HTC have shown off their new VR headsets at its ViveCon virtual event today, confirming rumours by announcing TWO different models – the HTC Vive Pro 2 and the HTC Vive Focus 3.
As expected following weeks of internet rumours and teasers, HTC have announced they are brining out two new VR headsets. The consumer model, the HTC Vive Pro 2 will ship in June, and the enterprise-based edition Focus 3 later the same month.
HTC Vive Pro 2
The Vive Pro 2 will be a PC VR headset which will be aimed at both consumers and enterprise. HTC have begun pre-orders with a promotional price set at $749/£659 until May 31st. This option is best for people who already have the essential SteamVR kit (at least two base stations and either a pair of Vive wands or Valve Index controllers). HTC plans to start shipping globally on June 3rd, but those waiting for full release will see the price will increase to $799/£719.
The full HTC Vive Pro 2 kit will go on sale in August, retailing for $1399/£1299. This package will include the Vive controllers and Base Station 2.0.
The Vive Pro 2 is very similar in style and shape to the original Vive pro with its distinct black and blue design. It also comes with an adjustable headband and built-in speakers. The latest kit features an LCD display offering 2448×2448 per-eye resolution, with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 120 degree field of view (FOV). There’s also an adjustable IPD.
It will come with support for existing Vive and SteamVR peripherals too, but will lack the eye-tracking support as seen in the Vive Pro Eye.
“At ViveCon we redefined premium VR for both businesses and consumers, with stunning 5K resolution and 120-degree field of view setting a new benchmark for PC VR and all-in-One headsets. Vive Pro 2 delivers an amazing immersive experience, with beautifully fluid visuals, comfort, and precise tracking, for when every pixel and polygon counts,”
Graham Wheeler, HTC VIVE EMEA General Manager
HTC Vive Focus 3
The Vive Focus 3 will be a standalone device aimed firmly at the enterprise market. This model will run on Qualcomm’s latest XR2 chip, which is the same used in the Oculus Quest 2. The display specification though is more comparable to the Vive Pro 3, featuring 2448×2448 per-eye 5k resolution and 120 degree FOV – but with a lower 90Hz refresh rate. The headset will feature a four camera inside-out tracking system and comes with new controllers.
One of the most interesting features is that it is the first VR headset with a swappable battery, located at the back of the headset. This will mean users no longer need worry about running out of power. However, it remains to be seen whether there will be a smaller, internal battery, to keep the device powered whilst changing over batteries, or, if the device powers down first.
The Focus 3 will also come pre-loaded with some enterprise-focused software including access to the Vive Business AppStore, which is a marketplace for enterprise applications.
Unlike the Pro 2, the Vive Focus 3 will only be sold to businesses. HTC did say it will also be available on “some consumer channels” in the future. It will come priced at $1,300/£1,060 but this also includes a 24 month warranty and access to the services suite. The company did not confirm if a consumer version of the device would become available in the future.
You can watch the ViveCon event in full here:
