htc-lastly-exhibits-its-meta-quest-2-rival-wi-fi-vr-headset

A number of weeks in the past, we received wind that HTC was engaged on a standalone wi-fi AR/VR headset to rival the Meta Quest 2. And right here it’s: at CES 2023, HTC revealed the HTC XR Elite, an all-in-one XR headset set for launch subsequent month. And it will not be low-cost. 

The Vive XR Elite can obtain 4K decision (2K per eye) at 90Hz with a 110-degree FOV. It is also received an exterior digicam for blended actuality hijinx. It is powered by a Snapdragon XR2 with 12GB RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. On paper, the Vive XR Elite is about thrice extra highly effective than Meta Quest 2; it is also thrice as costly at $1,099, so there’s that. 

The Vive XR Elite goes for a comfort-focused design with as little bulk as attainable. The again headrest is removable, and the remainder of the headset could be folded like a pair of sun shades to retailer in a carry case. 

I put on large-framed glasses, which makes carrying sure VR headsets actually uncomfortable, so I am excited that the XR Elite has built-in diopters that regulate focus, so you may really use the headset with out glasses.   

Based on HTC, the anticipated battery life is about 15 hours, and it gives 30W quick charging, which may cost the battery to 50% capability in half an hour. The battery can be swapped out and changed if you wish to purchase a second one for longer VR periods. 

With the battery, the XR Elite weighs about 625g (about 1.4 kilos), making it with a reasonably light-weight headset, whereas the Meta Quest 2 continues to be lighter at 503g. Each are considerably lighter than the Valve Index, which weighs 809 grams. With out the XR Elite’s battery, you are solely 240g, which is fairly mild when linked to a PC or cellphone. Although I might think about it would not final lengthy when plugged right into a cellphone. 

The Vive XR Elite is positioning itself as a premium different to Meta’s wildly common headset. At launch, it is anticipated to have 100 video games in its digital retailer, however you will additionally have the ability to use it as a Steam VR headset, too.