HTC teases new VR headset, likely second-gen Vive Flow

With virtual reality becoming ever more popular, we’re starting to see more and more headsets hit the market. Fan-favourite HTC has been a long-runner in virtual reality with its Vive line-up of headsets. And now, it looks like the company is back with another set to strap to your face.

Taking to Twitter with a teaser image, HTC showed off a new VR headset with the tagline “Go small or go home”. How do we know it’s a new headset? HTC confirmed so down in the comments section of the tweet, reiterating the fact it’s smaller. The picture doesn’t give much away, but there are a few things we can work out about this headset.

• Related: HTC unveils Vive Flow, lightweight VR glasses that you can take anywhere

What we already know about HTC’s new headset

Most obviously, we know that this is going to be a smaller headset. Arguably the biggest complaint about VR headsets is the size and weight of them. Given they’re sat on your nose for hours at a time, comfort is rather essential. With a smaller body, we can expect HTC’s new headset to be lighter than previous models, and even that of the competition.

Looking at the image HTC shared, you can just about recognise the headset in question. Notice how these look a little sunglasses-esque? That’s because the futuristic googles look remarkably similar to last year’s Vive Flow headset. Given the design similarities, we’d expect these to be a second-gen update to the Vive Flow. There’s currently only one generation of the headset, since its relatively new, so we expect it to be high on HTC’s list to revive!

And revive it should – the Vive Flow only scored three stars out of five in our review, with controls, UI, and price leaving room for improvement. So, we’d expect the second-gen version to make some changes in these areas. Otherwise, there’s not much more we know about HTC’s new headset.

While HTC is yet to announce the new headset, never mind release it, we’d expect to see it hit the shelves before the end of the year. VR sets are bound to be on plenty of Christmas lists this year, and it’s unlikely HTC would want to miss out on the holiday cheer. Expect to hear more from the brand soon!

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Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around seven years now, with writing across the web and in print too. Connor has experience on most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he’s a fan of gadgets of all sorts! Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup scene. This exciting involvement puts him at the front of new and exciting tech, always on the lookout for innovating products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home