HTC introduces two new VR headsets: the VIVE Pro 2 for gamers and the standalone VIVE Focus 3 for business users. Both headsets get the same 5k resolution and 120-degree viewing angle. The Vive Pro 2 has a refresh rate of 120Hz.
The Vive Pro 2 gets two 2.5k screens, good for 2448×2448 pixels per eye. These are LCD screens with RGB sub-pixels. To increase that viewing angle from 110 degrees to 120 degrees, HTC has adopted a new dual-stacked lens design. The wider field of view, together with the increased resolution and refresh rate of 120Hz, should ensure minimal motion blur and a reduction of the screen door effect, according to HTC.
For the VIVE Pro 2, HTC worked with Nvidia and AMD to apply Display Stream Compression. According to HTC, this technology developed by VESA ensures that images of higher quality can be sent with less bandwidth. According to the company, it is the first time that a VR headset uses DSC. This technique works from DisplayPort version 1.2.
The VIVE Pro 2 also has a slider to adjust the pupil distance, an adjustable headband, supports 3D spatial sound and works with all previous VIVE SteamVR accessories, such as the old trackers. In addition, a new VIVE Facial Tracker is introduced.
The VIVE Pro 2 headset costs separately during the preorder period 739 euros. After that it is 799 euros. The headset will be delivered from June. A full package including Base Station 2.0 and VIVE Controllers will be released in August. That set costs 1399 euros.
HTC VIVE Focus 3
Although the business VIVE Focus 3 gets the same 5k resolution and 120-degree viewing angle, this headset has one large screen, instead of two smaller screens. With the Focus 3, the refresh rate is also limited to 90Hz. Furthermore, this headset has a newly designed band and a curved battery pack that can be replaced. With fast charging, this package can also be half fully charged in half an hour. With LEDs, the headset indicates how long the battery still lasts.
The Focus 3 also uses a magnesium frame, which HTC says is lighter and stronger than a traditional plastic frame. This headset also has a button to adjust the pupillary distance and the pillows can be removed quickly for cleaning, for example. According to HTC, that would be useful if several users want to use the headset in one day.
The headset also features open-back speakers with two drivers, inside-out tracking and redesigned controllers. According to HTC, these are light controllers that last fifteen hours on a battery charge. Later on, there should also be support for hand tracking.
This Focus 3 is a standalone headset and therefore does not require a PC for control. That’s why the headset gets a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 soc, which Facebook also uses in the Oculus Quest 2. This soc is cooled with a copper heatpipe and fan. The VIVE Focus 3 will be available from June 24 for 1429 euros.