VR has exploded over the last few years but there are few companies that produce both headsets and trackers—and if you’re an enthusiast or someone who’s looking to get your first rig, then you’ve no doubt heard of HTC’s VIVE brand. This beloved brand is known for making high-end virtual reality headsets and accessories for an unrivaled experience—and its new VIVE Tracker 3.0 will take its experiences even further.
The new HTC VIVE Tracker 3.0 makes it easy to bring real-world objects into a virtual environment, whether it’s a wrench or a camera—or even your full body. Here’s everything we know about the new VIVE Tracker 3.0, which will be available for preorder through Adorama starting March 24.
Key Features
- Bring real objects into VR
- Full Body Tracking
- Accessory Tracking
- USB C Data Port Sharing
- LED status indicator
- Comes with dongle cradle
- Requires USB connection on PC
- Compatible with HTC Vive / VIVE Pro Series / VIVE Pro Eye Series / Vive Cosmos Elite
- Compatible with Vive Cosmos External Tracking Faceplate
Precise body tracking
With body tracking comes the ability to follow individual movements inside the virtual environment. Keep in mind, you will need at least three trackers for full-body tracking. In addition to providing power, the USB C port can also be used to input controller button events. Accessory tracking enables the tracking of real-world objects for a heightened VR experience.
The high-precision tracking from VIVE Tracker is also a key component of filmmaking, animation, and game creation. If you’re in production, you may find yourself working with virtual cameras and simulators on different sets. Having the VIVE Tracker enables new ways for the actor to create character movements without the time and expense that motion capture would normally cost. The trackers could also be a great choice for users of CineTracer (@cinetracer) which is a real-time cinematography simulator made with Unreal Engine.
Ideal for training purposes, too
Many industries are utilizing VR Trackers as part of their training. Professional athletes and first responders need the right equipment to help improve their skills and performance. There are several VR based simulators that use VIVE Trackers to allow you to incorporate real-world equipment within training environments to better simulate real-life situations.
For VR games and streamers, you’ll be sure to have some fun with full body-tracking and real-world objects which will only immerse you further. It’s also sure to make for some good times in VR Chat or seeing your hands and arms being tracked while sim racing.
There’s currently a handful of games that support full-body tracking; you can expect more on the horizon, too. So, having a virtual arsenal that tracks both your hands and feet will only make your favorite games be that much more enjoyable.
The VIVE Tracker is the perfect addition for any virtual production, simulation, training video, VR games, and more. Mark your calendars for VIVE Tracker 3.0 preorders starting March 24, 2021.
Feature image provided by HTC
