HTC's new Vive Pro is for hardcore VR fans
The HTC Vive isn't the only Vive headset anymore.
HTC unveiled the HTC Vive Pro, a new VR headset that upgrades the Vive's audio and resolution in a major way. It also comes with a redesigned headstrap.
The new Vive Pro supports resolutions up to 2880 x 1600, which amounts to a 78 percent increase compared with the original Vive. On the audio side, the company says the Pro's headphones, which support 3D audio and include a built-in amplifier, can compete with other high-end products.
It also has a slightly new design, compared with the original Vive. HTC redesigned the head strap to make it more comfortable -- the company says it will now put less pressure on the front of the head. Additionally, it's equipped with dual microphones with noise-canceling abilities.
The company hasn't said how much the new headset will cost, but it will be available during the first quarter of 2018.
The Vive Pro isn't meant to replace the existing HTC Vive, which will remain on shelves. Instead, the new headset is meant to serve as a new flagship product, with the original Vive becoming the company's "entry-level" VR headset. (The move helps explain why the company slashed the price of the Vive last year.)
The company also previewed a new wireless adapter, launching this summer, which will enable wireless experiences for the Vive and Vive Pro.
Put all that together and it spells HTC's biggest VR update to date. Not only does the Pro promise a massive improvement over the original Vive, the promise of a potentially wireless experience puts HTC pretty far ahead of its competitors.
Stay tuned to Mashable's CES 2018 coverage for hands-on impressions of the new Vive Pro.
Topics CES Virtual Reality
Karissa was Mashable's Senior Tech Reporter, and is based in San Francisco. She covers social media platforms, Silicon Valley, and the many ways technology is changing our lives. Her work has also appeared in Wired, Macworld, Popular Mechanics, and The Wirecutter. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding and watching too many cat videos on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter @karissabe.
