HTC Vive has just addressed a significant limitation of standalone VR headsets with the introduction of the Vive Ultimate Trackers. Specifically designed for standalone devices like the Vive XR Elite and Vive Focus 3, these trackers eliminate the need for base stations, revolutionizing body tracking in virtual reality.
In traditional VR setups, head motion and hand positions are easily detected, but the lack of body tracking poses a challenge. HTC has long been a player in the VR space, creating trackers and base stations for PC VR headsets. However, all-in-one headsets, devoid of base stations, made comprehensive body tracking a hurdle.
Utilizing machine learning algorithms to estimate leg positions, as seen with Meta’s Quest avatars, is one approach. Yet, this method doesn’t consistently deliver accurate results. HTC’s answer to this challenge is the Vive Ultimate Trackers, compact and wireless devices capable of capturing motion without the need for base stations.
VR enthusiasts can use one to five trackers simultaneously, allowing for body tracking in various settings. According to HTC, these self-tracking trackers boast a battery life of up to seven hours and can operate wirelessly from distances of up to 10 meters, offering flexibility in motion tracking, particularly for activities like sports training.
Equipped with a standard 1/4-inch mount, akin to cameras, the standalone trackers can be easily attached to wrists and ankles using TrackStraps. HTC emphasizes compatibility with SteamVR and OpenXR VR headsets in the future, signaling a broader application of this innovative tracking solution.
The HTC Vive Ultimate Trackers bundle, which includes three trackers, a wireless dongle, three TrackStraps for waist and ankles, and a Dash Dance download key, is priced at $599. For Vive XR Elite owners, a $100 discount is available until the end of 2023. Alternatively, individual Vive Ultimate Trackers can be purchased for $199 each, though the wireless dongle is not included in standalone purchases.
For more information and to order the Vive Ultimate Trackers, visit HTC’s official Vive website.
