HTC Vive Cosmos
| HTC Vive Cosmos | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, Viveport |
| Creator | HTC |
| Developer | HTC |
| Manufacturer | HTC |
| Announcement Date | January 7, 2019 (CES) |
| Release Date | October 3, 2019 |
| Price | $699/£699 |
| Website | https://www.vive.com/ |
| Versions | Vive Cosmos, Vive Cosmos Elite, Vive Cosmos Play, Vive Cosmos XR |
| Requires | Gaming PC with DisplayPort, USB |
| Predecessor | HTC Vive Pro |
| Successor | HTC Vive Cosmos Elite |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Chipset | N/A (tethered PCVR) |
| CPU | N/A (PC-powered) |
| GPU | N/A (PC-powered) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual LCD (RGB stripe) |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | ~100 nits |
| Resolution | 1440 × 1700 per eye (2880 × 1700 combined) |
| Pixel Density | ~13 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 110° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~110° |
| Vertical FoV | ~110° |
| Average Pixel Density | ~13 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | ~13 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Fresnel lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 61-72mm (mechanical adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (glasses compatible) |
| Passthrough | Yes (via tracking cameras, limited) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out (6 cameras) |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | None required (optional with External Tracking Mod) |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | Via VIVE Trackers (with External Tracking Mod) |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 90Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | <20ms motion-to-photon |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated stereo headphones |
| Microphone | Yes (integrated) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 6× inside-out tracking cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Ports | USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | Yes (DisplayPort) |
| Wireless Video | Yes (VIVE Wireless Adapter compatible) |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Power | Link Box powered |
| Battery Capacity | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A (tethered) |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | ~200mm × 130mm × 110mm |
| Weight | 665g |
| Material | Plastic |
| Headstrap | Integrated flip-up design with halo |
| Haptics | Controller haptics |
| Color | Blue/Black |
| Sensors | 6× tracking cameras, IMU, gyroscope, G-sensor, proximity sensor |
| Input | Vive Cosmos Controllers |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
Property "Latency" (as page type) with input value "" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.
The HTC Vive Cosmos is a PC VR head-mounted display developed by HTC, announced at CES on January 7, 2019, and released on October 3, 2019 at a price of $699. The Cosmos represented HTC's first major departure from external base station tracking, introducing a six-camera inside-out tracking system that eliminated the need for Lighthouse base stations. Featuring dual LCD displays with 1440 × 1700 resolution per eye (2880 × 1700 combined, an 88% increase over the original Vive), integrated stereo headphones, and a unique flip-up visor design, the Cosmos aimed to provide easier setup while maintaining high-quality VR. The headset also introduced a modular faceplate system allowing users to swap tracking methods, including an optional External Tracking Mod for SteamVR Lighthouse compatibility.
History and Development
VR Market Evolution
By 2019, the VR landscape had changed:
- Inside-out tracking gaining popularity
- Oculus Rift S launched with inside-out tracking
- Windows Mixed Reality headsets established
- Consumers wanted simpler setup
HTC's Strategic Shift
HTC recognized changing market:
- Base stations added complexity
- Consumer market demanded convenience
- Enterprise could still use Lighthouse
- Modular approach proposed
CES 2019 Reveal
Cosmos teased at CES:
- Inside-out tracking announced
- Higher resolution promised
- Flip-up design shown
- 2019 release confirmed
Development Challenges
Inside-out tracking proved difficult:
- Six cameras needed for coverage
- Controller tracking less reliable than Lighthouse
- Software updates promised improvements
- Launch reviews noted tracking issues
October 2019 Launch
Released alongside Oculus Quest/Rift S competition:
- $699 price point
- Mixed reception due to tracking
- Hardware praised, software criticized
- Modular accessories announced
Design Philosophy
Ease of Use
Designed for convenience:
- No external sensors required
- Quick setup process
- Portable between locations
- Consumer-friendly approach
Modular Faceplate System
Unique design feature:
- Interchangeable faceplates
- Different tracking options
- Future upgrade path
- Flexibility for different users
Flip-Up Visor
Practical design innovation:
- Lift visor without removing headset
- Quick transition to real world
- Convenient for mixed use
- Reduces wear on hair
Display Technology
Dual LCD Panels
RGB stripe LCD displays:
- Resolution: 1440 × 1700 per eye
- Total: 2880 × 1700
- Improvement: 88% more pixels than original Vive
- Panel Type: 3.4-inch LCD RGB
LCD vs OLED
Trade-offs with LCD:
- Better subpixel arrangement
- Reduced screen door effect
- Higher brightness possible
- Black levels not as deep as OLED
Visual Quality
Good overall image:
- Sharp text readability
- Crystal-clear graphics
- Full RGB subpixels
- 110° field of view maintained
Refresh Rate
Standard VR timing:
- 90Hz refresh rate
- Low persistence
- Smooth visuals
- No 120Hz option
Optical System
