HTC has been teasing a standalone VR headset for a while now. The headset seems to be more portable than the Vive Focus 3. These teasers show a tube-shaped carrying pouch for the headset. Now ahead of its launch, known tipster Evan Blass has revealed some key details of the product. He has tipped the design, price, features, and availability of the VR headset.
Blass shared a set of images that suggest several uses of the HTC Vive headset. Apart from confirming the design, the images also reveal the moniker, Vive Flow, which was only speculated until now. The glass can be seen sporting a golden-tinted glass that looks similar to the company’s Project Photon concept smart glasses that were showcased last year.
Not just for entertainment purposes
The temples of the smart glass will be foldable allowing users to carry them easily, and they will also feature earphones for an “immersive spatial audio” experience. The images also hint that the headset will focus on “well-being and mindful productivity,” and might have modes to allow users to meditate when they are not looking for entertainment. The headset is likely to come with modes that can provide users with better sleep.
Leaked images also show that the HTC Vive Flow will be able to connect to smartphones via Bluetooth. This will be in addition to the wired USB-C connection. Users can cast content directly onto the headset from their smartphone and use the phone as a controller.
Will it be better than rivals?
Moreover, the leaks confirm that the headset will go for pre-orders starting October 15 for $499. Shipping begins early November and comes with freebies such as free VR content bundles, two months of “Infinity Vista” service access, and a carrying case.
While there’s no word on what Infinity Vista service would be, it is speculated to be a trimmed-down version of HTC’s metaverse – Viveport Infinity. It will be interesting to see how different HTC makes it smart glass, as they are known to have failed in the past. Google and Samsung have tried their hands on the concept, but their ideas didn’t really take off well.
