HTC Vive introduced three new modular faceplates that expand the functionality of its Vive Cosmos VR platform. Cosmos is an adaptable PC-based VR system that can grow with customers over time by changing the front faceplate of the headset. The new versions are the Vive Cosmos Elite, Vive Cosmos XR and Vive Cosmos Play. They all share the same display, with 2880 x 1700 combined pixel resolution and new LCD panels that reduce the distance between pixels and minimize screen-door effect.
“Our customers want an incredible VR experience and we are proud to announce a new family of products tailor-made for VR use-cases of all types,” said Yves Maître, CEO, HTC. “Vive Cosmos is truly the most versatile headset yet. From consumers just discovering VR for the first time to the demanding business user, Vive Cosmos offers stellar quality, comfort, and the ability to evolve VR and XR journeys over time – from changing faceplates to adding options like wireless.”
The standard faceplate that currently ships with the HTC Vive Cosmos features two tracking cameras (upper and lower one). Featuring an innovative flip-up design, Vive Cosmos can transport users to and from their virtual world with ease. The company plans to offer the standard faceplate as a separate accessory in the second quarter of the year for $199.
VIVE Cosmos Elite
The new Vive Cosmos Elite pairs the performance of external tracking alongside the flexibility of inside-out technology to meet the needs of the most demanding VR entertainment enthusiasts. By using Lighthouse base station technology, users will be able to experience the precision of SteamVR tracking.
Vive Cosmos Elite includes a pre-installed External Tracking Faceplate, two SteamVR base stations and two Vive controllers. The External Tracking Faceplate can be used with base station versions 1.0 or 2.0 as well as the original Vive or Vive Pro controllers and is easily swapped with the original inside-out tracking faceplate that ships with Vive Cosmos. It also supports Vive’s ecosystem of peripherals including the Vive Tracker and the Wireless Adapter for an untethered VR experience.
The system was built for precision gaming titles such as “Pistol Whip,” “Superhot” and “Audica” as well as multiplayer VR titles like “Battlewake.”
The Vive Cosmos Elite bundle will retail for $899 USD and be available later in Q1. The External Tracking Faceplate will also launch globally as a stand-alone accessory in Q2 for $199 as an upgrade for either Vive Cosmos or Vive Cosmos Play. The Cosmos Elite will be available for pre-order on Feb. 24 on the company's website.
Vive Cosmos XR
VIVE Cosmos XR is a stand-alone edition and faceplate that brings high-quality XR passthrough cameras to Vive Cosmos for the first time. Debuting as a developer kit in Q2, Vive Cosmos XR will allow a near-complete passthrough field of view that utilizes the majority of the VR display (up to 100 degrees FOV) to integrate real-world and virtual content.
For example, Vive Sync, the company’s collaboration tool will integrate Vive Cosmos XR functionality so that virtual objects can be brought into real-world environments, bolstering collaboration options for VR-based meetings.
Featuring high-quality passthrough cameras, Vive Cosmos XR combines a crisp view for overlays of the real world, blended seamlessly into the virtual one. Additional information on Vive Cosmos XR will be unveiled at the upcoming GDC conference.
Vive Cosmos Play
Vive Cosmos Play opens the door for new VR users, making it easy to step into premium VR. Vive Cosmos Play uses 4-camera inside-out tracking to start customers on their VR journey and has the ability to grow over time to meet their needs.
Vive Cosmos Play is ideal for entry-level VR adventures and applications such as Viveport Video, “Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs,” “The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets” and “A Fisherman’s Tale.”
For business or museum environments, HTC Vive Cosmos Play also offers a more affordable, easy-to-use VR option for public VR experiences.
Play owners can easily upgrade their Vive Cosmos with Vive’s host of VR accessories such as Vive Cosmos’ full range of faceplates. Additional details on Vive Cosmos Play will release in the coming months.
For more information, please visit: www.vive.com/product.
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