HTC reveals the new Vive VR system called Vive Pre

CES is now underway in Las Vegas and HTC has revealed the new look for the Vive VR system.

The new system is called the Vive Pre and has had numerous feature enhancements. The headset has been refined for greater comfort, it’s more compact and features a new strap design. New brighter displays have been added which they say will give a “deeper sense of presence”.

The comfort has been improved with the interchangeable foam inserts and nose gaskets and the headset can be adjusted to suit different facial shapes and facilitate wearers of glasses.

The Vive Pre also comes with a front facing camera which will allow users to see without taking the headset off allowing the “blending physical elements” in the virtual space. This is big news and could make a real difference to the whole VR experience making the system a lot easier to use.

The Vive controllers have been given a makeover with the umbrella-like tops now shaped like a ring. HTC say it now features softer edges, new textured buttons, and grip pads. A new “dual stage” trigger has been added and  there’s haptic feedback. Users concerned about power on the controllers will be pleased to hear they come with rechargable  lithium polymer batteries with micro-USB charging which will give four hours of use per charge.

“When we first announced Vive ten months ago we had an ambitious goal of fundamentally changing the way people communicate and interact with the world – forever,” comments Cher Wang, chairwoman and CEO, HTC. “Since then Vive has received a phenomenally positive reception from media, industry commentators, consumers, and the hundreds of partners and brands we’ve been working with to deliver inspiring and dynamic VR content. For too long, the promise of virtual reality has been little more than a promise. Today we stand on the precipice of a new era. Vive is creating a world where the only limit is human imagination.” 

The VR battle is hotting up.