HP launches enterprise Reverb VR handset, aims for HTC Vive
HP launched its next-generation Reverb virtual reality commercial headset for $649 in a move to further expand enterprise use.
The company's rollout comes weeks after Microsoft unveiled its HoloLens 2 augmented reality headset. The upshot from both product developments is that headsets are getting lighter, less cumbersome and more realistic for work use.
While HP said it will have a consumer model for things like gaming, the primary focus is the enterprise, said John Ludwig, global lead VR headsets at HP.
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Ludwig, who led product manager efforts for HP's OMEN gaming unit, said enterprise pilots have gone production. HP's focus industries for HP's Reverb Virtual Reality Headset Professional Edition, available in late-April, include:
- Architecture/Product Design;
- Healthcare;
- Training;
- Location-based Entertainment (theme parks).
Ludwig said HP with the latest Reverb focused on comfort, resolution since a lot of enterprise content is text and use cases. "Comfort was the thing holding broader adoption back," he said. As for the specs, HP Reverb has 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye, 114" field of view, Windows MR and StreamVR compatibility and a 3.5m headset cable for desktops and mobile PCs and a 0.6m headset cable for the HP Z VR Backpack and two motion controllers.
HP's new Reverb headset has twice the resolution of the HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset, a design that weighs 1.1 pounds, spatial audio support and integrated Bluetooth with pre-paired motion controllers.
In the big picture, HP is targeting HTC Vive, which is being used by enterprises as well as Facebook's Oculus. However, the HTC is the enterprise play early in the VR race. Projects underway include:
- Digital dressing room: Augmented Reality tool for small and mid-sized businesses
- World's first human eye-resolution VR headset (sorry gamers, for industrial use only)
- Alternative Treatments: VR & 5G for reducing pain & anxiety in hospice patients
- Augmented reality invades the conference room
- Walmart deploys 17,000 Oculus Go headsets to train its employees
- Wayfair bets that Magic Leap One can enhance shopping
I tried out the Reverb and it was more comfortable relative to previous headsets I tried. It was lighter as well as more comfortable.
The catch is that Reverb is tethered to a workstation and Ludwig said that was more for compute power and the reality that enterprise training use cases don't necessarily require more mobility.
Of the demos, the training for operating rooms and warehouses were handy. The primary returns on investment revolved around less need for travel. In addition, employees are more engaged with VR training.
Ultimately, enterprises will have to decide whether they need to go full VR or use AR for their various use cases. Microsoft's HoloLens 2 is more about the AR enterprise use cases and has a hardware only price and one that is a subscription with apps bundled.
The HP Reverb Virtual Reality Headset-Consumer Edition is scheduled for availability starting in late-April for $599. That price includes everything in the pro edition except for the .6m headset cable and washable fabric face cushion. The Consumer Edition includes a 1-year limited warranty.
HOLOLENS 2:
- HoloLens 2: How Microsoft plans to make augmented reality into your business reality
- Why HoloLens 2 is a cloud play
- Microsoft HoloLens 2: Everything developers and IT pros need to know
- Microsoft's HoloLens 2 will be able to run the Firefox browser natively
- Microsoft's HoloLens 2: Why it's really all about the cloud
EBOOKS:
- Executive's guide to the business value of VR and AR (free ebook)
- Microsoft HoloLens 2: An insider's guide (free PDF)
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- Executive's guide to the business value of VR and AR (free ebook)