After numerous teasers for the announcement (including one from less than a month ago), HTC unveiled an all-new VR headset, the Vive XR Elite, at CES 2023.
However, calling the Vive XR Elite simply a VR headset would underestimate the capabilities of the device. Because, like the Meta Quest Pro (and the long-rumored Apple XR headset), the device could offer users virtual and mixed reality experiences. – XR stands for “augmented reality” and is a term that includes VR, AR (augmented reality), and MR.
That’s because it doesn’t just have a 4K display that offers a 110-degree field of view and runs at a 90Hz refresh rate (the minimum required for a comfortable VR experience). It also has an RGB camera that enables full color passthrough (so you can see the real world in color while wearing the headset).
In addition, HTC Vive XR Elite is equipped with a depth sensor that can accurately map virtual characters and objects to the real world to make mixed reality games feel more realistic.
If you want to get more out of your headset, HTC has announced that it will launch optional add-ons later this year that offer additional features like eye and face tracking, though it’s unclear when these will be available.
We also have a variety of software that you can try with this device. At launch, Vive XR Elite will support popular games like Demeo, The Last Clockwinder, and Ancient Dungeon, plus great apps like Les Mills Bodycombat workouts his app and his Figmin XR creation platform. HTC has confirmed that more titles are coming to the platform soon, and more should be revealed in the not too distant future.
Unfortunately, HTC’s new Vive headset has some flaws that might prevent it. For one, the removable battery only provides up to two hours of usage for his XR on a full charge, and for another, the device isn’t cheap.
HTC’s Vive XR Elite costs $1,099 / £1,299 (around AU$2,300) for a bundle that includes a headset, two controllers and a headset battery cradle. Its price is considerably higher than the likes of the Oculus Quest 2 and Pico 4 ($400 / $400 / AU$630 and £380 (about $430 / AU$680 respectively)), but the Meta Quest Pro ($1,500 / £1,500 / AU$2,450).
Despite these issues, I think the XR Elite could be the most interesting headset of 2023 thanks to HTC’s novel approach to design.
VR at your fingertips
Our writers at CES 2023 had a chance to try out the new headsets, so keep an eye out for their hands-on experience. But what excites me about the Vive XR Elite is its modular design.
Everyone wants something a little different than the Metaverse or XR experience. I strongly agree with the camp that VR is best for entertainment. Others, on the other hand, rely heavily on headsets as social tools, such as meeting on apps like VR chat. Day. So each of us needs something a little different than hardware.
I’m really impressed with the Meta Quest Pro that was sent to me for review, but for all its amazing aspects, there are parts that I don’t care about, and parts that I wish could be better. For example, if the Meta had a modular design, I could have replaced the face tracking with a better battery and used a headset that better suited my needs.
Users who want to interact with more people in VR may want to incorporate body tracking. Perhaps use a suit that incorporates his pack of some spare batteries to facilitate long play sessions. VR desk jockeys, on the other hand, may want a lightweight, battery-less design because they’ll only be using it so far. Leave the headset on your workstation so it is always plugged in.
Modular design has some drawbacks. With fewer components to mass-produce and assemble, fully spec-out models are likely to cost more, plus headsets can be more confusing for those who know little about space. But in the long run, modular headset designs could make the XR space more accessible.
If you’re as excited to try out the Vive XR Elite headset as I am, you should know that you can pre-order it now. (opens in new tab)units are expected to begin shipping in late February.
This means it won’t take long to see if the HTC Vive XR Elite succeeds and if its modularity catches on.It looks like a very interesting product.HTC If it sticks to landing, it could be the best VR headset of 2023 – that is, unless the Oculus Quest 3, which launches later this year, robs it.
Check out the CES 2023 hub for all the latest news and announcements from the show. We cover everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets.
