HTC has released firmware version 2.0 for its Vive Focus standalone VR headset. The device is currently only available in China, but releases in the US and other Western territories are planned for later this year. (HTC Announces Global Launch for Vive Focus Standalone Headset)
Version 2.0 brings a raft of new features, including Steam and Viveport VR content streaming from a compatible PC via 5GHz WiFi and Riftcat’s VRidge emulation software, as well as the ability to install VR apps onto a micro SD card. Owners of HTC’s U12+ smartphone can also now receive calls and messages directly from their phone, without needing to use the Vive mobile app as a go-between.
Surroundings Mode allows users to toggle between the standard display and a more transparent version, while Passenger Mode is designed to reduce motion sickness when using the device in a moving vehicle, by switching off some of its trackers, providing a 3DoF version of the experience to be used in a seated, stationary position.
HTC says that more features are planned for release in the third quarter of 2018, including hand tracking, enhanced mirroring features and the use of computer vision to upgrade the device’s 3DoF controllers to 6DoF. The company is also said to be exploring the potential of using the U12+ smartphone as a 6DoF controller.
