Today HTC has opened preorders for the new Vive Cosmos virtual reality headset, making it available from $700, and announcing that it will start shipping on October 3rd, 2019. This highly anticipated release has generated significant buzz in the VR community, as the Vive Cosmos promises to deliver an enhanced virtual reality experience. It has also been confirmed that the Vive Cosmos will support SteamVR Tracking with an optional faceplate. HTC is creating several different faceplates to expand the headset’s functionality, catering to a variety of user needs and preferences.
Enhanced Tracking Capabilities
Once the SteamVR faceplate is attached to the Vive Cosmos headset, the virtual reality system can use the tracking from Valve Lighthouse base stations. This integration allows users to benefit from the precise tracking capabilities that Valve’s system is known for. Although the Cosmos has been specifically designed not to rely on external trackers and supports ‘inside-out’ tracking via six cameras on the headset to determine the position of the headset and its controllers, the addition of external trackers can significantly enhance the VR experience.
Inside-out tracking is a convenient feature that eliminates the need for external sensors, making setup easier and more portable. However, for improved immersion, outside trackers seem to provide much better tracking performance in terms of accuracy, precision, latency, and coverage, says the Road To VR website. This is particularly important for users who require high levels of precision, such as gamers and professionals using VR for simulations or design work.
Future Developments and Availability
The Cosmos SteamVR Tracking faceplate will be available to purchase sometime during Q1 2020 and will be priced at less than $200, says HTC. This price point makes it an accessible upgrade for those looking to enhance their VR setup without breaking the bank. The modularity of the Vive Cosmos, with its interchangeable faceplates, represents a forward-thinking approach in the VR industry, allowing users to customize their experience based on their specific needs.
HTC’s commitment to expanding the functionality of the Vive Cosmos through additional faceplates suggests that we can expect more innovative features in the future. For instance, potential faceplates could include options for augmented reality (AR) capabilities, improved audio systems, or even specialized sensors for niche applications. This adaptability ensures that the Vive Cosmos can evolve with technological advancements and user demands, maintaining its relevance in the rapidly changing VR landscape.
As soon as more information is made available, we will keep you up to speed as always. The VR community is eagerly awaiting further details on the additional faceplates and their respective functionalities. This anticipation highlights the growing interest in VR technology and the desire for more versatile and immersive experiences.
The launch of the Vive Cosmos marks a significant milestone for HTC and the VR industry as a whole. With its competitive pricing, advanced tracking capabilities, and modular design, the Vive Cosmos is poised to become a popular choice among VR enthusiasts and professionals alike. The optional SteamVR faceplate further enhances its appeal, offering users the best of both worlds with inside-out and outside-in tracking options. As we look forward to the release of additional faceplates and future updates, the Vive Cosmos stands out as a versatile and forward-thinking VR headset that promises to deliver a superior virtual reality experience.
Source: R2VR
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