Details

Vive is the first-of-its kind virtual reality system developed in partnership by HTC and Valve. Designed from the ground up for room-scale VR, Vive combines state-of-the-art technologies into a complete system that includes video, audio and precise motion tracking. Breathtaking visual experiences are provided by a headset that features a 110° field of view and 32 sensors for precise tracking for total immersion. The 2160 x 1200 resolution and 90 Hz refresh rate deliver detailed graphics and lifelike motion for smooth gameplay and realistic movement. Fluid interaction is provided by two wireless controllers, each with HD haptic feedback, dual-stage triggers, and multi-function trackpads. Each controller features 24 sensors for 360° one-to-one tracking that mirrors hand movements. Room-scale motion tracking is enabled by two base stations that sync wirelessly avoiding the need for additional cords. Vive’s built-in convenience and safety features are seamlessly integrated for an uninterrupted experience. The Chaperone guidance system alerts you if you approach the boundaries of the play space, while a front-facing camera blends physical elements into the virtual world. These features, working in concert, allow Vive to transport users to worlds that are truly beyond the imagination. Discover Vive today, and see for yourself: THIS IS REAL.

In the 1989 Batman soundtrack, Prince sang “I’ve seen the Future and it will be, I’ve seen the Future and it works”.

As a part of last weekend’s Wizard World Minneapolis, the kind folks at NewEgg gave us a hands-on demo with the latest in Virtual Reality technology, HTC Vive, and this is truly the future to come.

Demand for any new VR product is at a frenzied high right now, with first-adopters more than anxious to own the new tech and the Vive, which went on sale April 5^th, like the similar Oculus Rift, has had some recent issues keeping up with demand.

Developed by HTC and Valve Corporation, the headset designed to utilize “room scale” technology to turn a room into a 3D space via two positioned sensors, with the virtual world allowing the user to walk around and use two motion tracked handheld controllers to manipulate objects, interact, communicate and experience environments. The result is addictive immersive.

We experienced the Space Pirate Trainer game – which is just one type of VR scenario. The first-person shooter game set in space as ships soared from all sides to try and take you out- similar in some ways to being inside the classic Space Invaders game, with 360-degree visibility and a cache of weapons and shields to select from.

A cut way above Google Cardboard and other extensions attached to a smartphone, the Vive still has to compete with the Rift, Razor OSVR, and upcoming Playstation VR, due out this fall, among others.

A grouping of cables tethers you to your PC (which needs to be sufficiently bulked up with enough memory, graphics card capability, etc. to run two 1080×1200 per-eye screens and the software) which makes movement a little restrained, but still workable.

It should also be noted that the HTC Vive VR system comes with two controllers (included in the price). With the short time spent with the demo, we felt this was the superior way to interact with the software – such as selecting menus or shooting down the space pirates… or providing haptic feedback.

In real life, the controller is basically a hilt or grip with various buttons and triggers… but when viewing it in the VR environment, it can be augmented into any visual representation. For example, it can look like a gun, a shield, a sword, or anything the developers can think of.

With VR technology still so relatively new to the public, any first-adopter will want to do their research to decide which platform might be right for them.

In terms of sellers, NewEgg does offer a team of their own peer support, to answer any questions and insure you have the ample computer build or necessary tools to support the device.

Like it or not, VR is here and here to stay- welcome to the Future.

Pros

Immersive experience
Fully working included motion controllers and a finished overall unit, not one still in development
Viewing aspect ratio of 9:5 has greater range than 16:9 in others
Valve fully supports, so any VR game in the Steam library will be available
Room-scale VR environment

Cons