HTC is teasing a new virtual reality headset could be launching at next week’s Vivecon conference, but the company may have more in store. We’re hearing reports that HTC is developing several VR headsets. The company is expected to launch at least two new headsets at ViveCon on May 11, where it will likely talk about the recently leaked Vive Air.
The two headsets reportedly set to launch at ViveCon are the HTC Vive Pro 2 and Vive Focus 3 Business Edition. HTC’s sports-focused Vive Air was leaked late last month, but the company was quick to debunk speculation that this particular model was coming soon. Instead, HTC said the Vive Air is just a concept.
“We are thrilled to see our concept product, the VIVE Air VR headset, win the iF Design Award,” the company said in a statement to UploadVR at the time. “This is just a concept, but the design language has elements and inspiration that can be seen elsewhere in our products.”
The Vive Air features a gray, breathable knit fabric with neon green accents, not unlike designs seen on fitness apparel company Nike, and HTC’s promotional material depicts a woman lifting weights while wearing the headset. Considering its design, the Vive Air could potentially be used to watch and follow guided workouts, opening up a new market for VR headsets.
However, in the case of ViveCon, HTC appears to be focusing on the enterprise VR market rather than the sports or fitness segment. HTC could unveil the Vive Focus 3 Business Edition, a standalone headset that doesn’t require the wearer to be tethered to a computer, and the Vive Pro 2, a premium PC-based VR headset designed as a successor to the Vive Pro. The company’s teaser for ViveCon suggests this will be a "game-changing” headset. Specific details about the headset are currently unknown.
According to a separate report from UploadVR, an early leak from Alzashop suggests the Vive Pro could retail for $1,012, while the Vive Focus 3 Business Edition could cost around $1,770.
ViveCon will be held virtually this year, and those interested in VR can register for the conference on the HTC portal. Registration is free this year and ViveCon will last two days. According to HTC, the conference begins at 9 a.m. on May 11 and runs through May 12.