Tuesday, 24 March, 2020 UTC
Summary
The company promises “a more immersive, comfortable and compatible experience” than the Reverb.
With all the hype surrounding yesterday’s release of Half-Life: Alyx, many may have missed HP’s announcement regarding a mysterious new VR headset built in partnership with Microsoft and Valve Corporation.
Information is sparse at the moment, though HP makes some pretty bold claims on its website:
“Developed in collaboration with Valve and Microsoft, the next-gen HP VR headset delivers a more immersive, comfortable and compatible experience than the previous generation. It’s the new standard in VR.”
Seems Microsoft isn't done with VR, HP teasing that it is updating their Windows Mixed Reality headset in partnership with MS and Valve, (the previous one I have, and find super uncomfortable).— Jez (@JezCorden) March 23, 2020
CURIOUS pic.twitter.com/5gE8d6J75w
By “previous generation” the company means its HP Reverb. Released in 2019, the Windows Mixed Reality headset was met with mixed reviews due to multiple reports of faulty hardware. Those with working units, however, praised the headsets crystal clear visuals and lightweight design. Personally, I really enjoyed my time with the headset, albeit for a few minor issues.
Based on the images provided, it appears as though this new headset will feature a design similar to that of the $600 Reverb, including two-forward facing cameras as well as built-in headphones. Whatever the specs are they must be impressive, considering the fact HP is touting this as “the new standard in VR” and a “no-compromise VR headset” according to The Verge.
(Image Credit: HP)
Valve’s involvement makes this a particularly interesting partnership. This past June the company released its Valve Index for $999, arguably the most powerful consumer-friendly VR headset available at this time. Hopefully, this announcement is teasing a more cost-effective alternative to the Index. With the release of Half-Life: Alyx leaving nearly all retailers out of PC VR headsets, the Valve Index included, it’s clear that demand for high-end headsets is on the rise.
No word on an official release date or price as of yet.
Feature Image Credit: HP, Microsoft, Valve Corp.
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