HTC has been teasing that several new virtual reality headsets could be launched at ViveCon, the company’s VR conference, this year. Scheduled to be held virtually this year on May 11, HTC announced its plans:[unveil] Our game-changing VR headsets, software and platforms will take your experience to the next level.” Based on what’s been announced, it sounds like this new VR headset could replace several options that are currently considered the best VR headsets you can buy.
This year’s ViveCon is expected to be a company-specific conference, but those who follow the augmented, virtual and mixed reality markets will be able to see how HTC is advancing the sector with its latest products and platforms to drive more innovation in the VR space.
How to watch the ViveCon 2021 live stream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spwB5cLaFbM
HTC calls ViveCon “the most important VR event of the year.” And like most events and announcements that have occurred recently amid the global pandemic, ViveCon will be a virtual event rather than an in-person event. If you’re interested in attending the event, you can register for a free spot at the conference on HTC’s dedicated portal, and to date, approximately 44,000 fans have registered to attend.
HTC will end free registration once ViveCon begins on May 11, so those interested should register now.
The virtual reality conference will take place over two days. The keynote, which will be the most important event for most people, takes place today at 9am PT/12pm ET. HTC is expected to announce at least two new enterprise-focused virtual reality headsets during its keynote. The keynote will be live-streamed and attendees should check the HTC portal for a link to the stream. I’ve also included a link to the live streaming above.
If you can’t watch the ViveCon keynote, be sure to follow Digital Trends as we’ll be reporting all the latest news and announcements from HTC.
Developers will want to stick around for the second day of ViveCon on May 12th. Here, the company will present sessions and panels dedicated to virtual reality. HTC has speakers dedicated to topics related to remote work and health management through VR, as the pandemic has forced many companies to implement work-from-home policies.
What to Expect at ViveCon
HTC is expected to announce two enterprise virtual reality headsets at ViveCon. HTC could use ViveCon as a platform to launch the HTC Vive Pro 2 and Vive Focus 3 Business Edition, successors to the original HTC Vive Pro.
The key difference between the two headsets is that the HTC Vive Pro 2 is expected to be a PC-based virtual reality experience, while the HTC Vive Focus 3 Business Edition is expected to be a standalone solution that does not require the wearer to be connected to a computer.
HTC’s teaser suggests that these headsets will be “game-changing,” so it will be interesting to see what features and specifications are announced. Before ViveCon, HTC showed off its ViveAir headset, which had a sportier design with a lightweight, breathable knit fabric cover, and promotional material depicting a woman lifting weights in a workout outfit.
If adopted for consumer use, the headset could include training videos and guided exercise features, but HTC recently confirmed that it has no intention of commercializing the Vive Air. Rather, the Vive Air was designed as a concept headset, and the company says it hopes to incorporate design elements into other products in the future.
According to UploadVR, a listing of the two headsets leaked by Alzashop ahead of ViveCon shows that the Vive Pro 2 could be priced at $1,012 and the Vive Focus 3 Business Edition could be priced at $1,770.