HTC Reveals Vive Focus Plus, Coming Q2 2019
The enterprise-only standalone headset features dual 6DoF controllers and improved Fresnel lenses.
Continuing their push towards enterprise VR technology, HTC has unveiled a new version of their HTC Vive Focus headset designed specifically for use by businesses and corporations.
Dubbed the HTC Vive Focus Plus, the 6DoF standalone device boasts an array of new features designed to assist organizations utilizing the headset for various corporate purposes; this includes Kiosk Mode, Gaze Support, and a suite of other tools that allow for the management of multiple headsets simultaneously.
Image Credit: HTC
While the Vive Focus Plus does include the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC and single 2,880 × 1,600 AMOLED display as the original, the device has been equipped with improved Fresnel lenses that result in higher quality visuals while immersed. There’s also been some updates to the original ergonomic design that provide a bit more comfort during extended periods of use. Powered by the new Vive Wave platform, users can access games and experiences through Viveport as they would with other devices functioning on the Vive platform.
“At Vive, the announcement of Vive Focus Plus furthers our commitment to rapidly iterate and refine the VR market for both businesses and consumers,” said Daniel O’Brien, General Manager Americas, HTC Vive. “This rollout of Vive Focus Plus leads the way for deeper immersion, more realistic training and simulation, and easier porting of experiences from PC to the stand-alone category.”
The biggest update comes in the form of dual 6DoF controllers, which finally bring out the full potential of the headsets “world-scale” tracking capabilities. Ditching the original Focus’ single 3DoF controller, this new solution features pressure-sensitive analog triggers, allowing users to engage in more detailed interactions with virtual objects and characters.
Image Credit: HTC
HTC has already partnered with SimforHealth and Immersive Factory to integrate the Vive Focus Plus into medical training programs and safety simulations, offering the influential companies a cheaper, more convenient alternative to expensive conventional programs.
“With HTC’s Vive Focus Plus providing a high-end processor and 3K AMOLED display, we are able to create realistic and immersive 3D environments for our medical and nursing simulators, providing better training outcomes for HCPs without wires or connected computers,” states Olivier Gardinetti, CTO, SimforHealth. “Moreover, the 6DOF controllers have improved the way to perform specific medical interactions that were not possible with the regular 3DOF controllers. Now, Simforhealth’s simulators have a better, more comfortable user experience.”
According to the company’s website the HTC Vive Focus Plus will be available Q2 2019 in 25 countries including the US, Japan, UK, Canada, China, and Australia.
Image Credit: HTC
HTC will be providing additional Vive Focus Plus information alongside their recently announced HTC Vive Pro Eye during the upcoming Mobile World Congress February 25th – 28th in Barcelona, Spain. There the company will be demonstrating various use-case scenarios, from construction safety and hazard training to medical simulations and collaborative tools.
For more information regarding HTC’s latest standalone headset, visit enterprise.vive.com/eu/focus-plus/.
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