to introduce Chuck, our new GPT-based Discord bot designed to assist you with HMVR documentation:

• Instant Assistance ⚡: Get immediate answers to your HMVR questions.
• Comprehensive Knowledge 📚: Chuck is trained on our extensive documentation to provide accurate and helpful information.
• Easy Access 🗨️: Simply join our Discord server and interact with Chuck in the designated channel.

Preparing for the Upcoming 3.0 Update 📅

This 2.5 update lays the groundwork for the Head Mounted VR Update 3.0, scheduled for release between January and February. 📆 The next major update will introduce a significant amount of sandbox content 🏞️, expanding the possibilities for Unreal Engine VR Hand development and interactive VR experiences.

Why This Update Matters 💡

• Simplify Hand Setup👐: Automated setups make it more easier for developers(especially for BP developers).
• Efficient Development ⏩: Streamlined components and reduced parameters simplify the development process.
• Improved Performance 🏎️: Optimization leads to better performance, essential for VR experiences.
• Developer Flexibility 🛠️: Optional features and new debug settings provide greater control over hand mechanics.
  

Get Started with Head Mounted VR Update 2.5 🏁

To take advantage of these new features and improvements:

1. Download the Update 2.5 from FAB
2. Update Your Project 🔄: Ensure you have the latest version of Head Mounted VR.
3. Configure the UVR_HandComponent 🧰: Set up your hand animations, tip sockets, and finger segments.
4. Test the New Features 🧪: Use the new debug settings to fine-tune hand interactions.
5. Prepare for 3.0 📆: Start exploring the possibilities to be ready for the upcoming sandbox content.
   

Conclusion 🎯

Head Mounted VR Update 2.5 significantly enhances the Unreal Engine VR Hand experience by improving/simplifying hand component structures, and fixing critical issues. These updates empower developers to create more immersive and interactive VR applications with ease. 🌟

Keywords: Unreal Engine VR Hand, VR hand physics, hand tracking, VR hand collision, VR hand animation in Unreal Engine, Unreal Engine VR hand tutorials, VR hand interaction Unreal Engine, hand tracking plugins for Unreal Engine.

Optimize Your VR Projects Today! 🚀

Stay ahead in VR development by leveraging the latest features of Head Mounted VR Update 2.5. Enhance your projects with realistic hands and prepare for the exciting content coming in the 3.0 update. 🎮

Need Help? 🤔

If you have any questions or need assistance with the new features:

• Visit Our New Hand Tutorial 📚: Check out our comprehensive guide on implementing the new hand components. (Soon)
• Join the Community 👥: Engage with other developers on our Discord Server and share your experiences.
• Contact Support 🆘: Our team is here to help you make the most of Head Mounted VR Update 2.5.
  

By integrating these advancements into your VR projects, you'll deliver more engaging and realistic experiences to users, setting your applications apart in the rapidly evolving VR landscape 🏞️.