What They Say
HTC has released a new headset, the $499 Vive Flow that it describes as ‘ultra lightweight and glasses-like’ and is designed to work with Android devices. The imagers are 2.1″ 1600 x 1600 LCDs and the field of view is 100° with a refresh rate of 75Hz. Although it needs an Android smartphone for most things, it includes 4GB of RAM and 64GB of ROM. Power for the device comes from a compatible battery bank (although it will work for a short time without). Connection is via USB Type-C, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 5.0.
There are two cameras for inside-out headset 6DoF tracking and video pass-through is supported. There are speakers built into the side arms and the headset has an active cooling system between the eyes.
The Information reported that iPhone support is unlikely and the firm has an app for checking phone compatibility. The smartphone screen can be echoed to the headset. There is also a $5.99 per month subscription to Viveport to get new content.
What We Think
The glasses have a ‘fly eye’ look and HTC hopes that will make them more acceptable than bigger headsets. HTC hopes that they will be adopted by some commercial organisations such as care homes and by ‘other therapy and wellness’ providers. (BR)
