Ultraleap Leap Motion Controller 2
| Ultraleap Leap Motion Controller 2 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality |
| Type | Hand Tracking Device |
| Subtype | Optical Hand Tracker, VR Accessory |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Creator | Ultraleap |
| Developer | Ultraleap |
| Manufacturer | Ultraleap |
| Announcement Date | 2023 |
| Release Date | 2023 |
| Price | ~$139-$169 |
| Website | https://www.ultraleap.com/ |
| Versions | Leap Motion Controller 2 (2nd Gen) |
| Requires | USB 3.0 port, compatible VR headset or PC |
| Predecessor | Leap Motion Controller (1st Gen) |
| Successor | None announced |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows 10+, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Chipset | Custom optical processing |
| CPU | N/A (host-powered) |
| GPU | N/A (host-powered) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | N/A (tracking device) |
| Subpixel Layout | N/A |
| Peak Brightness | N/A |
| Resolution | N/A |
| Pixel Density | N/A |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz tracking |
| Persistence | N/A |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 160° × 160° |
| Horizontal FoV | 160° |
| Vertical FoV | 160° |
| Average Pixel Density | N/A |
| Peak Pixel Density | N/A |
| Foveated Rendering | N/A |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Dual infrared cameras |
| Ocularity | N/A |
| IPD Range | N/A |
| Adjustable Diopter | N/A |
| Passthrough | N/A |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | Hand tracking (27 joints per hand) |
| Tracking Frequency | 120Hz |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (primary function) |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Hand orientation |
| Positional Tracking | Hand position |
| Update Rate | 120Hz |
| Tracking Volume | 10cm to 110cm depth |
| Play Space | Desktop or headset-mounted |
| Latency | Low latency (millisecond-level) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | No |
| Microphone | No |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No |
| Camera | Dual infrared cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0 (USB Type-C) |
| Ports | USB Type-C |
| Wired Video | No |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Power | USB powered (5V, 500mA) |
| Battery Capacity | N/A (USB powered) |
| Battery Life | N/A |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Smaller than Gen 1 |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Material | Compact plastic housing |
| Headstrap | Mounting accessories available |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | Dual IR cameras, IR LEDs |
| Input | Hand gestures |
| Compliance | CE, FCC |
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The Ultraleap Leap Motion Controller 2 is a second-generation optical hand tracking device developed by Ultraleap, released in 2023 as the successor to the original Leap Motion Controller. Representing a significant advancement in compact hand tracking technology, the Controller 2 features a dramatically smaller form factor while delivering a larger 160° × 160° field of view—substantially wider than its predecessor. The device uses dual infrared cameras operating at 120Hz to track 27 individual joints per hand with submillimeter precision, enabling natural gesture interaction in VR, AR, and desktop applications. Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android platforms, the Controller 2 connects via USB 3.0 (USB Type-C) and works with popular VR headsets including Meta Quest, HTC Vive Focus 3, and Pico Neo series when headset-mounted, or can be used for desktop gesture control applications. The accompanying Ultraleap Hyperion software platform, launched in 2024, provides enhanced tracking capabilities including improved object-in-hand tracking for mixed reality applications, with plugins available for Unity and Unreal Engine. Priced at approximately $139-$169, the Leap Motion Controller 2 targets VR developers, enterprise applications, digital signage, and accessibility markets. In mid-2024, Ultraleap announced workforce reductions and plans to potentially sell the Leap Motion technology.
