Vive Pro
On 8 January 2018, HTC unveiled the HTC Vive Pro, an updated version of the first-generation Vive. It features higher-resolution displays, now at 1440×1600 resolution per-eye (a 78% increase in resolution), along with a second outward-facing camera, a microphone for noise cancellation analysis, and a refreshed design with a more "balanced" form, lighter weight, and a strap with over-ear headphones and a sizing dial (similar to the "Deluxe Audio Strap" accessory for the first-generation model).[15][16][38] It uses DisplayPort as a display connection instead of HDMI.[29]
The Vive Pro was sold alongside the original HTC Vive as a high-end model; initially, the headset was sold standalone without base stations or controllers, as it was intended as a drop-in replacement for the original Vive. HTC later released bundles of the Vive Pro with base stations and controllers, with the "Starter Kit" including the original controllers and base stations,[39] and the "Full Kit" featuring updated SteamVR 2.0 base stations and controllers, which have improved performance and tracking volume (supporting spaces of up to 10 square metres in size) but are not backwards compatible with the original HTC Vive headset and controllers.[40][41]
In January 2019 at CES, HTC unveiled the Vive Pro Eye, which has built-in eye tracking.[42] On 11 May 2021, HTC unveiled the Vive Pro 2, which upgrades its screens to 2448×2448 resolution per-eye (marketed as 5K resolution), with a 120-degree field of view, 120 Hz refresh rate, and Display Stream Compression support. HTC promoted that the displays had "minimal motion blur" and that they had "virtually eliminated" the screen-door effect. It carries backwards compatibility with all existing HTC Vive and SteamVR-compatible accessories and controllers.[43] As with the original Pro, it was initially released as a standalone headset only. The Full Kit version of the Vive Pro 2 began shipping in October 2021.[44]
Vive Focus
Vive Focus is a line of standalone headsets which do not require a computer to operate. It targets the business market, competing primarily with Meta Quest.
The first-generation Vive Focus used a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip, with input provided via either a small, remote-like controller, or motion controllers using three degrees of freedom. It was initially released in China, and launched internationally in November 2018.[45] In February 2019, HTC announced the Vive Focus Plus, a hardware refresh with updated motion controllers that support six degrees of freedom, and design tweaks for improved weight distribution.[46]
A direct successor known as the Vive Focus 3 was unveiled in May 2021. It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 system-on-chip, has a per-eye resolution of 2448×2448 at 90 Hz, a 120-degree field of view, and improved comfort. It supports Vive Business Streaming for playing VR content from a computer.[47] In September 2024, HTC unveiled the Vive Focus Vision, an updated version of the Focus 3 with an improved strap and cooling system, 12 GB of RAM, 16 megapixel color passthrough cameras, foveated rendering support, and DisplayPort over
Vive Cosmos
Also at CES 2019, HTC announced the Vive Cosmos,[49] which began shipping on 3 October 2019.[18]
Similarly to the Oculus Quest and Rift S, it uses "inside-out" tracking, whereby the controllers are tracked using six cameras in the front faceplate of the headset rather than external base stations. Due to its use of inside-out tracking, the Vive Cosmos does not use the wand controllers used by other Vive models, and ships with a different controller that is nearly identical in design and functionality to the second-generation Oculus Touch controllers.[50]
The Cosmos features a 90 Hz liquid-crystal display (LCD) with a 110-degree field of view and overall resolution of 2880×1700.[18] It supports interchangeable faceplates to change its functionality, such as an External Tracking faceplate (which supports tracking with SteamVR base stations).[18]
Vive Flow
In October 2021, HTC unveiled the Vive Flow, a lightweight standalone headset with a visor-like form factor worn like glasses. It has a 75 Hz LCD with a 100-degree field of view, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 processor. The Vive Focus is designed to be used with an external power supply (such as a USB power bank), with a limited battery backup. The headset supports inside-out tracking, and uses an Android smartphone as a pointer and touchpad rather than a dedicated controller; the user can also mirror apps from the paired smartphone in the VR environment. The Vive Flow is designed primarily for "stationary" experiences (such as multimedia and 360-degree video) rather than gaming, with a variant of the Viveport subscription service for Vive Flow being focused upon such apps.[52] Its lenses also support dioptre adjustment so that users with eyeglass prescriptions can use the headset without wearing glasses.[53]
Vive XR Elite
In January 2023 at CES, HTC announced the Vive XR Elite, a goggle-like, standalone mixed reality headset similar in design to the Meta Quest Pro. It has a 90 Hz LCD with a 110-degree field of view, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 system-on-chip. The headset features depth sensors and color passthrough for augmented reality software, while its lenses also support dioptre adjustment.[53] It has a removable battery pack on its rear strap, which is hot-swappable; the headset contains a limited battery backup.[54] The headset can be used with a traditional headstrap, or with a glasses frame similar to the Vive Flow (used with an external power supply).[54][53] Eye tracking and face tracking accessories are also available.[54]
