Virtual reality was introduced a few decades ago but many shunned it like an old T-shirt. Now, the thought took a huge step forward and now many are clamoring over the idea. In fact, it is now close to becoming a billion dollar global business (at the time of writing). Therefore, one of the main highlights of the year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) is the virtual realm.
Virtual Reality is Taking a Huge Step Forward in the Right Direction
Taiwanese company HTC even set up a booth at the four day exhibition showcasing their eagerly awaited product, the HTC Vive VR headset. They presented how the consumer edition of said VR device can be operated along with its many features. It will be on sale in April, and is developed by HTC along with US videogame developer Valve Corporation’s software distribution platform, Steam.
Just like what you would expect from a modern-day technologically-inclined device, the HTC Vive VR headset has a number of updated features on offer. It says updated because the original Vive Pre was shown during 2015’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Nevada.
Standard packaging for the Virtual reality headset includes two Lighthouse laser tracking boxes and two hand-tracking controllers. The former peripheral will measure the headset’s position as the user will walk around.
Since the appearance of the device during CES 2015, there has been a number of new features and functionality that comes with the head-mounted display (HMD). These include a front-facing camera (which introduce a whole slew of safety features), and some functionalities that will combine mobile phone use with certain virtual reality apps and games. With the use of your smartphone, you can see notifications and calls on the HMD that you are getting on the phone.
Speaking of which, the Vive is also capable of allowing its users to answer phone calls, read text messages, as well as view the phone calendar. This is aside from being used as a gaming and video platform.
The HTC Vive VR Headset is seen to go toe-to-toe, or rather headset-to-headset, with the likes of other VR headsets in the market. These include headsets coming from Samsung, Sony, and Microsoft. The Oculus Rift is also a serious contender.
Despite the increasing competition, virtual reality is becoming more and more intertwined with today’s lifestyle, especially when it comes to gaming. While many scoffed at the idea before, they sure won’t be laughing now.