HTC Vive virtual reality headset launches face tracker

HTC’s Vive virtual reality headset has introduced a face tracker, enabling users to recreate a range of facial expressions in VR for the first time.

The Vive Facial Tracker has been launched on Wednesday as an accessory for the firm’s VR platform and will cost £129.

HTC said the new piece of technology can track 38 different facial movements across the lips, jaw, teeth, tongue, chin and cheeks to give an accurate real-time depiction of almost all of the lower face in VR.

It's time to put your best face forward. VIVE Facial Tracker seamlessly tracks 38 facial movements across the lips, jaw, teeth, tongue, chin, and cheeks allowing you to be your most expressive self, whether socializing virtually or in performance capture. https://t.co/TgkFfUYBMr pic.twitter.com/MBu79j9hj9

— HTC (@htc) March 10, 2021

The Facial Tracker has been announced alongside a third-generation of HTC’s Vive Tracker, a small interchangeable accessory that can be attached to any object in real life in order to bring it into the virtual world.

HTC said the new accessories and its existing products mean the company’s platform is able to offer comprehensive head-to-toe tracking in virtual reality, fuelling more interactive virtual experiences.

“The VR community has unlimited creativity and we’ve seen the Vive Tracker everywhere from industrial use, film production, to sports, gaming, and more. With a sleeker design and even longer battery life, the new Vive Tracker 3.0 is even more versatile,” HTC general manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Graham Wheeler said.

“And with the new Vive Facial Tracker, it’s easier than ever to create ultra-realistic characters.”

HTC launched the first major consumer VR headset in 2017 and has since released several other versions of the Vive, as well as a number of accessories and an app store for VR content.