HTC Vive virtual reality headset gets an upgrade

The HTC Vive will be the first VR hardware to support SteamVR and HTC and Valve have worked with thousands of developers to create VR content and tools for sectors from entertainment to automotive, retail and education.

Thanks to the front-facing camera in the HTC Vive Pre, the design may give a more realistic sense of virtual environment to the VR headset user.

Most consumers are oblivious to the existence of virtual reality headsets.

“We are not anxious about the barrier to entry issues, but understand that it won’t be a mass market device to start with”, the head of VR at HTC told Pocket-lint.

Multiple aspects of the Vive were improved, most notably the way it warns users of real-world obstacles. Inside, the twin displays are said to offer brighter imagery and the lens system has been tweaked to provide greater clarity. It also comes with interchangeable foam inserts and nose gaskets, so that it fits more comfortably and securely to the user’s face, even if they’re wearing glasses.

The Vive controllers have been updated with better ergonomics, textured buttons, and a dual-stage trigger. The reason for this is that it can be used to pull real-world object into the virtual world. The controllers have also been updated to have lithium polymer batteries that provide over four hours of runtime on a single charge; these can be recharged using a Micro-USB port on the controllers.

Meanwhile, the industry follower also noted that HTC made the big reveal about its breakthrough with the HTC Vive Pre.

Virtual reality headsets are growing in popularity, but none are as exciting as the HTC Vive, in partnership with Valve.

The Vive controllers have gotten a refresh with the Vive Pre, too. The company behind the development of the Portal series of games is Vavle.

HTC may have delayed the release of its upcoming Vive virtual reality headset until April, but it’s been busy in the meantime.

Slated for a consumer launch in April of this year, Valve is fast approaching the hardware launch of the HTC Vive, which surely means that a price point is imminent. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498).