HTC Vive Flow headset

Vive Flow. © HTC Corp.

HTC is launching Vive Flow, a new virtual reality headset for the general public. At “just” CAD 650 (USD 500), the device features a 1600 x 1600px per-eye display with a 100-degree field of view and a 75Hz refresh rate. It uses a last-generation Qualcomm XR1 chip with a respectable 64GB of storage space. At only 189 grams, the Vive Flow should be comfortable to wear compared to Oculus Quest 2’s 500 grams. Unlike other Vive headsets, the Flow does not come with a controller. You need to connect wirelessly the headset to an Android phone, which acts as your remote control and touchpad. The headset is not compatible with iPhones, but HTC has not ruled out the possibility of future support. An external battery (USD 80), which clips to a belt, connects via a cable and gives you about 2 hours of autonomy. You can also use any 10,000mAh power bank with a USB-C cable. According to HTC, the Flow will launch with 100 apps and support 150 by the end of the year.

⇨ YouTube, “VIVE Flow - Go with the Flow online launch event.”

⇨ Ars Technica, Sam Machkovech, “Vive Flow is HTC’s newest “all-in-one” VR headset, coming October 15 for $499.”

⇨ The Verge, Adi Robertson, “The $499 HTC Vive Flow is VR for people who don’t like VR.”

2021-10-14