HTC has released compact virtual reality glasses Vive Flow
Miscellaneous / / October 15, 2021
This is no longer a helmet that needs a computer - a smartphone is enough.
Htc released their new virtual reality accessory - Vive Flow. In terms of its capabilities, it is inferior to the previous Vive series VR devices, but this is compensated by autonomy, since all the necessary filling is built in.
The novelty looks like massive glasses. And for a VR device, its weight is minimal - only 189 grams. The arms can be conveniently folded, which allows you to place the gadget in a special tube for carrying, which, however, will be sold separately.
Vive Flow has two displays with a refresh rate of 75 Hz and a resolution of 1.6K per eye. Viewing angle - 100 °. The heart of the device is the Qualcomm XR1 chip with an active cooling system. There is a data drive with a capacity of 64 GB. Also, the headset has two cameras in front, which allow you to track your surroundings.
There are no controllers. Instead, you connect Flow wirelessly to your Android smartphone and use it as a combined remote control and touchpad. Also, the screen of a mobile device can be displayed on glasses, and some applications, for example, streaming video services, can be launched.
HTC wants people to use Vive Flow for a visual immersion, but mostly stationary. The user will be able to watch 360º video or be in a virtual environment, but there will be no support for VR applications that require full virtual hands to interact with objects.
At the start of sales, HTC promises about 100 applications, including games, customers of online cinemas, media players, meditation programs, and the MyndVR service for seniors, which provides therapeutic function.
Flow will support a limited set of apps on the HTC Viveport store. Users will be able to subscribe to the preferential, focused on these points, version of the subscription for $ 5.99 per month (≈430 rubles).
The Vive Flow is powered by a mains supply, but for emergencies, there is a small battery inside that can provide about two minutes of operation. It is provided so that the user can comfortably complete the process of using the device, saving progress, or replace the external battery. A branded portable battery is available for the device for $ 79 (≈5,700 rubles) - it is connected via a cable via USB-C and provides 4-5 hours of operation.
HTC Vive Flow will be on sale only in the United States. The launch will take place in November. The price of the device will be $ 499 (≈35,600 rubles).