Introduction

First revealed at GDC 2023 earlier this year, HTC has now launched its long-awaited inside-out tracking accessory, which is now dubbed the Vive Ultimate Tracker.

A Breakthrough in Tracking Technology

Unlike previous Vive Trackers, Vive Ultimate Tracker makes use of inside-out optical tracking instead of SteamVR base stations, making it useful for users of HTC standalones Vive XR Elite and Vive Focus 3. The company says support is also eventually coming to OpenXR/SteamVR based PC VR setups in the near future.

State-of-the-Art Tracking Features

Vive Ultimate Tracker imbeds two wide-FOV cameras to track its own location in 3D space. With the ability to link up to five trackers per headset, users can now experience multi-point full-body tracking by attaching two trackers to the elbows, two to the feet, and one to the user’s hips.

Flexible Attachment Options

Vive Ultimate Tracker features a standard 1/4″-20 UNC mount and a pogo pin interface, allowing it to attach to a variety of objects. HTC plans to release developer documentation and the 3D CAD file publicly, empowering users to design their own bespoke mounts.

Seamless Integration with SteamVR

Post-launch, HTC confirms that Vive Ultimate Tracker will work entirely independently with SteamVR, even without any headset present. This functionality opens up new possibilities in industrial settings for equipment and prop-tracking. The company plans to introduce this feature in the coming weeks as a beta release.

Enhanced VR Experience for Vive XR Elite Users

HTC’s latest standalone, Vive XR Elite, will also see the launch of a native VRChat app in December that fully supports Vive Ultimate Tracker. This integration will offer XR Elite users an immersive social VR experience like never before.

Affordable Options for Full-Body Tracking

Priced at $200, Vive Ultimate Tracker provides basic full-body tracking. However, for users looking to track their entire body, HTC is offering a three-tracker bundle for $600, which includes the required Vive Wireless Dongle ($39 MSRP). With this bundle, users can attach a tracker to each foot (with supplied straps) and one to their hips.

Special Deals for Early Adopters

HTC has introduced limited-time bundles, available until December 31st. Owners of Vive XR Elite who purchase the $600 Ultimate Tracker 3+1 Kit + TrackStraps Special can get a $100 discount after registering a valid Vive XR Elite serial number. This brings the price down to $500, and the bundle also includes a Dance Dash download key.

HTC is also bundling Vive XR Elite and Vive Ultimate Tracker for $1,500, offering excellent value for users interested in a comprehensive VR setup. This bundle includes the VIVE XR Elite headset ($1,000 MSRP), 3 Vive Ultimate Trackers, 1 Wireless Dongle, a Dance Dash download key, and TrackStraps. These exclusive deals can be found on the official HTC website at vive.com.

Specifications

• In-box items – VIVE Ultimate Tracker, 1/4″-20 UNC screw-in mount (use is optional), 120 cm USB-C to USB-C cable, Documentation (user guide QR code / safety guide / warranty card)
• Tracking – 6DoF inside-out tracking – Wide-FOV tracking cameras x 2
• Dimensions – 77 x 58.6 x 27.3 mm
• Weight – 94 g
• Battery life – Up to 7 hours
• Charging time – 2.2 hours on average with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, 3.2 hours on average with 5V/1A power supply
• Charging mechanism – USB Type-C, Pogo pins
• Inputs – Pogo pins x 6, USB Type-C port
• Connectivity – Proprietary 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz Wi-Fi
• Compatible devices – Requires VIVE Wireless Dongle to connect to: VIVE XR Elite, VIVE Focus 3 (LBE). Support for other standalone and PC VR headsets is planned