HTC announces the new VR headset 'VIVE Cosmos' easy to install and 'VIVE Pro Eye' for eye tracking etc

In line with CES 2019 held in Las Vegas, the USA, HTC will introduce VR new products & services such as VR headset " VIVE Pro Eye " with eye tracking (eye tracking) function and a simpler new headset " VIVE Cosmos " Announced.

New VIVE PRO
https://www.vive.com/pro-eye/

VIVE COSMOS
https://www.vive.com/jp/cosmos/

◆ VIVE Pro Eye
"VIVE Pro Eye" equipped with an eye tracking function in the VR headset "VIVIE Pro". The viewing angle is 110 degrees with a display of 1440 × 1600 pixels (615 ppi · 90 Hz) × 2, with high resolution headphones mounted, it is ergonomically designed to fit glasses.

By being able to trace the line of sight, we can realize new operability unnecessary for controllers, such as choosing menus just by watching. The room scale stage can be up to 4.5 m × 4.5 m, and VR experiences with multiple people are also possible.

Eye tracking function enables intuitive operation such as high precision aim by just looking at the target. Eye tracking allows for a rendered rendering that reduces the resolution of the peripheral vision and reduces the load, and clear image rendering is possible by appropriately distributing GPU power to objects and areas.

VisrtualCast Enterprise version already fulfills VIVE Pro Eye compatibility and has released a demonstration movie of avatar expression linking to user's eyes movement and blinking.

"VIVE Pro Eye" Eye Tracking Demo - YouTube


Moreover, in business use, it is also possible to apply such as measuring how much attention a user is in the virtual store simulation.

VIVE Pro Eye will be released in April 2019.

◆ VIVE Cosmos
A newly developed headset "VIVE Cosmos" was announced to lower the hurdle of VR experience.

The features of VIVE Cosmos can be checked with the following movie.

HTC VIVE - VIVE Cosmos Trailer - YouTube


VIVE Cosmos The biggest feature is that you can have a free VR experience with cable less. The camera sensor does not require an external base station, so it has the flexibility to use it regardless of location, such as it can be used both at home and on the go. Mobile stations such as smartphones as well as PCs are assumed for the mother ship to be connected.

It is easy and it takes time and effort of setup, "It is possible to start a VR experience from the moment you take it out of the box."

Designed for comfort and convenience, flip-up design makes it possible to respond quickly to incoming calls, so you can instantly switch back and forth between virtual space and real space.

6DoF headset can use accurate tracking and gesture control with the included controller.

"I will realize a deep immersive VR experience from the moment I take it out of the box."

The VIVE Cosmos developer kit is to be offered early in 2019. Details such as how to connect with the gaming PC to become the mother ship and price will be announced in the second half of 2019.

◆ Viveport Infinity
Viveport Infinity, a subscription service that allows unrestricted content usage, has been newly established in the VR content distribution platform "Viveport". Viveport Infinity is simply a service called "Netflix in the VR world" in a nutshell.

Viveport Infinity - Unlimited Adventure - YouTube


According to HTC, the use of Viveport has tripled more than one year ago, and already over 1000 contents are already available. It seems that the introduction of the unlimited plan became it by not being able to keep up with demand with the subscription service of 5 contents in the past.

Viveport Infinity can download and use over 500 contents unlimitedly.

Not only games ......

artwork

Educational software

Sports

Various contents such as music can be used unlimitedly.

Viveport Infinity will start on April 5, 2019, but the monthly fee is unknown at the time of article creation.

◆ Vive Reality System
"Vive Reality System" which improved VR headset core software was also announced.

We also wanted to rethink how users interact in VR, so we are announcing the VIVE Reality System, a re-imagination of VIVE core software to bring more voices and meaningful VR experiences to our audience. Here's a glimpse of it in action. # HTCVIVE #HTCVIVEREALITYSYSTEM pic.twitter.com/rnS1CfWEbD

- HTC VIVE (@ htcvive) January 7, 2019

Vive Reality System allows users to connect to each other, participate in activities such as watching movies, playing games, and other creative experiences.

Welcome To The VIVE Reality System - YouTube


Although details on Vive Reality System are not clarified, the first compatible terminal becomes VIVE Cosmos and distribution is scheduled to start in the second half of 2019.