HTC is going to release a wristband tracker for its business HTC Vive Focus 3 headset. This wearable with LEDs is intended for specific virtual reality purposes where accurate tracking is required.
When the tracker is attached to the user’s wrist, it not only better registers the hand, but the entire area from the fingertips to the elbow, HTC claims. When the headset does not see the wristband’s LEDs, the tracker’s position is predicted by the device using only the motion data.
The wristband tracker can also be attached to other objects. For example, HTC shows in a number of demo videos that the Wrist Tracker can be attached to a plastic gun, ping pong bat or wrench, so that those objects can be tracked more accurately and realistically. Since that requires those objects to be not only in the real world, but also in the digital world, this capability, like the headset itself, is primarily intended for specific, business use. HTC mentions that places with ‘Location Based Entertainment’ can use real objects in their VR arcades with the use of the wristband.
The Wrist Tracker has only one button, for connection, and a switch to indicate whether the user is left-handed or right-handed. The Wrist Tracker weighs 63g. The accessory can last for four hours without being charged. The battery status can be viewed via an LED on the tracker. The Wrist Tracker will be released in the first quarter of 2022 in the US and will be available later in other parts of the world. The tracker carries a price tag of 129 euros.
Charging case and dock
In addition to the Wrist Tracker, HTC announced two charging accessories for the Vive Focus 3 at CES. For example, a Charging Case will be available in which users can place the headset and controllers to charge them via USB-C. In addition, HTC comes with a charging dock for the Focus 3 in which up to four of the interchangeable batteries in the headset can be charged simultaneously. This is also especially useful for companies that use many VR glasses at the same time. Prices for both accessories are unknown.