HP is really the one company carrying the torch for Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) system having launched the HP Reverb G2 at the end of 2020. Its not stopping there though. After announcing an enterprise-focused model called the Reverb G2 Omnicept in September, today HP has announced it’ll be available in May priced at $1,249 USD.
That price might sound a little steep but it’s not considering other pro-level headsets and the amount HP has packed into the device. Because there are a lot of sensors, all designed to help provide developers and companies with data-driven insight depending on their requirements. Built into the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition are sensors for eye tracking, heart rate monitoring, facial movements and even pupil dilation.
All of this can be used for any number of use cases, from training scenarios looking at how users cope in particular situations; mental health and monitoring someone’s well being to creating a more realistic, immersive experience where co-workers can collaborate with expressive avatars.
For creators, alongside the hardware launch, HP will also release the Omnicept software development kit (SDK) in four options depending on the organisation and planned use. HP Omnicept SDK ‘Core’ will be free but won’t offer the Inference Engine SDK, whilst the Academic version is free for educational use or 2% revenue share for profit. The Developer Edition of the SDK is a flat 2% revenue share with the Enterprise Edition pricing tailored to the company. Only the Core version has a couple of extra exclusions, Pulse Rate Variability API and HP VR Spatial Audio omitted. The latter uses dynamic head-related-transfer functions (HRTFs) to create a personalised sound for a more immersive experience.
As previously reported, the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition’s other specs still mirror its consumer cousin, with a 2160×2160 per eye resolution, Valve’s off-ear headphones, four cameras for inside-out tracking, a 90Hz refresh rate, a 114-degree FOV and a 6 meter cable for plenty of freedom to move around.
The HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition will be available to order through HP’s own website in May. If you’re just looking for a decent PC VR headset for gaming then the standard HP Reverb G2 goes for $599. For further updates on HP’s VR plans, keep reading VRFocus.