History and Development
Leap Motion Origins
Company background:
- Founded 2010
- Original Leap Motion Controller 2013
- Hand tracking pioneer
- Acquired by Ultraleap 2019
Ultraleap Merger
Corporate evolution:
- Ultrahaptics + Leap Motion
- Combined technologies
- Haptics + hand tracking
- Unified brand
Controller 2 Development
Next generation:
- Smaller form factor goal
- Wider FOV target
- Lower power design
- VR headset optimization
2023 Release
Commercial launch:
- Second generation hardware
- Major improvements
- Global availability
- Developer focus
2024 Challenges
Business situation:
- Workforce reductions (50%)
- Technology sale exploration
- Market challenges
- Uncertain future
Design Philosophy
Compact Form Factor
Size priority:
- Significantly smaller than Gen 1
- VR headset mounting friendly
- Portable design
- Unobtrusive placement
Wider Field of View
Tracking coverage:
- 160° × 160° FOV
- Larger than predecessor
- Better hand coverage
- Reduced tracking loss
High-Speed Tracking
Performance focus:
- 120Hz camera rate
- Low latency
- Smooth tracking
- Responsive interaction
Cross-Platform
Compatibility priority:
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Android support
- VR headset integration
- Desktop applications
Tracking Technology
Dual Infrared Cameras
Optical system:
- Two IR cameras
- Stereoscopic vision
- Depth calculation
- Hand detection
27-Joint Tracking
Hand model:
- Joints tracked: 27 per hand
- Fingertip positions
- Knuckle tracking
- Palm orientation
Submillimeter Precision
Accuracy:
- Millimeter-level tracking
- Fine gesture detection
- Subtle movements
- Detailed capture
Tracking Range
Operating distance:
- Near: 10cm (4 inches)
- Far: 110cm (43 inches)
- Optimal desktop distance
- VR headset distance
Field of View
Expanded Coverage
FOV specifications:
- Horizontal: 160°
- Vertical: 160°
- Square coverage
- Symmetric tracking
Tracking Volume
3D space:
- Large capture area
- Hand movement freedom
- Edge tracking improved
- Natural interaction space
Connectivity
USB 3.0
Connection:
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Connector: USB Type-C
- High-speed data
- Host-powered
Cable
Included accessory:
- 1.5m USB-C to USB-C
- Extended length
- Flexible routing
- Quality construction
Power
USB Powered
Power specifications:
- Voltage: 5V DC
- Current: 500mA
- No external power
- Bus-powered
Low Power Design
Efficiency:
- Improved over Gen 1
- Standalone headset friendly
- Reduced heat
- Mobile compatible
Software Platform
Ultraleap Hyperion
Software suite:
- Latest tracking software
- Customizable performance
- Direct hardware access
- Advanced features
SDK
Developer tools:
- Unity plugin
- Unreal Engine plugin
- C++ API
- Free to use
Tracking Modes
Application types:
- Desktop mode
- VR headset mode
- Screentop mode
- Custom configurations
Platform Compatibility
Operating Systems
Supported platforms:
- Windows: 10, 11
- macOS: Supported
- Linux: Supported
- Android: Supported
VR Headsets
Compatible devices:
- Meta Quest series
- PICO Neo 3 Pro/Pro Eye
- PICO G3
- HTC Vive Focus 3
- PC VR headsets
Mounting Options
Desktop Use
Table placement:
- Standard desktop mode
- Gesture control
- Digital signage
- Kiosk applications
VR Headset Mount
Head-mounted:
- Adapter accessories
- Front-facing mount
- Integrated tracking
- Standalone enhancement
Use Cases
VR Hand Interaction
Virtual reality:
- Controller-free input
- Natural gestures
- Immersive interaction
- Gaming input
Enterprise Applications
Business use:
- Training simulations
- Design review
- Virtual prototyping
- Remote collaboration
Digital Signage
Public installations:
- Touchless interaction
- Kiosk control
- Public displays
- Accessibility
Accessibility
Assistive technology:
- Motor impairment aid
- Alternative input
- Gesture commands
- Inclusive design
Comparison with Hand Tracking Solutions
| Feature | Leap Motion 2 | Leap Motion 1 | Quest Hand Tracking | Vive Focus Hand Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | External sensor | External sensor | Built-in | Built-in |
| FOV | 160° × 160° | 140° × 120° | Headset-dependent | Headset-dependent |
| Tracking Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Joints Tracked | 27 per hand | 27 per hand | 26 per hand | 26 per hand |
| Connection | USB-C | USB-A | N/A | N/A |
| Platform | Multi-platform | Multi-platform | Quest only | Vive only |
| Price | ~$139-$169 | ~$89 (discontinued) | Included | Included |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- 160° × 160° wide field of view
- 120Hz high-speed tracking
- 27 joints per hand tracking
- Submillimeter precision
- Compact form factor
- USB-C connectivity
- Cross-platform (Windows/macOS/Linux/Android)
- VR headset mounting compatible
- Unity/Unreal plugins available
- Low power consumption
Limitations
- External device required (not built-in)
- USB connection needed
- Company facing business challenges (2024)
- Limited after December 2024 calibration issues
- No haptic feedback
- Infrared interference sensitivity
- Additional cost for VR users
- Object-in-hand tracking improving but not perfect
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Optical hand tracking sensor |
| Cameras | Dual infrared |
| Tracking Rate | 120Hz |
| Field of View | 160° × 160° |
| Tracking Range | 10cm - 110cm |
| Joints Tracked | 27 per hand |
| Connection | USB 3.0 (USB-C) |
| Power | USB bus-powered (5V, 500mA) |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Price | ~$139-$169 |