The 2019 Consumer Electronic Expo has come and gone, presenting exciting new concepts to the field of VR and AR technology. This year’s show was dominated by HTC, debuting a new VR headset with inside-out tracking, as well as an exciting new social platform, and updates to the current Viveport system.
Here’s a rundown of all the new announcements from the VR giant at this year’s expo presser.
HTC Vive Pro Eye
HTC sets the industry standard of eye-tracking functionality with its release of the brand new version of its high-end Vive Pro headset, the “Vive Pro Eye.” This version of the popular VR headset includes all of the previous features, with the addition of an internal camera and eye tracking.
We enjoyed the demo for this tech, which featured a Homerun Derby Simulation, where audience members had the chance to knock one out of the virtual park, using a real baseball bat.
Vive Reality System
HTC emphasizes the creative experience through the launch of its new Vive Reality System. The revamp of the core Vive software permits users to interact with each other while watching video content and playing games. Users of the platform begin their virtual journey in a base-world known as “Origin,” where they socialize and create goals for exploration.
Using the HTC “lens tool,” users create portals where they explore other worlds, browse their favorite content, and access their library of apps. Developers designed “Origin” as an ever-expanding virtual universe for users to explore at their leisure.
Users can summon the lends at any stage, requesting tools, information, and access to other worlds. Origin will use the HTC Vive Cosmos to navigate the platform, and it’s a truly immersive experience that sets a new standard for VR technology and user experience.
HTC Vive Cosmos
Before the doors to the convention center opened, HTC tweeted a mysterious image of a shipping container with the company branding blurred out. The tech community went wild with speculative guesses of what the company intended on launching at CES 2019. Tech-heads thought the new arrival could be anything from the “Vive cloud,” to “Vive gloves.”
After feverish anticipation, the company treated us to the newest addition to their VR hardware catalog, the HTC Vive Cosmos. This PC-based VR headset features a flip visor and inside-out tracking, with a focus on comfort and smooth user experience while navigating the virtual world.
After feverish anticipation, the company treated us to the newest addition to their VR hardware catalog, the HTC Vive Cosmos. This PC-based VR headset features a flip visor and inside-out tracking, with a focus on comfort and smooth user experience while navigating the virtual world.
The Vive Cosmos has a striking resemblance to the Oculus Touch and features a weird-looking headset with a set of motion controllers and four separate cameras. We were disappointed when Dan O’Brien, GM of HTC Vive USA informed the crowd that the system is only available for use on a PC, but we changed our tune when he announced that the company is feverishly working on a mobile platform for release shortly.
HTC stoked the flames of anticipation when they released a tweet later in the day that states they have the intention to establish Vive Cosmos as the preferred system for people at home or “on-the-go. The Cosmos is also the first Vive headset to operate on the Vive Reality platform.
Viveport Infinity
We are fans of the Viveport subscription service, but despise the download limit on offer from HTC. It seems like the company has its ear close to the ground, and listens to their customers. Viveport Infinity closes that gap and offers access to over 500-apps in one session.
HTC state the service will go live on Viveports 3rd birthday, April 5th, 2019. The service says their goal is to increase engagement by providing an extensive gaming library, as well as top-shelf video in both 2D and 3D, including exciting and exclusive content from Red Bull.
