HTC had prepared a conference at CES specifically focused on its virtual reality branch, and it seems the brand has prepared quite well, as it has shown no less than three new products with which to improve virtual reality offerings.
HTC VIVE COSMOS, the ultimate home virtual reality?
On one hand, we have the VIVE COSMOS , a product designed for the end consumer that will allow them to enjoy a completely immersive experience without the need for tracking beacons or cables. Comfort is the main attraction of this model (its grip system is very reminiscent of that of the PlayStation VR ), as it will allow you to enjoy virtual reality wherever you go. The product is presented as a headset for use with a computer, although the promotional video also shows a mobile phone, which could be significant.
We'd like to give you a first look at VIVE COSMOS, the newest VR headset from VIVE. #HTCVIVECOSMOS #HTCVIVE #VIVEPORT pic.twitter.com/oP00jXoevU
— HTC VIVE (@htcvive) January 7, 2019
The brand has not given many more details, although it does specify that the device has a modular design that can be updated in the future. At the moment it is what we know, so we will have to wait for future presentations to find out all the details that this new product hides, although seen what has been seen, it looks very good.
HTC VIVE PRO EYE removes controls to introduce eye control
These new VIVE PRO EYE headsets are arguably the brand's most powerful release to date, as they present a model poised to revolutionize the virtual reality market. With the help of an eye tracker, the device can natively detect where you're looking, eliminating the need for external controllers.
For now, the brand is going to start showing the product to companies and partners who want to work with it, and they plan to give more details about it throughout the week at CES. The elimination of controls may not be what is expected for lovers of virtual reality games (the ideal is to have physical elements that imitate an object within the experience), but this technology may serve to take other experiences to another level that do not require such direct control of the action. As a curiosity, virtual avatars will also be able to blink at the same time that we do.
#HTCVIVEPROEYE integrates eye tracking natively & will offer greater accessibility, gaze-oriented menu navigation & removing the need for controllers. #HTCVIVE pic.twitter.com/QTAWOgElIW
— HTC VIVE (@htcvive) January 7, 2019
In addition, this technology will allow the image rendering process to focus the full potential of the processor on the image that the eye is looking at at that moment, thereby freeing up load by reducing the image quality of the periphery in which the eye does not see directly.
The new VIVE PRO VR improves in resolution and now has headphones
Another new feature is the updated VIVE PRO PR , a model that features upgraded displays with new panels boasting a resolution of 2.880 x 1.600 pixels (up from 1.400 x 1.600). This significantly improves image definition, allowing for greater detail in elements such as text and sharply defined textures thanks to a 37% increase in pixel density. Furthermore, two microphones have been integrated into the headset to create a noise-canceling system, contributing to a superior audio experience. The complete kit, including the positioning lights and controls, will be priced at €1.399.