Vive Flow
| Vive Flow | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | VR Glasses |
| Subtype | Portable VR |
| Platform | VIVE Flow, Android companion |
| Developer | HTC |
| Manufacturer | HTC |
| Announcement Date | October 14, 2021 |
| Release Date | November 2021 |
| Price | $499 USD / £499 / €549 |
| Website | https://www.vive.com/ |
| Successor | Vive XR Elite |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Display | |
| Display | LCD (dual) |
| Resolution | 1600x1600 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 100° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Pancake lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, spatial audio, dual mics |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Device | |
| Weight | 189g |
The VIVE Flow is a portable virtual reality glasses device developed by HTC, announced October 14, 2021 and released November 2021 at $499. Ultra-compact immersive VR glasses weighing just 189g (lighter than most smartphones), featuring dual 1600x1600 LCD displays with pancake optics, 100° field of view, 6DoF inside-out tracking, adjustable diopter lenses eliminating need for glasses, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 processor, spatial audio, and built-in cooling fan. Requires external power via Android phone or power bank. Designed for media consumption, meditation, and casual VR experiences.
History and Development
HTC announced VIVE Flow on October 14, 2021 as a new category of immersive VR glasses, distinct from traditional VR headsets. Pre-orders began immediately with retail availability in November 2021. The Flow won "Best Wearable Tech" at the Esquire Gadget Awards 2021. A Business Edition was also released for enterprise applications. The Flow's compact form factor and pancake optics pioneered HTC's direction toward the later Vive XR Elite.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Compact high-resolution:
- 1600x1600 per eye resolution
- 3200x1600 combined (3.2K)
- Dual 2.1-inch LCD panels
- 75 Hz refresh rate
- 100° field of view
Optics
- Pancake lenses
- Thinner than standard VR lenses
- Enables compact design
- Adjustable diopter
- No glasses needed inside
- Vision correction built-in
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1
- 4 GB RAM
- 64 GB storage
- VR-optimized chipset
Tracking
- 6DoF inside-out tracking
- Dual-hinge-fit design
- Head tracking
- Smartphone as controller
Audio
- Stereo speakers
- Spatial audio
- Dual microphones
- Echo cancellation
- Noise cancellation
Build
Ultra-lightweight design:
- 189g weight
- Foldable design
- Portable form factor
- Dual-hinge fit
- Active cooling fan
- Draws heat from face/eyes
Power
External power required:
- No internal battery
- Android phone powered
- Power bank compatible
- USB-C connection
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB-C (power)
Features
Media Consumption
- Netflix streaming
- Hulu streaming
- Disney+ streaming
- Cinema-sized virtual screen
- Protected content support
Wellness
- TRIPP meditation app
- Relaxation experiences
- Calming environments
Companion App
- Smartphone as controller
- Wireless pairing
- Android phone required
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1600x1600 LCD x2 |
| Combined | 3200x1600 (3.2K) |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| FOV | 100° |
| Optics | Pancake lenses |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR1 |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out |
| Battery | External required |
| Weight | 189g |
| Price | $499 |
Reception
Praise:
- 189g ultra-lightweight
- Pancake optics compact
- Adjustable diopter convenient
- No glasses needed
- Netflix/streaming support
- Portable foldable design
- Active cooling fan
- Spatial audio quality
- Meditation apps available
- Esquire award winner
Criticism:
- $499 expensive for features
- 75Hz low refresh rate
- No internal battery
- Phone/power bank required
- 1600x1600 vs Quest 2
- Limited app ecosystem
- Android-only companion
- No controller included
- XR1 chip dated
- Not a gaming device[2]