HTC ‘Vive Air’ wireless headphones leak at design awards site

HTC Vive is releasing a fitness-focused VR headset called the Vive Air, according to a reading from the World Design Guide Awards. It seems to offer a lightweight, comfortable design with up to four detection cameras – much like the Oculus Quest series, but with larger optics.

According to the Design Guide, the Vive Air is “specially designed for virtual fitness, optimized for high intensity with long use.” For this purpose, it uses knitted material inspired by running shoes that breathes and dries quickly for better ventilation during heated exercise. It also has a quick unlock so you can easily pull out the soft components to wash it.

HTC's VIVE Air VR headphones leak

HTC

Training and active games like Beat Saber have been some of the biggest (and frankly, few) successes for VR. It is especially attractive for boxing, dancing and other fitness programs, as it immerses you in a 3D environment where you can more easily see how you can do movements. It also makes exercise more enjoyable, and according to one study adds measurable extra pleasure compared to using music alone.

To that end, a dedicated VR fitness chapter is very light, easy to wash and with better detection capability. If HTC is planning to release the device (which it probably looks like), it’s not clear if it will launch other fitness accessories as well. However, this will likely include the new model and more details on ViveCon 2021 on 11 and 12 May of this year.

HTC's VIVE Air VR headphones leak

HTC

Update, Tuesday, April 20, 9:21 AM ET: An HTC spokesperson shared the following statement, saying that the design is ‘only a concept’ containing elements that we will see in future HTC products.

It’s exciting to see our concept piece, the VIVE Air VR headset, win an iF Design Award. Although it is only a concept, the design language has elements and inspirations that you can see elsewhere in our products. We are not the ones resting on our laurels, but while it’s great to win this award, we need to pay attention – hopefully we’ll see you on 11/12 May at VIVECON.

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