This year, at CES 2019, a new virtual reality headset was announced.HTC VIVE Cosmos, and will be announced laterMore hardware detailsLater, HTC confirmed earlier that pre-orders for this product will be open from September 9, with a suggested retail price of NT$12, and it is expected to be sold simultaneously in global markets on October 22900.
According to HTC, the HTC VIVE Cosmos uses a total of six sets of lenses to achieve inside-out tracking, and different modules can be changed according to positioning accuracy and usage needs. These include accessories for augmented reality applications, allowing users to experience different virtual visual interaction modes. It is even directly compatible with the Light House positioning system used by HTC VIVE, or the VIVE Tracker positioning accessories and wireless connection modules.
In actual operation, the HTC VIVE Cosmos will be able to use six sets of lenses to determine positioning and create a VIVE Reality System virtual reality scene for users to interact with. Without relying on an external positioning system, it can directly present the interactive effects of the virtual reality scene through its own positioning capabilities, and allow users to interact with virtual objects through hand controllers.
compared toOculus Rift SThe panel resolution is 2560 x 1440. HTC emphasizes that its 2880 x 1700 resolution panel design will provide higher display clarity. It can also be connected to the computer through simpler accessories and interact with virtual objects through two-hand controllers. The flip-up design of the display device increases convenience, allowing users to quickly "return" to the real scene from virtual reality.
The HTC VIVE Cosmos connects to a computer via a single cable and adapter, eliminating the need for a separate setup system and simplifying the use of virtual reality content. The minimum hardware requirements for the connected computer are an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon R9 290 graphics card and an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. However, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480 graphics card and an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor are recommended.
In terms of content, HTC VIVE Cosmos is still compatible with Steam VR platform content, and can also use its ownViveport platformIn terms of overall product positioning, the HTC VIVE Cosmos focuses on the needs of the consumer market. Unlike the HTC VIVE or HTC VIVE Pro, which utilize the Light House positioning system to achieve precise positioning and target advanced needs such as commercial and research, they will have different usage modes.
As for the previously launchedHTC VIVE FocusIt will focus on a commercial model that focuses on the content viewing experience. It is not available for sale through general consumer channels in the Taiwanese market and is currently still provided through commercial procurement. In contrast, Oculus Go is targeted at the consumer market's demand for a general lightweight experience and is available for purchase through channels such as online channels.
Regarding its current relationship with Valve, which promotes Steam VR, HTC stated that it still maintains a high level of cooperation with Valve. Even though Valve recently launched its own virtual reality head-mounted device, it still maintains a high level of cooperation on Steam VR content. As for Oculus VR, which is owned by Facebook, it previously believed that they were not in direct competition, but hoped to jointly expand virtual reality application scenarios as a development direction, so that virtual reality applications can have more diverse application scenarios.
The HTC VIVE Cosmos is expected to go on sale globally on October 10rd with a suggested retail price of NT$3. Pre-orders will be available in Taiwan starting September 22900th, and will include XX months of Viveport Infinity service.
