HTC VIVE introduces its newest consumer VR headset – the VIVE Pro 2

In Virtual Reality News

May 11, 2021 – HTC VIVE, a provider of premium virtual reality (VR) solutions, has today announced at its VIVECON 2021 global VR conference its new consumer VR headset with the introduction of the VIVE Pro 2 device, alongside its announcements for the enterprise-focused VIVE Focus 3 headset and VIVE Business platform.

“Today’s launch marks a major milestone in our strategy to create the very best immersive experiences. We have listened to our customers, from well-known global companies to smaller firms and professional users, and have designed these premium headsets from the ground up to meet the challenges they face, adding a professional range of software, platform and services to make implementation as smooth and effective as possible,” said Cher Wang, HTC Chairwoman and CEO. “In line with our mission, we’ve combined the very latest technology with the needs and aspirations of our customers, enabling them to unleash their imagination to improve people’s lives and solve problems for business and society.”

“Furthermore, I am delighted to share this good news at our first global VIVECON event; a clear demonstration of how the virtual world has become mainstream over the last year, enabling people from all over the world to join us without leaving their homes,” continued Cher Wang. “In this new normal, VIVE is playing a greater role in bringing people closer together while creating a more sustainable world.”

According to the company, the VIVE Pro 2 features a 5K resolution display that delivers 2.5K to each eye, coupled with a 120 Hz refresh rate and fast-switching panel with real RGB sub-pixels. The field of view (FoV) of the device has also been increased to 120 degrees thanks to VIVE Pro 2’s new bespoke dual stacked-lens design. HTC VIVE stated that these advances should mean minimal motion blur and that the ‘screen door effect’ is virtually eliminated, giving users a more natural and immersive experience.

HTC VIVE also worked closely with NVIDIA and AMD to utilise Display Stream Compression, for the first time in a VR headset. Display Stream Compression ensures maximum visual quality and is also backwards compatible with DisplayPort 1.2, so even graphics cards which supported VIVE Pro will see a benefit with VIVE Pro 2.

VIVE Pro 2 also features fine-adjustable inter-pupillary distance (IPD), evenly distributed weight balance, adjustable head strap, and a quick-adjustable sizing dial. Furthermore, the device comes with 3D spatial sound with Hi-Res Audio Certified headphones, and supports third party headphones.

HTC VIVE stated that all VIVE SteamVR ecosystem accessories will work with VIVE Pro 2 – VIVE Trackers of any generation, the new VIVE Facial Tracker, and more. VIVE Pro 2 will slot into an existing SteamVR setup – whether it’s Base Station 1.0 or Base Station 2.0, VIVE Wireless Adapter, VIVE controllers, or even controllers and gloves like Valve’s Index ‘knuckle’ controllers.

For upgraders, VIVE Pro 2 in the headset-only version is available for pre-order from 6pm BST on May 11. The company is also running a special promotion during the pre-order period for loyal users of its hardware, offering them a discount for those who want to upgrade their older devices – making the VIVE Pro 2 headset available for GBP £659 / USD $749 / EUR €739.The full-kit VIVE Pro 2, which includes Base Station 2.0 and VIVE Controllers, is available from August, for GBP £1,299 / USD $1399 / EUR €1399. For more information on the VIVE Pro 2, please visit HTC VIVE’s website.

Full specs can be found below:

Image / video credit: HTC VIVE / YouTube

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.