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HTC VIVE TAKES BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH TWO NEW VR HEADSETS

HTC have announced 2 brand new VR headsets, the HTC VIVE Pro 2 and the HTC VIVE Focus 3. Bringing with it a brand new 5K resolution, 120 degree field of view and real RGB sub-pixels in both of the headsets. This is really really exciting for virtual reality fans!

  • HTC VIVE Pro 2: sharp, precise, immersive. PC VR like nothing else
  • HTC VIVE Focus 3: a new era for business VR. Powerful and versatile All-in-One
  • 5K resolution, 120 degree field of view, and real RGB sub-pixels in both headsets
  • HTC VIVE Pro 2 pre-order from 11 May, on sale 4 June. The VIVE Focus 3 on sale 24 June
  • While the VIVE Business is announced: a range of new tools designed specifically for businesses of all sizes

HTC VIVE PRO 2

Firstly let’s let you know about the HTC VIVE PRO 2. It takes PC virtual reality to the next level, with every pixel and polygon updated to make high end gaming that much better.

It does this with a stunning 5K resolution display and delivers 2.5k to each eye. The refresh rate is just as impressive with a beautifully fluid 120Hz refresh rate and a fast switching panel with real RGB sub-pixels for crystal clear and buttery smooth animations. (This is already sounding very impressive and we want to have a go…NOW!)

A users field of view has also been increased to 120 degrees. This is thanks to VIVE Pro 2’s new bespoke dual stacked lens. Therefore allowing for minimal motion blur and the ‘screen door effect’ is basically eliminated giving users and gamers a much more natural and immersive experience.

For the first time in a VR headset there is Display Stream Compression. HTC VIVE worked closely with NVIDIA and AMD to optimise this. Display Stream Compression ensures maximum visual quality and is backwards compatible with DisplayPort 1.2. Therefore even graphics cards which supported VIVE Pro will see a benefit with VIVE Pro 2.

VIVE Pro 2 has fine-adjustable inter-pupillary distance (IPD), evenly distributed weight balance, adjustable head strap, and a quick-adjustable sizing dial. Perfect for finding your personal preferences, and also sharing the experience with others. While VIVE Pro 2 has 3D spatial sound with Hi-Res Audio Certified headphones, and supports third party headphones.

Accessories

For those worrying about accessories, don’t worry too much! As All VIVE Steam VR ecosystem accessories will work with HTC VIVE Pro 2. VIVE Trackers of any generation, the new VIVE Facial Tracker and much more work with HTC VIVE Pro 2. The new powerful VR Headset will also slot extremely well into your existing SteamVR setup. Whether you use Base Station 1.0 or 2.0, older controllers or even controllers and gloves like Valve’s Index ‘knuckle’ controllers.

For those looking to upgrade, VIVE Pro 2 in the headset-only version is available for pre-order from 6pm BST on 11 May. While as a special thank you for loyal users, VIVE is running a special promotion during the pre-order period, offering a discount for those who want to upgrade – making VIVE Pro 2 headset available for £659 / $749 / €739.

The full-kit VIVE Pro 2, which includes Base Station 2.0 and VIVE Controllers, is available from 4 August, for  £1299 / $1399 / €1399Read more about the VIVE Pro 2 here: vive.com/vive-pro2

HTC VIVE Focus 3

That’s not all there is also a new All-In-One VIVE Focus 3. This is the ultimate solution for business VR. By combining outstanding visuals with a smarter ergonomic design, superior audio and improved tracking and controllers.

Much like the HTC Vive Pro 2, the HTC VIVE Focus 3 has a 5K resolution with class-leading dual 2.5k displays, a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and an ultra wide 120-degree field of view. While the headset also has the same tech and has fast-switching display panel which uses real RGB subpixels, again essentially eliminating the screen door effect. Therefore things such as writing and overall fidelity are much clearer allowing for software design and user interaction to be more natural for the user.

Comfort

Furthermore the VIVE Focus 3 delivers superior comfort than its predecessor. It has a brand new strap design, balanced weight distribution, and an intelligently designed curved battery pack which is swappable. Also the VIVE Focus 3’s battery pack can be changed in seconds, allowing you to keep going on a very busy day. While quick charge gives you 50% battery with just 30mins of charging, an L.E.D indicator will let you know how much power you have left.

