The HTC Vive Virtual Reality Headsets launched at $799 which is a huge price i would say that roughly translates to about 54,000 INR. If you don’t already know, then let me tell you that it is the second largest VR device to launch after the Oculus Rift which is available to consumers. But it is definitely worth mentioning that HTC has managed to keep a much lower profile when compared to the Rift. Out of the box, it is as differnet a VR headset could be, but it is fantastic never the less. So when you talk about all the things that separate the Vive from the Oculus Rift, well, the first thing is that it comes with something called as room scale tracking. This means that the system can track you as you walk around in much larger space.
The HTC Vive does the tracking quite effortlessly as it comes with a bunch of infrared sensors that you can mount on your walls. What is the result? The level of immersion. The level of immersion that this system provides is truly amazing. It is honestly the way immersive than anything that you might have ever experienced. But on the downside, it requires a lot of space. So if you don’t have enough space with you, then you might not be able to take full advantage of this thing. But once you have managed to clear out the area, the game will track you in something called as Chaperone system. This lets you know when you are running up against the boundaries of the room-scale space.
Additionally, the HTC Vive also has a camera on the front which allows you to see the outline of the objects in the real world. This really comes in handy as you are always aware of things around you. Despite the fact that both the HTC Vive as well as the Rift have a similar optics, have similar FOV and needs for about a $1000 PC, there is a major difference here. The oculus rift gives you more of a related experience while the Vive wants your own your feet moving. But then since you have to move a lot, the cords comes in your way, and the whole experience becomes sort of cumbersome. The HTC Vive is majorly a collaboration between two major companies, HTC, and valve. While the Steam gaming platform is sort of an advantage for Vive, but the integration needs to be better.
Overall, it is still to early to pick one by comparing. Right now these products are in the market to make an impression rather than trying to sell their products. But the HTC Vive, in general, is much more ambitious than the Rift, It is comparatively better and expensive, but is also s little cumbersome. However, when it comes to overall experience, it will definitely make you feel like you are living in the future.
