Last year at MWC 2015, HTC revealed a partnership with Valve that would allow the two companies to design a complete virtual reality headset known as the Vive. While Valve would handle the software with SteamVR, HTC’s responsibility is to assemble the hardware. But we’ve gone almost an entire year with little information given about the Vive’s status. Fortunately, a few weeks ago, HTC CEO Cher Wang said that the project had made a “very big technology breakthrough” and more would come at CES 2016. Now here we are at the annual trade show and the company is ready to show the new Vive Pre, a virtual reality headset that is smaller and lighter than the original of last year.
The Vive Pre is what HTC considers the second generation of its virtual reality hardware. With a refreshed design, better display, and altered controllers, HTC believes it has a player to win in the virtual reality arena.
HTC was able to shrink the overall size of the virtual reality headset and make it more comfortable to wear. The enhanced straps make the viewing experience more stable and balanced. Throw in display improvements — being brighter and having better clarity — and HTC seems to have an optimal viewing experienced. Many virtual reality headsets on the market today or heading to a release still haven’t nailed a comfortable, high-end setup.
There’s also a new integrated front-facing camera that HTC says “allows you to do more both inside and outside your virtual world by blending elements into the virtual space.” Basically HTC is letting you know that you won’t have to take off the Vive Pre to see the real world.
Cher Wang, HTC’S CEO, said the following about the entire project’s timeline:
“When we first announced Vive ten months ago we had an ambitious goal of fundamentally changing the way people communicate and interact with the world – forever. Since then Vive has received a phenomenally positive reception from media, industry commentators, consumers, and the hundreds of partners and brands we’ve been working with to deliver inspiring and dynamic VR content.
“Today we stand on the precipice of a new era.”
Changes were made, too, to the controllers. The controllers are more comfortable than before due to the inclusion of softer edges, textured buttons, and embedded grip pads.
The Vive Pre’s controllers have lithium polymer batters that are charged through a micro-USB port. HTC estimates that the controllers should operate for more than four hours on a single charge.
The HTC Vive should launch in April while fifteen partners are going to continue showcasing content made for the virtual reality headset during the week. Meanwhile, HTC and Valve are going to be making even more Vive Pre units, around 7,000 of them, available to developers.
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HTC RESHAPES HUMAN IMAGINATION WITH INSPIRING VIRTUAL REALITY
Las Vegas, ces, January 5 2016 — HTC, a pioneer in innovative smart technologies, today announced new developments to the Vive VR system that represent the next step in bringing virtual reality to a mass-market. With Vive Pre, HTC is fulfilling the promise of creating fully immersive experiences that change how we communicate, how we are entertained, and how we learn and train. Each and every component has been redesigned from the ground up to provide better comfort, ergonomics, and performance. With milestone improvements in both visuals and versatility, Vive Pre creates a world without limits.
“When we first announced Vive ten months ago we had an ambitious goal of fundamentally changing the way people communicate and interact with the world – forever” comments Cher Wang, chairwoman and CEO, HTC. “Since then Vive has received a phenomenally positive reception from media, industry commentators, consumers, and the hundreds of partners and brands we’ve been working with to deliver inspiring and dynamic VR content. For too long, the promise of virtual reality has been little more than a promise. Today we stand on the precipice of a new era. Vive is creating a world where the only limit is human imagination.”
Become immersed with the new Vive Headset
The refreshed design of the Vive headset has been refined to offer greater comfort to the wearer, increasing the sense of immersion in the virtual worlds it creates. The headset is now more compact and features an updated strap design that provides greater stability and balance. An improved visual system with brighter displays and image refinements leads to increased clarity, and an even deeper sense of presence. On the inside, interchangeable foam inserts and nose gaskets mean the Vive Pre fits comfortably and securely to the user. Vive Pre can also be easily adjusted to suit a variety of facial shapes while remaining compatible with a variety of eyeglasses.Integrated front facing camera merges the physical and virtual
Vive Pre brings elements of the real world into the VR realm. A newly developed front facing camera allows you to do more both inside and outside your Virtual world by blending physical elements into the virtual space. Being able to take a seat, find your drink, and carry on conversations without removing your headset is only the beginning of what’s possible.Greater Control
Completing the VR experience, the Vive’s controllers have been overhauled and enhanced with updated ergonomics and softer edges, greater balance, new textured buttons, and grip pads for a more comfortable feel in the hand. The new dual stage trigger makes interaction with objects smoother, and haptic feedback delivers vital feedback about your interactions with the virtual world. For power, the controllers now feature integrated rechargeable lithium polymer batteries with micro-USB charging that provides over 4 hours of runtime on a single charge.The Vive base stations have also been redesigned to be more compact, quieter, and provide improved tracking.
Complete Solution
The HTC Vive will be the first VR hardware to support SteamVR. Created by Valve, Steam VR tracking and the Chaperone system are optimized for use with Steam, one of the largest online platforms for PC, Linux and Mac games and software.Shaping the Virtual Reality Industry
Since announcing Vive, HTC and Valve have worked with thousands of developers and partners to create VR content across a wide spectrum of sectors; from gaming and entertainment to health, automotive, retail and education. HTC and over 15 Vive partners will be showcasing VR applications at CES 2016, demonstrating the potential of a world without limits on imagination. Leading automotive manufacturer Audi has created a premium retail experience where consumers can explore their dream car with virtual reality, and Dassault Systemes, the 3DEXPERIENCE company, will showcase how it is developing the future of 3D product design in VR. HTC is also showcasing a new brand for Vive at CES 2016.While Vive is scheduled for commercial launch in April 2016, HTC and Valve will be starting the new year by making an additional 7,000 units available to developers.
About HTC
HTC Corporation aims to bring brilliance to life. As a global innovator in smart mobile devices and technology, HTC has produced award-winning products and industry firsts since its inception in 1997, including the critically acclaimed HTC One and HTC Desire lines of smartphones. The pursuit of brilliance is at the heart of everything we do, inspiring best-in-class design and game-changing mobile experiences for consumers around the world. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). www.htc.com.
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