Considered one of its ‘hero’ product lines, HTC has opened Australian pre-orders for its latest Vive virtual reality headset, the HTC Vive Pro HMD (RRP $1199).
Ahead of the product’s official launch, HTC has also slashed the price of its current Vive full kit by $120 – now A$879.
Shipping for the new Vive Pro HMD will commence on April 5th, and will come with a complimentary six-month trial of ‘Viveport Subscription’ for those who buy within the first 60 days. Users can select up to five titles per month, from a library of four hundred.
HTC Vive General Manager US, Daniel O’Brien, claims the price reduction for the current Vive kit enables VR to become “more accessible” to the mass consumer:
“With the Vive Pro we are delivering the best quality display and visual experience to the most discerning VR enthusiasts. Our goal has always been to offer the most premium VR platform available and to drive adoption for VR”
“By lowering the price of the current Vive, we are making VR more accessible while expanding the potential market for developers. Whether you’re a VR enthusiast or new to the platform, there’s never been a better time to join the most complete VR platform available”.
Consumers can place pre-orders for the new Vive Pro HMD online.
HTC claims the new Vive Pro HMD features the industry’s best “display, audio and comfort”, and incorporates dual-OLED displays, for a combined resolution of 2880 x 1600.
The company states the new Vive headset features a 78% increase in resolution, compared to the current Vive HMD.
Improved graphics and enhanced noise-cancelling audio capabilities are also included, culminating in what HTC claims is “the most realistic and immersive VR experience on the market today”.
For added comfort, the new Vive Pro HMD features a redesigned head-strap, for more equal weight distribution. Glasses wearers will also benefit from easy adjustment buttons.
Working with SteamVR Tracking 1.0 and 2.0, Vive owners can upgrade their headset, and continue using current generation controllers and base stations.
