HTC announces VIVE Focus 3 update, including larger play areas

HTC has revealed new features for VIVE Focus 3 devices. The VIVE Focus 3, released in June, is an all in one wireless VR headset. The update has been designed primarily for customers who use location-based apps.

The first upgrade is Wi-Fi 6E, which operates at the 6 GHz frequency range. For comparison, more common Wi-Fi, such as iterations 4, 5 and 6, run at frequencies between 2.4 - 5 GHz. Wi-Fi 6E reduces Wi-Fi interference, which means you get low latency and high bandwidth streaming.

HTC has also improved the play area through Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) mode, making it as large as 33 x 30 m (108 x 98 ft), roughly the size of four tennis courts. At launch, the device served a space measuring 15 x 15 m (49 x 49 ft), a little bigger than the size of one tennis court.

Another feature in the update, which many users have requested, is Map Sharing. This tool gives you accurate co-location tracking with other users nearby for a multiplayer experience. VIVE claims that this is the only headset available that supports inside-out tracking.

VIVE has already started to roll out this update, with Wi-Fi 6E becoming available in the next few months via over-the-air software updates, assuming you live in an area where Wi-Fi 6E is available.

Buy the HTC VIVE Focus 3 on Amazon