Today at the Consumer Electronics Show 2017 (CES) two new accessories were unveiled for the HTC Vive, they are called the ViveTracker and the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap. These are the first official accessories to be released with the purpose of improving the experience for HTC Vive owners. These first part accessories will join the already planned wireless VR adapter to launch at some point this year.
The ViveTracker weighing in at three ounces, diameter of 10 cm, and height of 4 cm this small piece of equipment allows developers to create all kinds of new experiences by using it as an attachable sensor. James Mullins, crealor of FLAIM trainer said it took "within four hours" to be able to properly integrate the ViveTracker into their firefighting simulator and that it saved on all of the costs that it would normally take for them to integrate their own tracking sensors as well as saving in development time. Other Tracker-enabled accessories shown off at CES included a VR camera, multiple rifles for VR shooters, haptic gloves, and even training applications for MLB players.
The Vive Deluxe Audio strap serves as a replacement to the current Vive headband. This new headband adds in-built headphones that are built to adjust to any head. The tightening dial will replace the two straps on the original headband and are meant to provide a more comfortable solution for Vive users. An added bonus is that the new headband will also route the often in the way three-in-one cable coming from the front of the Vive to make it more comfortable.
No further release information has become available about either of these products other than 1,000 Vive Trackers being sent out to developers and a Q2 release window for the Deluxe Audio Strap. Further information such as pricing will be released at a later date.
Are you excited to see what possibilities could be coming to the Vive in the future with the Vive Tracker? Are you more interested in having a more comfortable audio option than running your own headphones from the jack in the back of the headset?