HTC’s new Vive VR headset has an in-built camera

The Pre is a transitory link between the original Vive prototype and its final consumer iteration, which is supposed to ship in April after several months of delays. As the CEO of HTC, Cher Wang, has stated, “today we stand on the precipice of a new era”.

The HTC Vive release date is set for April 2016, with over 7,000 new units available to developers now.

The headset itself has been made smaller and more comfortable, with changes being made to its straps to make the device more stable when perched on the head of a user.

HTC’s Vive already offers one of the best virtual reality experiences around.

According to HTC, the 2-gen Vive headset will ensure that you can take a seat, find a drink and even proceed with a conversation in the real world without the need of taking off your VR headset.

Fully-fledged virtual reality systems are still to be integrated into modern homes, with the Samsung Gear VR, which is powered by a smartphone, now the only mainstream headset on-sale. The controllers have been updated with better materials and a more ergonomic shape as well, and the charging base is quieter and more compact. Objects seen by the camera will be visible to the user from the screen inside the headset. Although the specifics were not mentioned by HTC, the headset will have brighter displays and increased clarity, and on the inside, the Vive Pre has interchangeable foam inserts and nose gaskets to fit more securely, and more comfortably, for all users. They also boast rechargeable batteries that the company claims is good enough for up to four hours of runtime on a single charge.

The Vive’s controllers have also been updated with softer edges and grip pads.

It seems like an unlikely alliance, but HTC and Valve chose to partner up for a virtual reality hardware solution and it looks like they are finally getting closer to the commercial release.

Considering the reaction many have also had about the Oculus Rift’s £500 price-point, adding this extra hardware into the headset isn’t going to make for a cheaper and more competitive device, or so we presume.