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HTC Vive Pro McLaren Edition is made for Formula One fans
When HTC and McLaren announced their multi-year partnership back in May, the two had already teased an upcoming limited edition Vive headset along with some special VR content. Well, the wait is finally over for hardcore Formula One fans. As announced at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, said hardware turns out to be based on the Vive Pro full kit (not to be confused with the cheaper starter kit), which makes sense given that the Vive Pro is the official VR device for McLaren's eSports competition, Shadow Project. The Vive Pro McLaren Limited Edition is accented with the racing team's signature orange around the headset's front cameras, as well as on the menu button and strap on the controllers (2018 version, to go with the bundled Base Station 2.0 units). Naturally, this package comes with its very own box artwork. The damage for all of this is $1,549, which is a tad more than the standard full kit's $1,199 holiday offer.
HTC's Vive Wireless Adapter will cost $300
14 months after HTC and Intel first showed off their wireless VR prototype, the two are finally ready to ship the product. According to HTC's announcement today, the Intel WiGig-based Vive Wireless Adapter is priced at $300 and works with both Vive and Vive Pro, though the latter requires an additional $60 for a "compatibility pack" -- it includes a connection cable, foam padding and an attachment device. For those who have been longing for this upgrade, they can pre-order it at Amazon, Best Buy, Microsoft, NewEgg and HTC's very own Vive.com starting from September 5th. This will be followed by the official launch on the 24th.
HTC hints at multi-room VR using Steam
You may know that VR in large rooms is becoming a reality, but what about venturing between rooms? It might happen sooner than you think, albeit with a few caveats. HTC has shown off an experience that used a SteamVR beta, a Vive Pro and 16 base stations to allow VR between multiple rooms. A tester successfully wandered between rooms finding tracked objects as he wandered through a complex but connected space. Don't expect to play VR games that span your entire home, though, as there are some limitations.
HTC's latest Vive Pro VR kit is built for business
You can already get HTC's Vive Pro in a bundle aimed at first-timers, but what if you're a business buyer who needs it for VR design and training? You're covered now, too. HTC has released a $1,399 Vive Pro 2.0 Kit that includes just about everything you'd want to use the headset for work, including two controllers and (most importantly) two second-generation SteamVR base stations. The new stations are crucial to supporting a large 33ft by 33ft tracking area, although you'll need to buy a pair of extra stations to get that full coverage.
$1,099 Vive Pro Starter Kit has everything you need for VR but the PC
One of the bigger complaints about the HTC Vive Pro from our review was that the $799 headset felt like an upgrade path for existing Vive owners -- not an entry point for new users. HTC and Valve must've heard those complaints and the pair will start packing its existing $300 accessory pack in with the Vive Pro. The Vive Pro Starter Kit will set you back $1,099, and it comes with the Vive Pro headset, two Vive 1.0 controllers and a pair of Vive 1.0 base stations. More than that, if you already have your Pro, HTC is giving away $100 store credits for the Viveport marketplace. The bundle will go on sale April 5th.
HTC Vive Pro review: Better in every way, but it’s not for you
What if HTC could make the Vive VR headset again, but with better ergonomics, and higher quality screens? That's basically the Vive Pro. It's not a sequel -- it's more of a remaster. One that incorporates everything VR headset makers have learned over the past few years. (Spoiler: Comfort matters. A lot.) At $799 with no sensors or controllers, though, it's strictly for enthusiasts and professionals with plenty of disposable income.
HTC's Vive Pro headset is available to pre-order for $799
Once staunch rivals in high-end VR, it now seems Facebook-owned Oculus and HTC are treading different paths. While Oculus is gearing up to launch a more affordable standalone headset, HTC has gone in the opposite direction with the Vive Pro, a new top-of-the range facehugger announced at this year's CES. Today, HTC has revealed the Vive Pro is the antithesis of affordable at $799/£799, and that it's now available to pre-order globally ahead of its April 5th shipping date.
HTC Vive Pro's dual cameras can apparently track hand motion
When HTC unveiled its higher-end Vive Pro VR system back at CES, the company was suspiciously quiet about the dual cameras on this VR headset: there were no related demos, and the company reps remained tight-lipped. The smart-ass in me assumed that based on the similar looks, this module was probably a variant of the inside-out tracking sensor on the standalone Vive Focus, while others speculated that it would bring AR capability. Well, today we finally have an answer: it's actually a depth sensor, and it'll apparently enable basic hand tracking without additional hardware.
Take a good look at the HTC Vive Pro and VR wireless adapter
The Vive Pro is a beefed-up version of HTC's original VR headset, adding integrated 3D audio and high-res OLED screens displaying 2880 x 1600 combined, with a pixel density of 615 pixels per inch, an upgrade from 448ppi. The headset also addresses some of the first iteration's fit issues, adding a new headstrap with a sizing dial that helps redistribute weight, so it's not all collected at the front of the headset.
HTC unveils a wireless adapter for Vive VR headsets
The dream of a wire-free HTC Vive is close to becoming a practical reality. HTC has unveiled a Vive Wireless Adapter that uses Intel's WiGig to eliminate the corded connection for both the original Vive and the Vive Pro while keeping lag and interference to a minimum. There's no word on price, but you will have to wait -- the compact add-on won't ship until sometime this summer.
HTC has a new high-res Vive Pro VR headset
HTC has a few upgrades in store for its virtual reality headset, the Vive. First up, the Vive Pro, which features a pair of higher-resolution OLED screens (2,880 x 1,600 versus the original's 1,080 x 1,200) and built-in headphones. The Oculus Rift headset had attached headphones when it launched in early 2016.
