HTC has launched a new VR headset at CES 2018, but what makes the Vive Pro so special?

CES 2018 is in full swing, and a bevvy of excellent tech announcements have already been let loose to the public. Chief among them is the big announcement from HTC, and the unveiling of the intriguing new VR headset, the HTC Vive Pro.

No, this isn’t the HTC Vive 2 but rather, a beefed up model to go alongside the existing Vive offering. Supporting a 3K resolution and new OLED displays, the HTC Vive Pro is a very interesting prospect for VR enthusiasts. Here’s everything we know so far about the HTC Vive Pro following the CES 2018 announcement, and our first impressions.

HTC Vive Pro: Everything you need to know

HTC Vive Pro UK release date: When’s it coming out?

Okay, let’s start with the bit we don’t know anything about. Sadly, as much as the HTC Vive Pro was lauded at CES, we don’t know when it will release. However, a bit of an indication stems from the release date of the Vive Wireless Adaptor (more on that later), which is due to launch towards the latter half of 2018. I expect the HTC Vive Pro to make an appearance around the same time.

HTC Vive Pro UK price: How much will it cost?

Likewise, as for the price, very little is known. Given the improved specs and features, however, things might prove costly to both your wallet, and the PC required to pump out the added pixels.

Regardless, I think it’s very unlikely that HTC’s latest VR headset will cost more than the original’s, now Brexit-inflated RRP of £759. Ask for any more than that, and HTC may struggle to ship out any units to even the most hardcore of VR fans.

HTC Vive Pro features: What’s new?

And now to what’s new with the HTC Vive Pro. For starters, and what’s categorically the most important new feature, the HTC Vive Pro boasts an increased resolution of 2,880 x 1,600 pixels (or a resolution of 1,440 x 1,600 pixels per eye). Essentially, you’ll be able to play games at 3K resolution, rather than the not-so-sharp resolution of 2,160 x 1,200 – or 1,2080 x 1,200 per eye – on the original.

The HTC Vive Pro also utilises dual OLED displays for high contrast images and pin-sharp text that’s actually readable. It may be a slight shame that HTC hasn’t pushed for 4K resolution with the Pro, but even Nvidia’s GTX 1080Ti GPU would struggle to push out this ultra-high resolution per eye.

Aside from the increased resolution and new displays, the Vive Pro has also received a new paint job, with a shiny metallic blue finish. There are also two front-facing chaperone cameras, alongside dual microphones with noise-cancellation.

HTC also announced an optional Vive Wireless Adaptor for both headsets, allowing you to cut the cord and go completely wireless. Supposedly, this wireless functionality doesn’t affect quality, either.

And lastly, Steam VR Pro was announced alongside HTC’s fancypants VR headset. Essentially, it’s a service where VR developers – and soon to be consumers – can connect up to four Vive baystations together, for larger room-scale environments.

HTC Vive Pro: First impressions

Now that we’ve finally had some hands on time with the Vive Pro – and you can read Vaughn’s in-depth first impressions here – we are very impressed. It isn’t quite so obvious how much better the new displays are, but as you settle in you realise how much sharper the text is. Objects in both the foreground and background are clearer, and it’s a much more comfortable experience on the eyes.

On that note, the new Wireless Adaptor is a VR enthusiast’s dream. Having played Doom VFR, any lag is completely indistinguishable. Being a regular HTC Vive user, the phantom cable syndrome definitely still exists, but it’s very liberating being able to move totally freely within your VR room environment. Tracking for the Wireless Adaptor is done with another little camera that just has to be placed high enough up in your play area to create a clean connection.

HTC has also slightly modified the headpiece space inside the HTC Vive Pro by altering how it sits on your face. This creates a far closer fit to your face, meaning literally no light leaks in.

HTC Vive Pro: Early verdict

HTC’s Vive Pro is very interesting indeed. Up until now, VR tech had stagnated: neither the Oculus Rift nor the Vive had seen much change since their original release, and PlayStation’s own VR headset had all but died a dishonourable death, thanks to its lack of software support.

So we were in a desperate need for a brand-new VR headset to rekindle the VR flame, and HTC’s Vive Pro could very well be the device to do it. There’s enough on offer here to bring VR back to the forefront of tech innovation.

Source: expertreviews.co.uk