HTC Vive Cosmos Play and Elite: 2 new versions of the VR headset for PC

Summary

• HTC Vive Cosmos XR Faceplate: a modular facade for mixed reality

Since its launch at the end of 2019, the HTC Vive Cosmos has met with very mixed commercial success. The Taiwanese manufacturer does not reveal the sales figures, but the Steam Hardware Survey seems to indicate that the Cosmos is less used than the 2 Oculus Rift DK2014...

In an attempt to make up for this failure, HTC today unveils two new models of Cosmos: Cosmos Play and Cosmos Elite. One is less expensive and is intended for the general public, the second more expensive and addressed to businesses.

The Vive Cosmos Play is expected to be priced at around $ 499 instead of $ 699 for the original Cosmos. However, the device is content to four integrated cameras for position tracking instead of six. We do not find the integrated headphones of the first model. We do not yet know its launch date.

Conversely, the ”Cosmos Elite” is intended to be more complete than the initial product. This headset priced at $ 899 will be compatible with the SteamVR tracking system based on external sensors, like the first HTC Vive.

The headset will be supplied with Vive Wand controllers and two SteamVR 1.0 tracking stations, but will also be SteamVR 2.0 compatible. The device will launch in Q2020 XNUMX, but the SteamVR front can be purchased separately in QXNUMX as a mod for the first Cosmos.

HTC Vive Cosmos XR Faceplate: a modular facade for mixed reality

At the same time, HTC is announcing a new modular facade: the Cosmos XR Faceplate. Equipped with two cameras, this facade will allow view the real world while wearing the helmet. It can therefore be used for mixed reality, with virtual elements superimposed on the images filmed by the cameras.

With this accessory, the Cosmos is therefore equipped with a functionality similar to the LYNX R1, an autonomous mixed reality headset presented in early February. However, the Cosmos XR Faceplate will be reserved for developers when it is launched in the second quarter of 2020. Subsequently, it could be offered to companies and professionals.