At this year’s Mobile World Congress, HTC had people flocking to their Vive VR (Virtual Reality) System demo. According to reviewers at cnet, The HTC Vive is “the best VR experience you can have right now, if you’ve got the space.“ It offers a flat-out amazing virtual reality experience with sharp visuals, great motion controls and full-room sensing to walk around in virtual space.
Developed by HTC and Valve, the system is described as “a first-of-its-kind virtual reality platform for total immersion in virtual worlds. Using a headset and wireless controllers in each hand, you can now explore and interact with VR experiences, apps and games that blur the line between imagination and reality.”
The system boasts a headset that features a 110° field of view and 32 sensors for precise tracking for total immersion. The 2160 x 1200 resolution and 90 Hz refresh rate deliver detailed graphics and lifelike motion for smooth gameplay and realistic movement. Fluid interaction is provided by two wireless controllers, each with HD haptic feedback, dual-stage triggers, and multi-function trackpads. Each controller features 24 sensors for 360° one-to-one tracking that mirrors hand movements. Room-scale motion tracking is enabled by two base stations that sync wirelessly avoiding the need for additional cords. An in-helmet camera can be used to see your space with the headset on.
Vive’s built-in convenience and safety features are seamlessly integrated for an uninterrupted experience. The Chaperone guidance system alerts you if you approach the boundaries of the play space (i.e., it’ll tell you if you’re about to bump into a wall), while a front-facing camera blends physical elements into the virtual world. And, for a mere $500, you can bring this system home with you, and start playing in virtual space.
Be forewarned: it does require a high-end PC to run, has long wires and lots of equipment that take time and space to set up. Steam VR offers a lot of software but it isn’t always beginner-friendly. And it will have some competition soon, as the major players in the gaming industry are hustling to release their own devices. However, the general consensus is that Vive is the best virtual-reality experience you can have right now, thanks to its motion controls and room-scale tracking. It’s the closest thing to having a holodeck in your home.
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