HTC Vive Pro, a Smart Move Toward Enterprise VR Market

HTC launched the HTC Vive Pro, a high-end VR headset targeting enterprise users in April 2018. The HTC Vive Pro offers improvements over the existing Vive models with higher resolution, better camera and tracking features, and integrated audio. The Head-Mounted Display (HMD) is priced at US$799 and at US$1,399 for the Vive Pro Full Kit, which includes Vive Pro HMD with SteamVR tracking 2.0, two basestations, and two controllers. HTC also announced its Vive Enterprise Advantage professional service, a US$250 commercial licensing and service utilities for the Vive Pro. HTC promises to provide a premium VR experience to both enterprise users and VR enthusiasts.

VR is transforming the way businesses operate in many ways. VR is being deployed for employee training, store management, interaction with customers and employees in different locations, etc. in order to optimize business operations. In addition to demand for high-level performance of the VR HMD, enterprise users require features such as larger tracking area, comfortable-to-wear HMD design, and support of multiple simultaneous users. Vive Pro, in combination with SteamVR tracking 2.0, is designed to meet these requirements.

The HTC Vive Pro offers 1440x1600 pixels per eye resolution providing a combined resolution of 2880x1600 pixels, nearly 80% resolution improvement over the original Vive headset. Significant improvement in resolution provides more detailed images, reducing the screen-door effect resulting from near-eye display use. This provides a better level of immersion and realism compared to the original Vive device. It has 110-degree Field-of-View (FOV) with 90 Hz refresh rate. The two basestations can support a 6x6 meters tracking area, which can be extended to 10x10 meters by using multiple basestations. Unlike the original Vive device, which needs users to use a separate headphone for audio, the HTC Vive Pro comes with built-in headphones and an active noise reduction feature. However, Vive Pro’s built-in headphone system is detachable, allowing users the option to use their own headphones. In addition, the Vive Pro uses dual front-facing cameras, while the original Vive uses a singular central camera. The headset is designed for better weight distribution to create less pressure on users. Due to the high performance requirements, the HTC Vive Pro is still a tethered device, and some users might think it is inconvenient to have to connect it to a PC. However, HTC is attempting to mitigate this with the Vive wireless adaptor, which uses Intel’s WiGig technology for low-latency connectivity between the PC and HMD. The Vive wireless adaptor will be commercially available in the third quarter 2018.

While VR devices are mainly sold to consumer market for entertainment applications at present, VR market potential in enterprise use cases cannot be ignored. VR creates endless opportunity in commercial applications; automotive companies have deployed VR for marketing, retailers are using VR for staff training and shopper experience enhancement, and many other businesses are starting to use VR for engineering, design, and architecture. VR device makers and application developers recognize the potential in enterprise market and are reacting in turn.

HTC has been providing Vive Business Edition VR system for 1,200 for enterprise users, which provides a commercial warranty and professional licensing. Oculus launched a business-focused bundle, the Oculus for Business package, for US$1,200, which contains the Oculus Rift headset, touch controllers, sensors, and remotes with extended license and warranties for business users. TPCast, a VR wireless adapter maker for tethered VR devices, has launched a Business Edition Wireless Adapter that is capable of supporting up to four VR users simultaneously. TPCast’s Business Edition currently supports HTC Vive, and TPCast is planning to launch an Oculus compatible version later in 2018.

Today’s businesses are always looking into deployment of innovative technologies that increase workforce efficiency, productivity, and value for customers. The companies which have tested VR deployment in their business operations have witnessed positive results. The success of early adopters in conjunction with the focus of VR hardware and software developers is driving VR market growth in the enterprise. ABI Research’s VR value chain analysis indicates that revenue generated by business VR applications represents 22% of total VR revenue at present. This segment is expected to grow to 28% of total VR value chain in 2021, driving VR hardware and software makers to invest more in enterprise use cases.