HTC has unveiled a redesign of its HTC Vive headset, with the HTC Vive Pre being branded the company’s second-generation developer edition virtual reality system.
HTC made the announcement ahead of CES 2016 in Las Vegas, with the device set to offer a number of key improvements to the heavily anticipated VR headset. Among these changes include a minor redesign to the system’s controllers, which are now lighter, more ergonomic and have the added benefit of integrated batteries, sleeker looking base stations and improved visuals. However, the biggest change comes in the form of a brand new front-faced camera, which looks to blur the lines between virtual reality and augmented reality by offering the best of both worlds.
While HTC has yet to release a demo highlighting how this new feature will work, the manufacturer described the front-facing camera as a tool that will allow users to “bring elements of the real world into the VR realm,” adding: “Being able to take a seat, find your drink, and carry on conversations without removing your headset is only the beginning of what’s possible.”
This certainly suggests that the HTC Vive is moving into the field of augmented reality, which places an overlay of computer-generated images atop a real-world environment. While the HTC Vive remains a virtual reality headset, the introduction of a front-facing camera highlights how HTC is looking to make VR more practical, by allowing users to switch cameras in order to see what’s in front of them without having to remove the headset. While it’s highly unlikely that people will be willing to sit around with their HTC Vive strapped to their faces whilst holding conversations with their relatives, it at least suggests that some more unique software for the system could be on its way.
HTC has stated that the Vive will have a large presence at CES 2016, with over 15 Vive partners appearing at the show. HTC has stated that car manufacturer Audi will be among these partners, with the company set to offer a “premium retail experience where consumers can explore their dream car with virtual reality.”
The Vive’s release date was recently pushed back to April 2016, though HTC has yet to make an announcement in regards to how much it will cost.
