Taiwanese consumer electronics company HTC has launched a new virtual reality (VR) headset named HTC Vive Flow with a lightweight design.
HTC’s latest wearable, the VR glasses, resembles a virtual reality headset that can be worn like a pair of spectacles. Two cameras, adjustable diopter dials, and dual integrated speakers are included in the foldable VR headset. It is compatible with the Vive app.
According to the statement, HTC Vive Flow comes with a 75Hz refresh rate with a 100-degree field-of-view (FoV), 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of onboard memory, and it is priced at $499. HTC Vive Flow weighs 189 grams. The headset’s cable is 1.2 meters in length and the total weight of the headset with the cable is 239 grams.
As per the company, “HTC Vive Flow features two 2.1-inch LCDs with a resolution of 1600 x1600 per eye. It supports a 75Hz refresh rate and a 100-degree FoV. The device has adjustable diopter dials for easy focus adjustment for each lens.”
The foldable VR glasses include a sleek, dual-hinge fit design that adjusts to different head shapes and sizes, as well as an active cooling system for added comfort. There are replaceable face gasket and temple pads, making them easier to clean.
“HTC Vive Flow offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The headset does not come with controllers and can be paired with Android smartphones — and not iOS devices yet — via Bluetooth v5 connectivity that acts as a controller,” the company said.
The Miracast option allows users to cast phone apps onto a VR screen. The wearable is equipped with two front-facing cameras for motion tracking. It also supports video pass-through for environmental awareness.
HTC Vive Flow has built-in stereo speakers with spatial audio support. It has dual noise, echo-canceling microphones to avoid distractions. Additionally, the VR headset supports all Bluetooth headphones. Other connectivity options on the HTC Vive Flow include USB Type C-port and Wi-Fi.
The wearable does not include a power adapter and can be connected to an external power source. The HTC Vive Flow Power Adapter, which is sold separately, is compatible with it. “HTC has given hot-swapping feature to the latest VR glasses that gives users up to 5 minutes to switch power sources — like smartphones and power banks — when the battery of the source device is running low. This ensures the device does not reboot while changing power sources,” as per the company.
