X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

HTC Vive Pre is one step closer to virtual reality (pictures)

HTC Vive's newest hardware gets lighter, changes its controller design, and adds a camera to see around you while in VR.

Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Scott Stein
htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
1 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

HTC Vive Pre is HTC's newest evolution of its Vive virtual reality hardware, and it's being shown here in Las Vegas at CES 2016. A lighter headset, seen here, has new adjustments for facial comfort.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
2 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

The padded facial "gaskets" can be changed, and the eye distance adjusted.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
3 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

Inside, improved display technology makes everything seem more vivid and less murky.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
4 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

Just like previous versions of Vive, sensors around the eyewear engage in positional tracking with room-mounted laser-equipped light boxes.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
5 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

The Vive Pre is still tethered -- it has to connect to a computer with enough graphics horsepower to run VR.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
6 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

New wireless controllers have full motion tracking, 4 hours of rechargeable battery life, and dual-action rear triggers.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
7 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

The Vive's coolest new trick: a camera mounted on the headset that sees the room around you, and shows you everything when you get too close to a wall.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
8 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

Trying out room-sensing via a guided "chaperone mode" that shows everything around me in glowing detail. I find my chair.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
9 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

HTC Vive arrives in April, for an unspecified price. It comes with the headset, two controllers, and two room sensors.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
10 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

Trying a virtual office experience via Job Simulator.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
11 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

HTC Vive Pre is better than nearly any other VR experience, but will that mean it'll succeed? We don't yet know.

htc-vive-pre-4890-001.jpg
12 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET

My living room's a lot more cluttered than this: that's Vive's biggest challenge.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos