Up close with the HTC Vive Pro

We just got our first look at the HTC Vive Pro, a major upgrade to the HTC Vive headset that was just announced at CES 2018. The highlight: 78 percent more display resolution, which translates to way clearer images that make you feel more like you've been transported to another world.

But there's more. 

It's also got a vastly improved headstrap with big, built-in headphones that can be adjusted to a wide variety of angles to reach your ears.

With front and back padding (a carryover from the optional Vive Deluxe Audio Strap you could have added to the original Vive, but even comfier here) it felt way better on my skull. 

It's easy to cinch down, too, with a PlayStation VR-like dial you twist once you put it on.

The new headphones have built-in audio controls, with volume on the left earcup...

...and a mic mute on the right. Vive headsets didn't previously have built-in earphones, but they've always had a built-in microphone.

The lenses still use the same thin Fresnel design. Sorry we didn't get a clearer shot, it's a little dark in here.

The Vive will support Valve's 2.0 tracking system when it's available, so you can use up to four base stations now.

The Vive Pro will be available in the first quarter of the year, first as a headset-only upgrade for existing Vive customers.