HTC’s VIVE tracker that is lighter, thinner, and does not require base stations
Contrary to its smartphone business, HTC has always had a strong presence in the VR field. After all, they not only produce the VIVE headset but also manufacture a series of accessories, such as various trackers and base stations that players using the lighthouse tracking system cannot do without. However, according to the news from MIXED and HTC VIVE’s official YouTube channel, HTC VIVE has recently released a tracker that is markedly different from most current trackers.
The tracker has not been given an official name yet, but its main difference is that it is based on camera self-tracking and does not require base stations. Of course, there are many trackers that do not require base stations, including the popular VRChat player’s cost-effective SlimeVR kit and Sony’s recently launched Mocopi tracker, but they are all based on IMU-based solutions. In addition to sensors such as IMUs, HTC’s device also incorporates two cameras, which undoubtedly greatly improves tracking accuracy.
This reminds us of another device, the Meta Quest Pro’s Touch Pro controller, which is equipped with two cameras for data acquisition and uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chip to process the data. However, Meta has no plans to release a tracker yet and hopes to achieve full-body tracking with just the headset and controller.
According to HTC’s description, the tracker is 50% thinner and weighs only 100g compared to the existing VIVE Tracker 3, which should bring users a more comfortable user experience. In terms of software support, HTC says that it supports OpenXR, a mainstream industry standard, so compatibility should not be a problem.
At present, HTC VIVE has not yet disclosed other details of this tracker, such as the release date and most importantly, the price. However, more information will be announced in the coming months.
