We’re only two months in but 2018 has already been a big year for the HTC Vive with the reveal of the Vive Pro. The upgraded headset is getting its latest showing at the 2018 Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona this week alongside a suite of experiences.
As with the booth at last year’s show, HTC is showing off much more than just VR games at the event this week. For example, Immersive VR Education is there showcasing its virtual collaboration tool, Engage, which allows people to host lectures, lessons and workshops inside of VR. VR training platform Innoactive is also showcasing its partnership with Volkswagen with its app that allows employees to practice working on virtual cars.
Who wants to go on a balloon ride? @htcvive #vivepro and @janimationinc pic.twitter.com/sdkM47NCCe
— Daniel O’Brien (@obriend17) February 26, 2018
If you’ve been on social media today you’ve also probably noted the giant hot air balloon at Vive’s booth that people are jumping into. This is for Janimation VR, which is showcasing its creative tools with a virtual trip that uses haptics. The ever-popular VR vertigo simulator, Richie’s Plank Experience is also there to show off Vive Pro’s improved clarity, while soccer simulation Mi Hiepa Sports uses the Vive Trackers for realistic control. Sim for Health is also showcasing its medical VR training tools.
As for the more playful side of VR, there’s a chance to experience Arizona Sunshine inside the Vive Pro along with another showing of Vive Studios’ own Virtual Sports, while Viveport VR and Vive Video are also on display. Finally, you’ll also be able to check out the new Vive Wireless Adapter at the booth.
True, we’ve heard of many of these experiences before, but HTC is showing many of them on the Vive Pro this year. That means they’re refreshed via the headset’s 3K display and can be enjoyed with built-in headphones and an improved design. Vive Pro is expected to launch as a singular headset for existing Vive owners in the coming weeks, while a full kit with the required SteamVR peripherals will be arriving later this year. A price has not yet been announced.
