Reverb G2: HP lifts the veil on its new VR headset

Summary

• The Reverb G2 borrows the speakers from the Valve Inddex
• G2 availability in fall 2020

To talk about the Reverb G2, we must first explain that this product is the result of the collaboration of HP, Microsoft and Valve. However, it is especially the latter who brought his expertise and helped Hewlett-Packard delivered a headset "without compromise". Thus, if it takes up certain points of the G1, including the Inside-Out tracking part, it improves many others. Note that Microsoft is in charge of tracking and 6DoF.

HP particularly wanted to focus on the display which is progressing with 2160 x 2160 LCD screen resolution per eye. The field of vision, however, does not change and remains at 114 °. The refresh rate of these screens is 90 Hz.

The Reverb G2 borrows the speakers from the Valve Inddex

On the sound side, you may not have missed it, because their design is unchanged. The pair of headphones is exactly the same as the Valve Index. The Reverb G2 therefore borrows its acoustics from its cousin. Indeed, the headphones do not touch the ears, but are separated from them by 10 mm. In addition, they deliver spatial sound which automatically directs the sound to create an even stronger sense of immersion.

HP also wanted to focus on the comfort of the headphones. That is why the weight distribution has been revised, as has the quality and density of the foams. Moreover, the helmet displays on the scale a weight of 550 g. It also integrates a lens gap adjustment system (IPD) to better match all types of facial morphology. The cable supplied in the box to connect it to the PC is 6 meters long and is thinner than on the previous generation.

G2 availability in fall 2020

The Reverb G2 is now equipped with 4 cameras for better tracking of movements. The controllers have evolved and use the more generic construction found in other brands. The buttons are therefore renamed to ABX and Y. HP announces that the controllers should pair more quickly in Bluetooth. On the other hand, the headset does not support hand tracking.

With this Reverb G2, HP focuses on comfort and image quality to provide a good experience for gamers. Because this is their priority target. But not only that, since as recent events show, virtual reality is also an excellent space for creation, education and collaboration in general.

The HP Reverb G2 will be available for pre-order in France from July for delivery scheduled for September. Its price is 599 euros HT.