Hello, good people!
My name is Cas, and I wanted to update you all on the HTC VIVE Cosmos since it is one
of the few VR headsets that’s still in stock.
As you might know already, some major PC VR headsets are affected by COVID-19 and are
out of stock or have a very long shipping date.
This is the case with the Oculus Rift S, Oculus Quest, and the Valve Index.
Now, HTC has sent us the new external tracking mod that you can use with the Cosmos.
So I wanted to take this moment and check the Cosmos’ inside-out tracking again to
see if it’s any better.
And to see if it is better with the external tracking mod.
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As you probably know already, at launch, the inside-out tracking of the Vive Cosmos performed
below expectations.
This is especially the case when compared to other inside-out tracking headsets like
the Oculus Rift S.
My last tracking test for the Cosmos was 4 months ago, and, so this week, I tested it
again on Beat Saber, Contractors (which is a competitive shooter) and on an archery game
called Elven Assassin.
Unfortunately, not much as changed, even though the tracking is noticeably improved compared
to at launch, it’s still not as good as other inside-out tracking headsets.
For those entirely out of the loop on this, I recommend watching my previous test on this
for a more detailed explanation.
Everything I say in this video still applies to what I think now.
I put a link in the description.
In short, tracking is okay for some games like Beat Saber, but when you play games where
controller occlusion happens a lot [which are these kinds of movements], it loses tracking.
This is especially annoying when playing archery or shooting games.
Since it’s been four months now, I honestly doubt the inside-out tracking of the Vive
Cosmos will get better than this ☹, so my verdict on the Vive Cosmos with inside-out
tracking is still: Not worth it, because there are better inside-out tracking headsets out
there at a better price.
Okay, but since HTC is releasing an external tracking mod.
Will this mod be able to change my verdict on this headset?
For those that don’t know, HTC is planning on releasing an external tracking mod that
allows you to change the Cosmos’ inside-out tracking system to an outside-in tracking
system with the base stations.
This is the same tracking system as the original Vive (and the Valve Index) and is still the
most reliable and accurate tracking system to date.
This does mean that if you want to use the external tracking mod, you need to own the
base stations and compatible controllers too.
The Cosmos controllers do not work with the base stations as it only works for inside-out
tracking.
I received the external tracking mod from HTC to review.
I tested it already for a bit, and it tracks far better and works great.
The only downside here is that the setup is a bit more cumbersome as you need a place
for the base stations, and so it will be harder to bring the headset with you to a different
place since you need to bring the base stations with you too.
I will share my full review of the external tracking mod in a future video, but today,
I just want to inform you whether you should get the HTC Vive Cosmos for this or not.
And the short answer is no because there’s a version that will include the mod.
Let me explain.
At the time of making this video, the external tracking mod is not available yet.
But HTC plans on releasing it as a separate add-on for 200 dollars in May.
But as mentioned before, you also need two base stations of 270 dollars and two controllers,
like the Vive Wands for 260 dollars.
Quick note: You can also get any compatible SteamVR controllers here, so you could also
get the Valve Index Controllers, for example.
But this totals up to 730 dollars on top of the Cosmos headset price of 699 . That’s
very expensive, and since I think the inside-out tracking is not worth it, I think you should
hold off on getting the first Cosmos because there are other options too, which I’ll
explain now.
But before we move on, please don’t forget to leave a like for the YouTube algorithm
and so to support us😊
So those that are set on getting an HTC headset, there are some new options now within the
Cosmos series.
Maybe you know this already, but last month, HTC announced three new headsets in the Cosmos
series.
The Vive Cosmos Play, Vive Cosmos Elite, and the Vive Cosmos XR.
These headsets will replace the Vive Pro as the Pro has been discontinued for consumers.
The Cosmos Play and XR are not out yet, so I won’t talk about them now until we know
more.
But the Vive Cosmos Elite is available for pre-order in April.
HTC sent us one already; this is the VIVE Cosmos Elite.
This headset is very similar to the first VIVE Cosmos.
It has the same LCDs, lenses, IPD adjustment, and the same flip-up design for example.
I’ll dive more into this in a future video.
The difference here is the color, of course, and that the Cosmos Elite is a kit that comes
with the external tracking mod, two SteamVR base stations version 1.0, and two first-gen
Vive Wand controllers.
You can get this whole kit for 900 US dollars.
Technically, the Cosmos Elite should be able to do inside-out tracking, too, although I’m
not sure what HTC plans to do with that.
So, in my opinion, I don’t see a reason to get the first Cosmos because of the tracking.
But the Cosmos Elite could be an option.
Especially for those that already own the base stations and controllers, because HTC
has just announced that they will offer an upgrade option for existing owners of the
tracking system.
You can get the Cosmos Elite headset-only that includes the external tracking mod, but
without the rest, for 549 dollars.
This puts the headset near the price of a Valve Index headset for 499 dollars.
Still, then again, the Valve Index probably offers more value for your money in terms
of improvements.
And the Oculus Rift S is still cheaper at 399 dollars.
I’ll dive into this more in a future comparison video.
But unfortunately, I can see now, HTC’s prices are just not competitive enough.
There is, however, another reason you might want the Cosmos Elite, though, and that is
if you want to play PC VR games wirelessly.
The HTC Vive Cosmos headsets are the only PC VR headsets currently that support a wireless
adapter.
Although this comes at an even higher cost as the wireless adapter is about 350 dollars.
So, in this video, I only wanted to inform you about the latest HTC updates.
Next on the channel, I will post a full review of the external tracking mod and a review
of both Cosmos headsets.
I have also bought a wireless adapter kit for the Cosmos, which I will also cover as
well.
For now, I hope this info helps you out when deciding on what to buy.
Please do let me know your thoughts on this, whether you agree or disagree in the comments
below.
And let’s have a friendly discussion.
And if you have any questions about these products, drop them below, and I’ll include
it in my next videos.
Thanks for watching and I hope to see you in the next one.
Stay healthy everyone.
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As always, VR on!
[Bloopers]