Pico’s Latest Upgrade Makes Me Wish for Better Body Tracking on Meta Quest

Pico has just launched an exciting update to its VR headset capabilities, making a major leap in motion tracking technology. The introduction of the new waist tracker promises to enhance virtual reality experiences by offering full-body tracking, a feature previously only available through foot trackers. With this upgrade, Pico further cements its position as a serious competitor in the VR space. As a fan of VR tech, I find myself wishing my Meta Quest 3 could get access to similar features, as it highlights the shortcomings of Meta’s current offerings.

An Exciting New Motion Tracker for Enhanced Immersion

Pico’s recent update adds a waist tracker to its lineup of motion-tracking devices, available for £39.99 (around $50 / AU$85). This is a direct extension of the motion tracker technology first introduced with the Pico 4 Ultra. When I reviewed the Pico 4 Ultra last year, the foot trackers were undeniably the headset’s standout feature, enabling accurate foot tracking for supported games. These trackers allowed for incredibly immersive experiences, especially when combined with hand tracking, making it feel like you were fully engaged in the virtual environment.

Now, with the introduction of the waist tracker, Pico aims to extend this experience to the entire body. This new addition promises to bring full-body tracking to compatible VR titles like VRChat and certain PCVR experiences through the Pico Connect feature. Though I haven’t had the chance to test the tracker yet, given the stellar performance of the foot trackers, I’m optimistic that the waist tracker will deliver the same level of accuracy and immersion.

This upgrade has potential applications in a wide range of VR experiences, particularly those focused on physical activity. VR fitness apps, dancing games, and new VR props (like hula hoops) will benefit from more natural movement tracking. With the ability to track waist movements, users will have even greater control over their virtual actions, making exercise and games more interactive and dynamic.

Why Meta Still Lags Behind in Body Tracking

While Pico is taking the lead in the body tracking space, Meta’s offerings still feel a bit behind. Meta does offer basic body tracking via the headset’s downward-facing cameras, but it’s far from a flawless solution. The AI used for tracking is good at estimating the positions of your legs and body, but it’s not always spot-on. Furthermore, Meta’s implementation of body tracking is not as robust or widely adopted as Pico’s sophisticated solution, especially in third-party apps.

Despite this, Meta’s VR ecosystem remains vastly superior in terms of content. The Meta Quest 3 boasts an impressive software catalog, something that Pico has struggled to match. Moreover, Meta’s Quest line is more affordable and widely available, making it the go-to choice for most VR enthusiasts. The Meta Quest 3 also has better global availability than the Pico headsets, which are still difficult to find in regions like the United States.

It’s also worth noting that Meta has not yet introduced physical motion trackers like those offered by Pico. In fact, Meta’s CTO dismissed the idea of physical trackers for the Quest last year, which leaves many wondering if the company will ever explore this option. It’s a missed opportunity, as physical trackers could significantly enhance the Meta Quest 3’s versatility and user experience, especially in comparison to Pico’s offerings.

What Undercode Say:

The recent update from Pico clearly illustrates how VR companies are constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to enhancing immersion and user experience. Body tracking has become one of the most sought-after features in the VR world, as it allows users to interact with virtual environments in a way that feels far more natural. Pico’s new waist tracker is a prime example of how the addition of small but significant upgrades can vastly improve the overall VR experience.

However, it also underscores the current limitations of Meta’s hardware, especially when it comes to body tracking. While Meta continues to dominate the market with its Quest series, the lack of advanced body tracking options leaves room for competitors like Pico to take the lead in certain areas. The absence of physical motion trackers, coupled with the limited implementation of AI-based body tracking, suggests that Meta may need to rethink its approach to motion tracking in the coming years if it hopes to maintain its market position.

The potential for VR to become a more immersive and physically engaging experience is undeniable. The introduction of waist trackers and other body tracking technologies could be the next step toward a truly full-body VR experience. For now, Pico seems to be ahead of the curve, and Meta will need to adapt to stay competitive.

Fact Checker Results:

The Pico waist tracker launched on April 9, 2025, priced at £39.99 (approximately $50 / AU$85).
Meta’s AI-based body tracking is a good start but lacks the precision and implementation that physical motion trackers offer.
Pico’s motion trackers are praised for their superior accuracy, especially in supported VR titles like VRChat and fitness apps.