Fresnel Lenses
Traditional VR optics:
- Wide field of view
- Some god rays visible
- Good sweet spot
- Standard design
Field of View
Maintained wide FOV:
- Total: ~110°
- Excellent peripheral view
- Immersive experience
- Matched competition
IPD Adjustment
Mechanical lens movement:
- Range: 61-72mm
- Dial adjustment
- Physical lens separation
- Wide accommodation
Inside-Out Tracking
Six-Camera System
Comprehensive camera coverage:
- Six cameras on faceplate
- Wide tracking volume
- No external sensors needed
- 6DoF tracking
Camera Placement
Strategic positioning:
- Front-facing cameras
- Side cameras for peripheral
- Upward-angled coverage
- Good controller visibility
Tracking Performance
Initial challenges:
- Controller tracking less precise than Lighthouse
- Occlusion issues near body
- Software updates improved performance
- Lighting sensitivity
Requirements
Tracking needs:
- Well-lit environment
- Distinct room features
- Software updates recommended
- Best in optimal conditions
Cosmos Controllers
New Controller Design
Redesigned for inside-out tracking:
- Tracking ring on top
- IR LEDs for camera tracking
- Two application buttons
- Trigger and grip buttons
Controller Features
Input options:
- Thumbstick (not trackpad)
- Bumper buttons
- Touch-sensitive surfaces
- Haptic feedback
Battery
Controller power:
- 2× AA batteries per controller
- Good battery life
- Easy replacement
- No built-in rechargeable
Modular Faceplate System
External Tracking Mod
Lighthouse compatibility faceplate:
- Replaces inside-out faceplate
- SteamVR 1.0/2.0 compatible
- Uses standard Lighthouse base stations
- Under $200 price
Cosmos Elite
Pre-configured external tracking:
- External Tracking Mod pre-installed
- Comes with base stations
- Better tracking reliability
- Higher price point
Cosmos Play
Budget option:
- Four cameras instead of six
- Lower price
- Basic tracking
- Entry-level option
Cosmos XR
Mixed reality faceplate:
- Pass-through cameras
- AR capability
- Developer-focused
- Limited release
Integrated Audio
Stereo Headphones
Built-in audio solution:
- Over-ear headphones
- Good sound quality
- Adjustable position
- Removable option
Microphone
Voice capture:
- Integrated microphone
- Decent quality
- VR chat compatible
- Basic noise handling
3.5mm Jack
Alternative audio:
- Headphone jack available
- Use own headphones
- Better audio option
- Flexibility
Physical Design
Flip-Up Visor
Unique mechanism:
- Pivot up to see real world
- Stay in VR position
- Convenient transitions
- Practical innovation
Halo Strap
Comfort design:
- Halo-style band
- Adjustment dial
- Weight distribution
- Padded contact points
Weight
- 665g total
- Front-heavy design
- Heavier than some competitors
- Adequate comfort
Build Quality
Solid construction:
- Quality plastics
- Good durability
- Blue accent colors
- Premium feel
Connectivity
Cable System
Single connection approach:
- USB 3.0
- DisplayPort 1.2
- Through link box
- Longer cable option available
PC Requirements
System specifications:
- NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon RX 480 minimum
- Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 minimum
- 8GB RAM recommended
- DisplayPort 1.2
Wireless Adapter
Optional wireless:
- VIVE Wireless Adapter compatible
- Intel WiGig technology
- Freedom of movement
- Additional cost
Software Platform
SteamVR
Primary platform:
- Full Steam library access
- SteamVR Home
- OpenVR support
- Standard compatibility
Viveport
HTC's platform:
- Viveport Infinity subscription
- Additional content
- Enterprise apps
- Alternative store
Cosmos Software
Dedicated features:
- Cosmos-specific setup
- Tracking calibration
- Performance optimization
- Regular updates
Cosmos Family Variants
Vive Cosmos Elite
Premium configuration:
- External tracking pre-installed
- Two base stations included
- Two Vive controllers
- $899 price point
Vive Cosmos Play
Budget entry:
- Four cameras
- Basic tracking
- Lower price
- Discontinued quickly
Vive Cosmos XR
Developer AR kit:
- Passthrough cameras
- Mixed reality capable
- SDK access
- Limited availability
Reception and Challenges
Launch Reception
Mixed reviews:
- Hardware quality praised
- Tracking criticized
- Value questioned at $699
- Competition from Quest/Rift S
Tracking Issues
Primary criticism:
- Controller tracking less reliable
- Environment-dependent
- Software updates helped
- Not matching Lighthouse quality
Market Position
Difficult competition:
- Quest offered standalone freedom
- Rift S similar inside-out at $399
- Index superior for enthusiasts
- Cosmos struggled to find audience
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Vive Cosmos | Oculus Rift S | Valve Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $399 | $999 |
| Resolution/eye | 1440×1700 | 1280×1440 | 1440×1600 |
| Tracking | 6 cameras | 5 cameras | Lighthouse 2.0 |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 80Hz | Up to 144Hz |
| Modular | Yes | No | No |
| Flip-up | Yes | No | No |
Legacy
Modular Concept
Introduced flexibility:
- Faceplate swapping innovative
- Multiple configurations possible
- Upgrade path provided
- Concept ahead of its time
Lessons Learned
Influenced HTC strategy:
- Inside-out tracking needs refinement
- Enterprise focus strengthened
- Consumer market challenging
- Quality over convenience
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual LCD, 1440 × 1700 per eye |
| Total Resolution | 2880 × 1700 |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| FOV | ~110° |
| Tracking | 6 cameras (inside-out) |
| Modular | Interchangeable faceplates |
| Audio | Integrated stereo headphones |
| Flip-Up | Yes |
| Weight | 665g |
| Connection | DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.0 |
| Price | $699 |