HTC Vive

2022: Compatible with Astra Linux Common Edition 2.12 and Astra Linux Special Edition 1.7.1

Astra Group and HTC have confirmed the compatibility of OCAstra Linux and HTC VIVE Pro VR helmet. Astra announced this on June 21, 2022.

To test product compatibility, experts have connected the HTC VIVE Pro VR helmet to a PC running Astra Linux Common Edition 2.12 and Astra Linux Special Edition 1.7.1 operating systems, including with the cumulative security update Bulletin No. 2021-1126SE17 installed.

The set of tests consisted of determining the device in the OS, checking the performance of the Steam VR application, as well as displaying the image and sound through the virtual reality helmet. Tests have shown that the system is fully compatible ON with Astra. Linux According to the test results, the HTC VIVE Pro VR helmet received official Ready for Astra Linux compatibility certificates No. 7994 and No. 7995.

We see great prospects in the development of cooperation between our companies. VR helmets in recent years have been in great demand not only in the consumer segment, but also in the B2B sector. Industrial enterprises, educational and medical institutions, design and design organizations massively use virtual reality devices in their activities. Official confirmation of compatibility with Astra Linux is a signal to our customers and other market participants that they can confidently work with this virtual reality system, - said Roman Mylitsyn, Head of Advanced Research at Astra Group.

2021: Announcement of VR helmets displaying 5K image

On May 11, 2021, HTC introduced virtual reality helmets capable of displaying a picture with a resolution of 5K (4896 × 2448 pixels). The range of the Taiwanese manufacturer has been replenished with the HTC Vive Pro 2 and HTC Vive Focus 3 models.

Vive Focus 3 is based on an optimized Qualcomm Snapdragon XR processor, which, according to the developers, has 25% increased efficiency compared to the regular version of the chip.

HTC introduced VR helmets that output 5K images

HTC solved the issue of heating the processor under intense loads using an active cooling system. It includes one copper heat-conducting tube and a small fan. The company claims that even under high load, the cooling system works quietly and does not distract the user from immersing himself in the world of virtual reality. The VR helmet received support for fast charging, which provides 50% charge in half an hour.

The HTC Vive Focus 3 has a similar Vive Pro 2 display, but with a lower refresh rate of 90 Hz. The novelty is made in a magnesium alloy case, is equipped with a quick removal button, and the face pads have magnetic latches, which allows you to replace or clean them on the fly when using the helmet by different employees.

The main features of HTC Vive Pro 2 are as follows:

• viewing angle 120 degrees;
• 120 Hz refresh rate;
• adjustable interpupular distance and distance from eyes to lenses;
• adjusting the landing of the helmet and headphones;
• Hi-Res certified headphones with built-in three-dimensional spatial sound;
• two built-in microphones;
• Bluetooth and USB-C port.

In Russia, new VR helmets will go on sale in the summer of 2021. HTC Vive Pro 2 will be available only in the Full Kit version with a full set of equipment for 141.9 thousand rubles. The cost of HTC Vive Focus 3 has not yet been announced.^[1]

2019

Collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies

On March 26, 2019, HTC VIVE announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to pre-integrate and optimize the HTC Vive Wave platform for the reference design of Qualcomm Technologies XR Standalone autonomous helmets and 5G smartphones. This makes it possible for OEMs using the Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platform to accelerate the launch of Vive Wave-enabled devices. The agreement also allows HTC Vive to create a key XR solution for smartphone OEMs that gives them access to the VIVEPORT app store. Thanks to this platform, manufacturers will be able to provide users with a ready-made XR solution with full immersion using a variety of XR browsing devices that will connect to a smartphone via a USB Type-C port.

The efforts of HTC Vive and Qualcomm Technologies are aimed at helping smartphone manufacturers improve their offering and take full advantage of 5G networks, giving partners in hardware access to high-quality VR content through the Wave platform and Viveport app store. By optimizing their solutions, Vive and Qualcomm Technologies are working to help accelerate the growth of the entire XR ecosystem.

Vive Focus Plus announcement

In February 2019, HTC introduced the Vive Focus Plus virtual reality (VR) helmet, which is focused on use in enterprises, medical institutions and various companies. Read more here.

HTC Vive Pro Eye

In January 2019, HTC introduced the HTC Vive Pro Eye, a virtual reality helmet model with eye recognition. Now the system will be able to respond not only to manual controllers, but also to eye movement. The system monitors the movements of pupils and understands what the user's attention is focused on. This option can be used both in games and for working with various types of data.

Thanks to the eye tracking function, a unique type of rendering was implemented, the main feature of which is to reduce the load on the PC. This is achieved by reducing the image quality at the periphery of the gaze. The best picture will be displayed directly where the user's gaze is concentrated.

The device uses a 3.5-inch AMOLED display. The total resolution of the gadget is 2880 * 1600 pixels. At the same time, the frequency is set at 90 frames per second. The gadget has a decent viewing angle - 110 °. Otherwise, in terms of hardware characteristics, the device is no different from the Vive pro version.

According to the developers, the ergonomics of the headphones have been improved. On the front panel of the helmet there is a dual camera. To connect peripheral equipment, the case has a USB type C and DisplayPort connector. There is also a Bluetooth module.

