HTC VIVE revealed its virtual reality (VR) VIVE Flow headset for sales in November in a long-anticipated public launch on Thursday.
The Taiwanese tech giant’s “Go with the Flow” event revealed the lightweight device will allow users to relax and incorporate meditations in their daily routines along with other features.
Cher Wang, Chairwoman and Chief Executive of HTC, said in a statement her company aimed to take technology “in a new direction,” allowing customers to focus on their emotional health, adding,
“Maintaining our wellness has come to the forefront in the last few years, with so many millions feeling stressed every day, so it has never been more important to take time out to calm our minds, and VIVE Flow provides the perfect opportunity to escape our four walls and immerse ourselves in our ideal ambience”
The kit would allow people to experience “meditation, gentle stretches, brain training, streaming our favorite shows or even meeting friends or coworkers,” with VIVE Sync, Mrs Wang said, adding the VIVE Flow represented the “next evolution of technology” with a holistic view of improving quality of life.
Nanea Reeve, Chief Executive of [Extended Reality] Wellness Service TRIPP, added relaxation meant “different things to different people” and urged users to find their “own version of Zen,” adding,
“The fact that HTC gets it, that we can use VR in these ways that can benefit peoples’ emotional and mental well-being is something that I personally am very excited about as is our entire team at TRIPP”
Device Specs, Features, and Costs
VIVE Flow will empower users to boost their health and wellness, productivity, and pursuit of personal hobbies with entertainment via immersive experiences on the Viveport app store accessible on Android.
5G-backed Android smartphones can connect to the service and stream TV shows, films, and other content to the platform. Users can also access friends and family in virtual environments with the VIVE Sync app.
Today, we’re excited to introduce VIVE Flow, lightweight #immersiveglasses that transports its wearers wherever they want or need to be – anytime, anywhere. Learn more at https://t.co/Or5P5mDs9B#htcvive #VIVEFlow #vive #htc pic.twitter.com/b0HAfmwKlT
— HTC VIVE (@htcvive) October 14, 2021
Weighing at just 189 grammes, the VIVE Flow folds similarly to typical glasses for added portability and accommodates many head shapes and sizes, the company said.
The device’s face gasket was inspired by the VIVE Focus 3, allowing users to switch the magnetically-attached components when needed.
VIVE Flow also incorporates built-in diopter dials to focus visuals and adds an active culling system to balance the device temperatures during active use.
It also provides a 100-degree field of view (FoV) for cinematic HD visuals, 3.2K resolutions, and a 75 Hz refresh rate along with 3D spatial audio for immersive sound and Bluetooth earphone connectivity.
According to the company, the VIVE Flow will cost roughly $499 USD, £499 GBP, or €549, and has begun taking pre-orders on Thursday, which include a bundle of seven experiences.
The company will also launch its Viveport subscription for $5.99 USD per month and customers will receive a carrying case with the option to buy a 10,000mAh power bank.
The news comes after XR Today interviewed Mani Srinivasan, TRIPP’s Chief Business Officer, who discussed the XR firm’s wellness solution along with its use as a 5G application.
Mr Srinivasan explained his company’s progress in the health and wellness market as well as upcoming plans to advance facial tracking and other emerging technologies. The VR app debuted on the Oculus Quest and Playstation VR and is set to port to Nreal smart glasses later this year.
