The HTC VIVE Flow is the new virtual reality glasses from the company and is presented as a lightweight, compact device for everyday use. It is already available for pre-order for $499.
HTC VIVE Flow VR glasses specs
This device stands out for its independent operation without the need to connect to PCs or smartphones. And it only weighs 189 grams.
The glasses have two 2.1-inch LCD screens with a 3.2K resolution (1600 x 1600 pixels per eye) with a variable 75Hz refresh rate and offer up to 100 degrees field of view. There are also two front-facing cameras for inside-out motion tracking.
These glasses come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 processor (the same chip as the Oculus Quest 2) and have 4GB RAM and 64GB onboard storage with no expansion because there is no support for SD memory cards.
Their super-lightweight body has attracted attention, although there is a reason why they are so light. The battery only lasts for 5 minutes and is simply intended to give you enough time to swap an external battery. Logically, this adds considerably more weight coupled with the 50 grams of the USB Type-C cable connector. HTC sells its external battery, with a 10,000mAh capacity for an additional $79.
There’s a quick-change face mask that can be cleaned or swapped if you want to share the goggles with other people. It has an active cooling system to move hot air away from the face and the dual hinges allow you to adjust it to different head sizes.
The independent operation thing is also relative because you will have to connect them via Bluetooth to Android devices for some features. The same thing applies if you want to use your mobile phone as a remote control since it doesn’t have separate handheld controllers. The connection also allows you to mirror the Android phone screen on Vive Flow to run apps in a more immersive view, for example, videos from Netflix or YouTube.
HTC says around 100 native apps will be available when the glasses are released and an additional 50 by the end of 2021. Users who don’t want to pay for the apps directly will be able to access them by paying $6 per month for a Viveport subscription that offers unlimited access.
HTC VIVE Flow VR glasses price and release date
HTC VIVE Flow is now available for pre-order for $499. They will be available starting in November.
