Gaming enthusiasts across the globe have been eagerly awaiting for the arrival of HTC Vive ever since its introduction during the Mobile World Congress held in March 2015. This Virtual Reality (VR) Headset is a brainchild of the partnership between HTC and Valve.
With a 360 degree room scale tracking, this revolutionary VR gaming headset has a field of view of 110 degrees. Through the aid of sensors, gamers can interact with as well as manipulate the objects in the 3D environment with great precision.
What’s in the box?
comes with two rechargeable disc shaped wireless controllers with trackpad, dual stage triggers, as well as HD haptic feedback. The tracking system consists of two light boxes (called lighthouses) which are basically stations that emit pulsed Infra-Red lasers, creating a virtual mapped grid. In addition to the motion tracking headgear, there are also power adapters, plethora of cables, and mounting brackets provided for the lighthouses.
Powered by SteamVR running on Microsoft Windows, Vive has a high refresh rate of 90 Hz. Each lens has a resolution of 1080×1200.
For optimal gaming experience, it is best to have a space of at least 6.5 feet by 5 feet, and a least 16 feet between the light boxes diagonally.
Source: The Verge
HTC Vive: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides the best gaming experience as it comes with Intuitive touch controllers, wireless tracking lighthouses, adjustable straps, amazingly accurate cameras, and the ability to walk in the 3D VR world (in lieu of being confined to a desk with a controller).
- Chaperone guidance system provides a virtual wall that helps gamers to stay within the bounds and avoid tripping on objects outside the gaming
- Space is provided in the headset for adjusting the lenses and facilitating the wearing of glasses or contact lens.
- Exciting new feature called Vive phone services gives the ability for Android phones as well as iphones to deliver alerts as well as messages when in VR.
- Freedom for ample movement during gaming, due to the 15 feet long tether.
- Front facing camera in the HTV Vive headgear helps in navigating the real world when required.
- More than five dozen games are available on the Steam Store, with more games already in pipeline for development.
Cons:
- It is quite expensive. Compounded with the need for a powerful high-end PC, only someone with deep pockets would be able to afford this VR headset.
- Headphones provided are not the best in line. It is better to use another pair of headphones for a smoother gaming experience.
- Setting up the entire room-scale gameplay is tedious and time consuming.
- The numerous wires pose a threat for tripping if adequate care is not taken. Alternatively, modified tensioned slack line on ceiling can be used for pulling off the cables from floor.
- Headset is slightly heavy. Hence playing for longer hours (especially when doing jumping or slashing actions) tires out the players very quickly. Although the OLED technology provides a good resolution, Screen door effect is noted when wearing the headset for first time.
Conclusion
So, does HTC Vive live up to its hype? The answer is a resounding yes! It has literally revolutionized the gaming industry, and made a quantum leap towards the next generation of VR games.
Psst..If you can’t wait to get your hands on it, check out the availability and pricing of the HTC Vive
After all, this is an experience to be devoured, savored, and simply enjoyed.
