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After numerous teasers for the announcement – including one less than a month ago – HTC has unveiled its all-new VR headset at CES 2023: the Vive XR Elite.
However, to simply call the Vive XR Elite a VR headset would be understating the capabilities of this device, as this device, like the Meta Quest Pro (and the long-rumored Apple XR headset), will allow users to use virtual reality and mixed reality experiences. – XR is an abbreviation of “extended reality”, a term that encompasses VR, AR (augmented reality) and MR.
That’s because not only is it equipped with a 4K display that offers a 110-degree field of view and operates at a 90Hz refresh rate (the minimum rate required for comfortable VR experiences); it’s also equipped with an RGB camera that allows for full-color passthrough (meaning you can see the real world in color while wearing the headset).
In addition, the HTC Vive XR Elite has a depth sensor that allows it to accurately map virtual characters and objects into the real world, making mixed reality games feel more realistic.
If you want to get more out of your headset, HTC has announced that it will be launching optional add-ons later this year that will provide additional features such as eye and face tracking, although it’s unclear exactly when these will be available.
And you also have a good variety of software to try on this device. At launch, the Vive XR Elite supports popular games like Demeo, The Last Clockwinder, and Ancient Dungeon, as well as some great apps like the Les Mills Bodycombat workout app and the Figmin XR creation platform. HTC has confirmed more titles are coming to the platform soon, and we should find out more about them in the not-too-distant future.
Unfortunately, HTC’s new Vive headset has some shortcomings that might hold it back. First, the removable battery provides up to two hours of XR use on a full charge, and for another, the device isn’t cheap.
HTC’s Vive XR Elite will cost you $1,099 / £1,299 (about AU$2,300) for a bundle that includes the headset, two controllers and the headset’s battery case. That price is quite a bit higher than the Oculus Quest 2 and the Pico 4 (which cost $400 / £400 / AU$630 and £380 (about $430 / AU$680) respectively), but it’s slightly cheaper than 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 fresh approach to design.
Do VR your way
Our writers who attended CES 2023 got a chance to try out the new headset – so look forward to their hands-on experiences – but what gets me excited about the Vive XR Elite is its modular design.
Everyone wants something different from the metaverse and XR experiences. I’m a firm believer that VR is best for entertainment, while others rely much more on their headsets as a social tool – they meet in apps like VR Chat – and some people even work in the metaverse for hours every day. day. So each of us needs something different than our hardware.
I’m really impressed with the Meta Quest Pro I submitted for review, but for every amazing aspect there are some I don’t care for, and others I wish were better. For example, if Meta adopted a modular design, I could replace the face tracking with a better battery and have a headset that suits my needs much better.
Users looking to socialize more in VR might want to build in body tracking – perhaps with a suit that includes a few extra battery packs to allow for longer play sessions – while a VR desk jockey might want a lightweight, battery-less design, as they’ll only ever use their headset on their workstation so they can always connect it to a power source via cable.
Modular designs have some drawbacks. With fewer components being mass-produced and assembled, the cost of the fully spec model is likely to rise, and the headsets may feel more confusing to someone who knows very little about the space. But in the long run, modular headset designs could make the XR space much more accessible.
If you’re as excited as I am to try out the Vive XR Elite headset, you should know it’s available for pre-order now (opens in new tab)and units are expected to ship in late February.
This means we won’t have to wait too long to see if the HTC Vive XR Elite is a success – and if its modularity proves popular. It looks like a really interesting product, and if HTC keeps landing it could end up being the best VR headset of 2023 – that is, unless the Oculus Quest 3 takes over when it launches later this year.
Check out our CES 2023 hub for 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.