Vive CES 2016 Recap
Corporate News
5 minutes read
Vive Pre at CES Awards
To say the Vive was well received at CES 2016 would be an understatement. With over 20 partners showing the Vive on the show floor and at numerous events each night, numerous guests had a chance to try our second generation of the Developer Kit, the Vive Pre.
The official Vive room hosted 5 demo bays as well as 2 seated experiences which featured the highly-acclaimed space flight simulator Elite Dangerous. The buzz was palpable each morning as excited patrons filled the room, eager to try the newly revamped award-winning Chaperone System.
The Vive Pre seated experience featuring Elite Dangerous
A newly developed front-facing camera allows you to do more both inside and outside your virtual world by blending physical elements into the virtual space. Being able to take a seat, find your drink, and carry on conversations without removing your headset is only the beginning of what’s possible. This new addition to the HMD allowed guests to bring the real world into their virtual reality experience and resulted in numerous audible “wow” moments throughout the area.
An improved visual system with brighter displays leads to increased fidelity, and an even deeper sense of presence. The headset is now more compact and features an updated strap design that provides greater stability and balance. On the inside, interchangeable foam inserts and nose gaskets mean the Vive Pre can be adjusted to fit comfortably and securely on a variety of facial shapes, while remaining compatible with a variety of eyeglasses. The redesigned controllers were also met with high regard from both press and guests alike.
Completing the VR experience, the Vive’s controllers have been overhauled and enhanced with updated ergonomics and softer edges, greater balance, new textured buttons, and grip pads for a more comfortable feel in the hand. The new dual stage trigger makes interaction with objects smoother, and haptic feedback delivers vital feedback about your interactions with the virtual world. For power, the controllers now feature integrated rechargeable lithium polymer batteries with micro USB charging that provide hours of runtime on a single charge.
The Vive base stations have also been redesigned so they are more compact, quieter, and provide improved tracking.
The Vive Pre
The Vive tour truck was also in Las Vegas and featured our largest activation to date. With 3 demo bays and 5 demos pods, more guests than ever were able to try the new Vive Pre. The Virtual Reality Tour area also featured Virzoom as well as Elite Dangerous, giving our audience the ability to try seated experiences for the first time.
The Vive Virtual Reality Tour
As the show progressed, the Vive Pre won multiple accolades including the prestigious Engadget and CES “Best of CES: Best Gaming Product” award.
HTC’s Dan O’Brien and Valve’s Chet Faliszek accepting the “Best of CES” award.
Around the show floor, our partners were showing off multiple use cases for Vive Pre and the technology it offers. From desktop solutions, to philanthropic demos, to art and design, to immersive gaming experiences, guests were treated to a broad spectrum of how the Vive can be used. Our partners were eager to discuss their projects each day at the event in our recap videos.
Thank you to everyone who visited us at CES and we look forward to bringing you coverage from upcoming Vive events.
