HTC Vive Air the next wireless virtual reality headset

HTC Vive Air the next wireless virtual reality headset all the rumors about this project which could see the light of day by the end of 2021.

HTC Vive Air the next wireless virtual reality headset

Price: 399 $ (estimate) | HTC (Taiwan – creation 1997) | Setup of my Quest 2  | All VR news

Award-winning design for the HTC Vive Air

It all started with images of a design imagined for the HTC Vive Air on the NET. A virtual reality headset intended for wireless use ideal for VR fitness applications.

A look that is reminiscent of that of certain “Air” sneakers. And this is a deliberate and assertive choice. “Inspired by athletic shoes, the new helmet introduces knitted materials to provide unprecedented comfort and fit. The breathable and quick-drying fabrics improve ventilation. The light and innovative structure allows users to forget about the presence of the headset on the head to focus on virtual content. The quick-release design allows the ergonomic soft components to be removed for washing. “

More surprisingly, this design won an IF Design Award awarded to HTC for a never-before-seen VR headset. So the rumor took shape about the HTC Vive Air.

Designed specifically for playing sports in virtual reality, this one-of-a-kind headset features a breathable fabric design and a detachable front, which makes it easier for you to clean.

Technical characteristics

Like the Oculus Quest, the benchmark for wireless VR headsets, four on-board cameras on the front. They allow wireless monitoring from the inside to the outside of the movements of your hands, arms and heads. Here, then, no more external trackers, as for the HTC Vive.

It could also be without controllers or joysticks, by integrating a follow-up of the hands and why not of the body. Or why not, wireless tracker braceletsl To be worn on the biceps, wrists or ankles.

I would also like to see him integrated his VIVE Facial Tracker directly into the shell rather than as an external accessory. This allows you to follow your facial expressions and the movements of your mouth. Ideal for better expressing what you feel in real life through your VR avatar.

HTC Vive Air features

But all this remains a project that may not see the light of day

After making headlines on the web, HTC released an official statement confirming that the HTC Vive Air is just a concept and there are no plans to market the Vive Air.

“It’s exciting to see our concept, the VIVE Air VR headset, win an iF Design Award,” the statement read. “Although this is only a concept, the design language has elements and inspirations that you will find elsewhere in our products. We are not the type to rest on our laurels, so while we are delighted to have won this award, we have some business to do, we hope to see you on May 11th and 12th at Vivecon 2021. ”

Note: to follow the Vivecon on May 11 and 12, 2021 (at 5 p.m. London time), you can register here. You will receive an email with a link to confirm your registration.

It will therefore be interesting to follow the brand’s official announcements during its annual event. What we do know is that the release of a new headset at HTC is well planned.

HTC Vive Air price date

HTC Vive Air headset price

Currently, HTC’s virtual reality headset range is made up of:

  • Long live Cosmos that we currently find from $ 699

  • HTC Vive Cosmos Elite, professional model at $ 999

  • And the HTC Long live Pro from $ 1,199.

For a consumer version, complementary to the current range, which can also compete with the Oculus Quest 2, the price should not exceed 399 $.

HTC Vive Air first review

For me, projects always start with a concept. And the perfectly organized leaks allow a brand to see the public’s interest in its innovative approach. Especially if HTC confirms that it is only a concept, it says at the same time that it has an autonomous headset project. And there is no effortless sweating.

The concept seems very interesting to me, especially if the Vive Air supports the Steam VR and Viveport game library, but that will limit it, at first, to players with a gaming PC. The price will also need to be close to the current reference (Oculus Quest 2 with 64 GB at 349 $).

So I wouldn’t be surprised to see new information coming out on Vive Air on a regular basis over the next few months. Which would be a good thing, as Oculus is taking a virtual monopoly on the standalone consumer VR headset market with its Quest 2. Also watch for the Chinese market in May with the release of Neo Pico 3 (dedicated article).

And then we may be surprised to see it on May 11 during Vivecon 2021.

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