The gadget, unlike Vive Cosmos, uses SteamVR tracking. Other sensors announced include a G-sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor and IPD sensor. The price of the device is 129,990 rubles.^[2]

HTC Vive Pro Eye specifications

• Screens: Two 3.5 "AMOLED screens each
• Resolution: 2880 x 1600 pixels (1440 x 1600 for each eye)
• Refresh rate: 90 Hz
• Viewing angle: 110 degrees
• Audio playback:
  • Hi-Res Certified Helmet
  • Hi-Res certified headphones (removable)
  • support for high-impedance headphones
  • adjusting headphones to improve ergonomics

• Sound recording: two built-in microphones
• Connections: USB-C 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, Bluetooth
• Sensors: SteamVR Space Tracking System, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity Sensor, IPD Sensor for Interpupular Distance Tuning, Eye Tracking System
• Ergonomics: adjusting the distance from eyes to lenses
• Adjusting the Interpupal Distance
• Adjusting the headphones
• Adjustment of the headband

Vive Pro Eye supports a 10 x 10 m gaming zone when installing four SteamVR 2.0 base stations. A standard kit with two SteamVR 2.0 base stations provides tracking in a zone up to 7 x 7 m.

Eye Tracking Specifications

• Ocular output rate (binocular): 120Hz
• Accuracy: 0.5 ° -1.1 ° (within 20 ° FOV field of view)
• Calibration: by 5 points
• Monitored visual field * *: 110 °
• Output (eye information): Timestamp (device and system), Gaze origin
• Direction of view
• Pupil location
• Pupil size
• Degree of eye openness
• Interface: HTC SRanipal SDK
• SDK compatibility with engines: Unity, Unreal^[3]

2018: HTC Vive Pro

According to July 2019, the updated HTC Vive Pro helmet is a ready-made system from a box for immersion in the world of virtual scenes. This is a complex that includes a device for transmitting an image, reproducing and recording sound, entering visual information.

According to the developer, the updated virtual reality helmet received a dual front camera, which increases the effect of a three-dimensional image, and also allows you to more accurately track the movement of a person.

To improve user immersion in the world of virtual games or 360 videos, the design of the face lining has been redesigned. It is necessary so that daylight does not pass to the eyes, thereby creating the effect of presence in the game. The designers thought over all the details: the lining is made of high-quality foam with material decoration. The versatility of the design allows people with all facial shapes to use the helmet effectively. The nose cover is made in the form of a petal. It also increases the versatility of using the Vive Pro.

The SteamVR Tracking 2.0 system is optimized: movements have become smooth, shifts have disappeared. The developers have finalized the system. The area of ​ ​ use of the helmet in motion has increased. The determination of its location has also improved.

The updated version of the helmet received an ergonomic design for attaching the helmet to the head. Thanks to which its long-term use is much more comfortable. The lack of wires for connecting to a PC is another plus. The Vive Wireless Adapter is based on Intel technology. This will reduce picture and action latency and improve performance in general. For buyers, it will be available in the summer of 2018.

In the updated version of the helmet, the developers pleased users with built-in headphones that support 3D sound playback. It is possible to adjust them to a specific location to achieve better sound transmission. Audio playback complies with the Hi-Res Audio standard. This is a modern standard that is used in almost all headphones designed for gamers.

Specifications HTC Vive Pro

• Type of electronic device: VR Vive Pro helmet from HTC
• Display module: 2 AMOLED displays
• Diagonal: 9 cm
• Resolution vive pro: each module is 1440 x 1600. Total is 2880 x 1600
• Refresh rate: 80-100 Hz
• Viewing angle: 100-120 °
• Sound: Built-in 3D headphones
• Microphone availability: Yes
• Connection interfaces: USB - C 3.0; Bluetooth 4.1; DP – 1.2
• Sensors:
  • SteamVR Tracking position detection function;
  • body orientation sensor;
  • proximity sensor;
  • G-sensor;
  • IPD sensor - setting the distance of lenses on the pupil of the user;

• Ergonomic capabilities
  • Setting the interpupular distance;
  • distance from eyes to lenses;
  • headphone locations;
  • fitting of the attachment to the head.

Helmet package

HTC's VR Vive Pro helmet package includes the following devices:

• Virtual reality helmet with 3 in 1 cable and audio cable, built-in headphones, face pads (the second is a spare, for a narrow face), napkins for lens care;
• Wireless adapter;
• Communication module with power supply and HDMI, USB cables, mounting platform;
• Vive Pro controllers with a power supply, straps in the amount of two pieces and micro-USB cables;
• Base stations with power supply unit, mounting kit (4 self-tapping screws with dowels), synchronization cable;
• The set also contains documentation for the helmet: operating manual, warranty card, etc.^[4]

2014: HTC Vive Presentation

HTC Vive is a virtual reality headset jointly developed by Valve Corporation and HTC. The headset was first demonstrated in 2014, announced in early 2015.

The HTC Vive system is mainly designed for gaming. 32 different sensors are responsible for the realism of the sensations - including a gyroscope, accelerometer and camera, evenly distributed over the entire surface of the helmet. Small vibration motors are built into the controllers in the user's hands, which are responsible for creating realistic tactile sensations.

HTC Vive also allows you to use various creative applications (from drawing 3D objects to creating your own universes) and watch movies with the effect of being in the frame.

Vive VR headset (2016)

The system consists of a virtual reality helmet, two wireless controllers for action control, two base stations that track each movement, headphones, a communication module for connecting to a computer, as well as a complete set of necessary accessories and adapters.

HTC Vive is equipped with its own AMOLED screens with a resolution of 1200 x 1080 pixels. That is, additional gadgets are not needed to use it.

HTC Vive will help you have an unusual and interesting time for both one player and the company: while the player enjoys the process, the rest can watch his adventures in the world of virtual reality thanks to a picture broadcast on a computer or TV screen.

HTC claims - Vive updates the picture at 90 Hz, allowing you to display video in 90 fps mode. The resolution of each of the two screens is 1200x1080.

Vive VR headset (2016)

The kit promises to supply two controllers.

Notes