The HTC Vive Pro Eye is finally available in Europe for €1649. Find out everything you need to know about this new professional VR headset.
Originally unveiled at CES 2019, the HTC Vive Pro Eye is finally available in 25 European countries for a price of €1649. The device can be ordered from May 22, 2019 on Vive.com or from certified dealers.
The Vive Pro Eye takes the design and features of HTC Vive Pro 2018, but also offers new features designed for professionals and businesses. The main novelty is the eye movement tracking technology, also called “Eye-Tracking” in Shakespeare’s language.
This technology allows the creation of more expressive avatars, in order to make meetings and collaboration in virtual reality more immersive. In addition, the Vive Pro Eye relies on Eye-Tracking to offer foveal rendering. Thus, the power of the processor and the graphics chip is accurately allocated where the user is looking. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the images, but also the efficiency of the computer processing.
In addition, the “Deeper Data Analysis” feature allows users to capture real-time reports on the user. To do this, the Vive Pro Eye relies on thermal map and eye tracking technologies. These can collect valuable information about the user’s behavior and decision-making process. For example, companies will be able to measure the effectiveness of an RV product presentation and identify areas for improvement.
Eye Tracking also enables “Intuitive User Experiences”. By simply moving their eyes, users are able to navigate the menus. This makes it possible to dispense with motion detection controllers.
There are also “Dynamic Training Environments”, which are realistic scenario simulations for training employees in VR. Feedback on performance will allow employees to benefit from feedback to make progress.
HTC Vive Pro Eye: the new benchmark for enterprise VR solutions
In terms of technical features, the Vive Pro Eye has two 3.5-inch OLED displays for a definition of 1440 × 1600 per eye, or 2880 × 1600 pixels in total. The refresh rate is 90Hz, and the field of view is 110 degrees. Hi-Res certified headphones are also provided, as well as detachable headphones and two microphones. High impedance earphones are supported. The device is compatible with the SteamVR 2.0 tracking system, allowing tracking over a maximum area of 10mx10m by combining four base stations.
To work properly, the Vive Pro Eye must be connected to a Windows computer equipped with at least an Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350 processor, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290, 4GB graphics card RAM, and DiaplayPort 1.2 ports, USB 3.0. HTC recommends Windows 10 for best results with both front-end cameras, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / Quadro P5000 or higher graphics cards, or AMD Radeon Vega 56/Pro WX7100/ FirePro W9100 or higher for enterprise use.
The HTC Vive Pro Eye will be available in Europe from May 22, 2019, for a price of €1649. Companies who buy it for commercial use will also have to subscribe to the Advantage license program for €185 duty-free. This program provides support and support services for Vive Enterprise products, and comes with a two-year warranty covering commercial use.