Also, continuing on for comfort for the user, it is durable and lightweight. The magnesium allow frame of VIVE Focus 3 is 20% lighter and 500% stronger than traditional plastics. It has a wide range and fine adjustable Inter Pupillary Distance range. While it has a quick-release button and easily removable magnetic front and rear face gaskets. Therefore making it quick and easy to change and clean.

Moving on to the sound VIVE Focus 3 has open-back speakers featuring a pair of dual drivers. The speakers are contact free meaning users can maintain environmental awareness whilst using the device. Impressively there is also a special audio privacy setting which reduces the risk of being overheard by people nearby.

Tech

VIVE Focus 3 uses an AI powered inside out tracking algorithm for precise tracking. Whilst remaining with privacy at the forefront of all tracking data. All stored in an encrypted format on the headset. There are also some redesigned controllers which are easy to use, whilst also lasting for 15hours on a single charge. There is also hand tracking support which is said to be released in the future.

VIVE Focus 3 is powered by the premium-quality Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ XR2 Platform which unlocks staggering performance improvements including twice the CPU and GPU performance and 11x the AI processing compared to its predecessor which powers the original VIVE Focus.

Powering VIVE Focus 3 is a specially optimised Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform, combined with a copper heat pipe and cooling fan, so that it’s always stays cool. Featuring the all-new VIVE Reality System 2.0 which delivers a more streamlined and professional environment, VIVE Focus 3 will be on sale 24 June 2021, for £1060 / $1300 / €1180 (includes 24 month VIVE Business Warranty and Services, excludes VAT).  Read more about the VIVE Focus 3 here: vive.com/vive-focus3

VIVE Business

A great companion to the Focus 3, VIVE Business is a complete suite of software and services aimed at business looking to get the best out of XR. VIVE Business is scalable and secure, making life easier for deployment, maintenance, remote support and training needs.

The VIVE Business Management Device platform is a simple and intuitive MDM (Mobile Device Management) and is ISO certified. Therefore allowing IT to quickly and easily see the status of each VIVE Focus 3 on the network. You are also able to remotely install new business apps, update software and more. It is designed to work with Android Enterprise MDM. Therefore making it slot into pre-existing MDM solutions already active in your work environment.

Furthermore the VIVE Business AppStore is a curated collection of apps and tools. Which cover diverse areas like training communication, visualisation, and more.

Furthermore the VIVE Business Training is great for training sessions of any size, a training leader can observe the progress of each trainee via an Android device. While highlighting the next streps and talking to the training through it. VIVE Business Streaming will support connecting to a PC via a cable. There will be new tolls and features added to VIVE Business, such as fully wireless streaming support.

VIVE gives control back to businesses. Organisations can choose to take up VIVE Business services, or they can simply pay a one-off cost for VIVE Focus 3 and integrate it into their existing setup, with no recurring fees and the ability to use their hardware as they choose to.

VIVE Sync

Vive Sync is the way to meet in VR with realistic avatars to host presentations and examine 3D models. Also teach a class! Vive Sync has been in beta since June 2020 and has been used in almost 100 countries around the world. It is launching in Pro and Enterprise versions, offering different new environments, tools and ways to interact. Collaborate on product design, bring every day files into VR with Microsoft PowerPoint through 3D Formats. Vive Sync is perfect for groups of up to 30 or more people.  Read more about VIVE XR Suite here: enterprise.vive.com/solutions/xr-suite

The VIVE Pro 2 is available to pre-order from the 11th May, with an on sale date of the 4th of June. The VIVE Focus 3 has an on sale date of the 24th June.

What the bosses say:

“At VIVECON we redefined premium VR for both businesses and consumers, with stunning 5K resolution and 120 degree field of view setting a new benchmark for PC VR and All-in-One headsets. VIVE Pro 2 delivers an amazing immersive experience, with beautifully fluid visuals, comfort, and precise tracking, for when every pixel and polygon counts,” 

“VIVE Focus 3 heralds a new era of business VR – crafted for stunning visuals while also being durable and lightweight, with superior comfort and ease of use. Our new VIVE Business solutions make it easier than ever for an organisation to use VR, so whether it’s a small start-up or a multinational, everyone can benefit from the transformative potential of VR.”

