HTC announces beefed up VR headset for enterprises

HTC has unveiled a new virtual reality headset intended for business users and enthusiasts

HTC has showed off a higher-resolution Vive Pro virtual reality (VR) headset and Vive Wireless Adaptor at CES 2018.

The Vive Pro is intended for enthusiasts and businesses and, as such, will compete against Microsoft's HoloLens, which may not get an update for another year.

Although the company is yet to unveil detailed information around pricing and availability, the device sports a beefed up display resolution of 2,880x1,600, which is a 78 per cent improvement than the previous model.

The uprated spec will make HTC's offering one of the most powerful VR devices on the market, the company claimed.

There are a number of other changes, too. The headset now comes with built-in headphones and a redesigned headstrap; users should find it easier to adjust than other VR headsets.

Other features include two front-facing cameras and dual microphones, which have been designed specifically for developers and enterprise users.

HTC explained that the the Pro works with 1.0 AND 2.0 SteamVR tracking technology. While there isn't an exact release date right now, the headset is expected to make its way onto the market this quarter.

The tech company also showed off the Vive Wireless Adapter, which is designed to work with both the Vive and Vive Pro. Using Intel WiGig technology, it provides even better immersion for users.

According to HTC, the adapter aims to bring "truly wireless VR headset integration for both Vive and Vive Pro". It should go on sale worldwide in the third quarter.

Joe Martin, founder and CEO of tech firm Snatch, said the company's decision to launch a higher-resolution Vive headset "places the weight on user experience first".

He continued: "Like many people in the industry, we see VR complementing AR [augmented reality] in terms of being part of an expanded immersive technological revolution; innovations in VR complement AR in terms of development and reach.

"As Apple's ARKit and Google's ARCore made developing apps more streamlined for mobile devices, several companies have made innovations in 6DoF tracking for mobiles, and Vive announcing a higher-resolution headset today.

He added: "These innovations provide the baseline for further expansion, a groundwork for companies to make new experiences. At this year's CES, it felt like a smithy unveiling a new range of instruments."

HTC's Vive is one of the biggest-selling VR headsets in the world due to it being first to market and sold via a deal with Valve Software's popular Steam gaming service.