HTC Announces the Vive Pro

HTC has announced a new and improved pro version of their VR Headset, along with upgrades to the Vive VR Software. The Vive Pro is aimed towards VR enthusiasts and enterprise users who want the best display and audio for their VR experiences.

Improved Display

For starters – the Vive Pro now has a Dual-OLED display for a crisp picture resolution of 2880 x 1600 combined, a 78% increase in resolution over the existing Vive’s 2160 x 1200 resolution. Also the sub-pixels have disappeared (the little red, green, and blue dots that mix together to make white, and every other color you see) and is challenging to make out whole pixels now, which is a good improvement over the original.

Improved Ergonomics

HTC has clearly been listening to feedback about the ergonomics of the original Vive, and the new VR headset now includes a sizing dial at the back so you can adjust the comfort level accordingly. The new chassis evenly distributes the weight of the device to achieve an optimal centre of gravity – making it feel more comfy to wear on your head.

Headset Specs

Screen: Dual AMOLED 3.5″ diagonal
Resolution: 1440 x 1600 pixels per eye (2880 x 1600 pixels combined)
Refresh rate: 90 Hz
Field of view: 110 degrees
Audio: Hi-Res certificate headset
Hi-Res certificate headphone (removable)
High impedance headphone support
Input: Integrated microphones
Connections: USB-C 3.0, DP 1.2, Bluetooth
Sensors: SteamVR Tracking, G-sensor, gyroscope, proximity, IPD sensor
Ergonomics: Eye relief with lens distance adjustment
Adjustable IPD
Adjustable headphone
Adjustable headstrap

Built-in Headphones

The Vive Pro comes with built-in headphones, with integrated 3D spatial audio to deliver immersive audio. The headphones are also detachable, for if you don’t wish to use them. On the back of the left headphone is a pair of volume up/down buttons for easily adjusting the volume without having to go into the SteamVR menu. There is a mute button on the back of the right headphone, which makes it easier to mute yourself when talking to someone outside of the headset.

Dual cameras

The original Vive only had one camera, but now there are now two cameras on the Vive Pro. Users should now get a wider field of view for pass-through, and the view can be 3D as well, which could make the difference in user traction, thanks to stereo for making it easier to interact with the real world.

The Vive goes Wireless

At CES this year, HTC announced alongside the new Vive Pro an optional Wireless adapter for both the existing Vive and Vive Pro, which has been on every VR user’s wish list since the technology was unveiled. The Vive Wireless Adapter features Intel’s WiGig technology, that operates in the interference-free 60Ghz band, which means lower latency and better performance. The Wireless adapter will ship in Q3 this year to customers worldwide.

Price and Availability

We have yet to be given a price for the Vive pro, however we expect this to cost a lot more than the original Vive, which currently costs £599.99. It has already begun selling the ‘Vive Business Edition’ for £1,099.98 – so we expect it to cost around £800-£900 to buy. HTC says they’ll share more specifics about availability and pricing of the Vive Pro later this year.

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Written by: Jordan Ewbank
Photo credit: HTC