Graham Wheeler, HTC VIVE EMEA General Manager

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Boiling Steel – SCI FI VR Madness

 

MicroWin Studio, the studio behind Guns ‘n’ Stories: Bulletproof VR, have announced an amazing Sci-Fi VR shooter. It’s called Boiling Steel and will come to Steam Early access on December 5th 2019.

Boiling Steel has been in development since early 2018. It’s made for gamers who love fast-paced action! Which is also wrapped in a complex story rich setting. It’s written by a member of the team behind the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.

From what we can see this game has some beautiful graphics, smooth controls and a lot of action! Boiling Steel has an arsenal of upgradable construction tools too. Which provide a truly unique experience!

Boiling Steel: Plot

The story of Boiling Steel is set far in the future and centered around a colonized planet. This planet has been designed to be a bastion of scientific research and development. Furthermore it is free of bureaucratic, religious, and legal restrictions and the technology is very very advanced.

So, by utilizing the ability to transfer a human consciousness to a robotic shell (how cool does that sound!). Players are able to do hazardous work in mines and factories without the need to worry about danger. You are eager for the chance at a better life. Therefore you get really excited about working for the Engineering Corps.

However, radical fanatics with unknown motives launch a virus into the system. Messing things up real bad. Empty shells run rampant as they’re controlled by the virus. Murdering anyone they can find.

This leads players to a number of questions such as:

Who is behind the virus attack and why?
Why haven’t the military arrived to rescue the colonists?

You get inquizitive and it’s up to you, even with your construction equipment, to get to the bottom of the issue.

Included in Boiling Steel:

  • 9 tools, each with unique playstyle, upgrades, and handling
  • Experience upgrade system: The more you use a tool, the more powerful it becomes.
  • Furthermore, be rewarded for sticking with a favorite.
  • Non-story missions are randomly generated to make each playthrough exciting and unique.
  • Plus, more than 40 combat missions! Equaling over 10 hours of action-packed VR shooting goodness.
  • A variety of enemy shells with a multitude of armaments, configurations, and combat style.
  • Overcome planetary security systems! Such as automated turrets, minefields, energy barriers. Achieve even more with smarts, quick reflexes, and puzzle-solving ability.
  • Also, explore cloud-city complexes, frozen structures, sandy mining platforms, and more.

Purchase via Steam here!

Early Access Release Date: Dec 5th 2019

Price: $19.99

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Crisis On The Planet Of The Apes

Crisis On The Planet Of The Apes VR

FoxNext VR studio have recently announced Crisis On The Planet Of The Apes. A VR game based on the Planet of The Apes saga! A first person action adventure game that’s available on all VR platforms from April 2018!

Available April 3rd on, Playstation VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Crisis On The Planet Of The Apes, takes place between two movies. The Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of The Apes Movies. Five years since the outbreak of the Simian Flu, which has wiped out half of humanity and primates evolved.

Crisis On The Planet Of The Apes: Plot

So, the destinies of the two species are at a crossroads, you take the shape of an Ape, an Ape that is of advanced intelligence. You’re captured and held prisoner in an guarded facility as mankind searches for a cure. Consequently, it is here, where you take on the mission of managing through the violent world to escape, gather up your fellow primates and return home to Caesar.

You play from the primates perspective, become part of the storyline, captured and forced into conflict with humans. Fighting for their lives as they attempt to escape bitter captivity. Furthermore, players are expected to join forces with other captive apes, confront human violence and channel primate instincts to survive.

“VR has always held the promise of bringing together the cinematic storytelling of film and the deeply immersive interactivity of games. Crisis on the Planet of the Apes VR takes this potential to the next level….We set out to give the fan a lead role in this dark Planet of the Apes world – to feel the ape’s strength, power and movement as he fights his way to safety.”  Brendan Handler, SVP & GM, FoxNext VR Studio.

To listen to the guys chatting about this please click here!

 

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