The new HTC Vive Pro doesn’t mean the original Vive virtual reality headset is going away. As its name suggests, the Vive Pro is going after the hardcore VR enthusiasts and those businesses that need the most powerful virtual reality experience they can get. HTC bumped up the resolution on the Vive Pro, it sports high-res OLED screens with a 2,880 x 1,600 resolution and 615 pixels per inch (which is a significant jump from the 1,080 x 1,200 resolution and 448ppi of the Vive). Ars Technica claims the field-of-view might not be improved this time around, instead the new resolution conforms to the resolution ratio of the original Vive. This new resolution though will work particularly well for training simulations as Ars Technica reports.
Some of the other new feature include integrated 3D audio and a new head strap that comes with a sizing dial that helps redistribute the weight and make this headset more ergonomic. It comes with dual front-facing cameras and two microphones. HTC is releasing the standalone headset without tracking equipment in the first quarter of this year. You’ll get use out of it since the Vive Pro works with existing VR systems including the original base station and SteamVR tracking 1.0. You can pair up to four base stations to create a 10 x 10 ft. play area. The complete package including version 2.0 of the base station as well as controllers are expected later this year.
Since the Vive Pro is still a tethered experience (no word yet on what PC specs are needed to get this to run smoothly), HTC is also releasing in the summer a wireless adapter that works with both the Vive and Vive Pro. It’s powered by Intel’s WiGig technology. We don’t have word yet on pricing for all the new VR gear from HTC but that’s said to come once HTC officially launches the gadgets.
Source: Engadget