Exploring the Expanded Vive Cosmos

HTC Vive Cosmos launched in October 2019 as a $699 middle-to-high-end device and failed to make the stir its creators had hoped. With a high price point and modest adoption among consumers, Cosmos was outclassed and outsold by leading devices from Sony and Oculus. To extend the life of the Vive Cosmos line and to cover more of the growing needs of VR consumers, HTC recently unveiled the next wave of Cosmos devices. A pair of headset systems built around the original Cosmos, Cosmos Play, and Cosmos Elite are nearing release with the latter already available for preorder. But just what can the Play and Elite editions offer already equipped consumers and avid VR porn viewers that other headsets can’t?

Image: HTC Vive Cosmos Play

With the most impressive VIVE VR graphic resolution yet at 2880 x 1700, Cosmos Play immediately appears to be a step up from the former Cosmos standard. Inside-out tracking requiring no external base stations, light-up controllers, and a flip-up screen that allows you to easily step from VR to, well, “R” and back again are all known features. Sticking with the adaptable agenda of the Cosmos line, both Cosmos Play and its higher-end counterpart, Cosmos Elite, have available attachable faceplates.

Image: External Tracking (L) and Motion Faceplates (R) for Cosmos Play.

Cosmos Play gives users the option to add a six-camera tracking system bringing a wide FOV and 6DoF; this is the Motion Faceplate. The External Tracking Faceplate add-on utilizes SteamVR tracking for precise, fluid movement in areas up to 100 sq. Ft. The options given to Cosmos Elite buyers also include a similar Motion Faceplate as well as an XR Faceplate aimed at bringing augmented reality to the Cosmos family. Using pass-through video in lieu of transparent waveguide lenses, Cosmos Elite’s XR addition could be the one key ingredient to keeping the Cosmos line alive. In fact, with the suggestion that HTC will eventually launch its own dedicated XR headset or viewer, this is exciting news for those that prefer a blending of realities to a totally virtual environment.

Crossing Over with Cosmos

Image: HTC Vive’s Project Proton prototype

HTC’s move to bring XR, MR and AR content to its users shows that the company intends to keep expanding its device range and applicable uses, as does the unveiling of what is currently being called “Project Proton.” Claiming to have working prototypes presently undergoing tests, HTC suggests Proton, a sunglasses-styled XR headset equipped with micro-displays, will exist alongside Cosmos and other HTC devices. Proton may be a ways off the release, but hopes are high for this new Vive venture with HTC CEO Yves Maitre saying, “We just want to show that we are committed to the journey, that we are investing toward this journey, and we have a first product.”

Image: Stephanie West in AR/XR for Naughty America.

Image: Johnny Castle in AR/XR for Naughty America.

With struggling sales of its original Cosmos release and stiff competition from the rapidly developing hybrid VR/XR hardware market, HTC hopes to capture the imagination of today’s modestly-budgeted (but still demanding) VR viewers. For porn fans, this amalgamation of XR and VR systems is an exciting opportunity to dive in and discover the best of both erotic worlds: XR Porn and VR porn.