HTC VIVE has announced the launch of its new Extended Reality (XR) headset, the VIVE Focus Vision in Singapore, promising the seamless integration of standalone XR and PCVR experiences.
Equipped with an internal Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, it looks to offer an impressive standalone experience with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB of Read-Only Memory (ROM). A lossless DisplayPort mode for PCVR is also supported, achieved by connecting the headset directly to a PC graphics card touting a combined 5K resolution visuals with a 120-degree field of view and 90Hz refresh rate, with support for 120Hz arriving in late 2024.
Utilising a DisplayPort connection, the improved bandwidth provided allows for crisp graphics and improved response times, ensuring that users can experience content as the developers intended without image quality degradation.
A common hassle for most VR headsets comes from manually adjusting a user’s interpupillary distance (IPD) during the initial setup process. To streamline this, the VIVE Focus Vision features auto-IPD adjustment technology with integrated eye tracking, making it more convenient to share the headset across multiple users while still ensuring a comfortable viewing experience each time.
Boasting two 16MP front-facing colour cameras, the headset provides stereoscopic full-colour passthrough, with inbuilt depth and infra-red sensors to provide enhanced tracking for a more immersive Mixed Reality experience, even in low-light conditions.
For optimal comfort, the headset features a rear-positioned battery that not only powers the device for prolonged sessions but also evenly distributes weight across a user’s head. In addition, an upgraded cooling system keeps the device from getting too hot during extended use, and the swappable auxiliary battery ensures continued use for up to 20 minutes even during replacement.
To take tracking to the next level, HTC VIVE also provides additional add-ons to bring virtual interactions to life via a separate VIVE Ultimate Tracker and Facial Tracker. These additions allow the conveying of physical expressions in real time, featuring accurate tracking of 26 body joints and up to 38 blend shapes across the lips, jaw, cheeks, chin, teeth, and tongue to deliver next-generation facial expressions and body movement for in-app avatars.
The VIVE Focus Vision is now available in Singapore for S$1,699. Starting in early December, buyers will receive an exclusive bundle that includes the VIVE Wired Streaming Kit (compatible with DisplayPort mode) and a selection choice of three popular VR game bundles, alongside a copy of Metro Awakening for PCVR. The promotion will be available until 1 January 2025.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
Si Jia
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