QPORIT

Coming “sometime in the Fall”, the HP REVERB G2, developed in partnership with Microsoft & Valve looks to be one of the most powerful major-eco-system pro-sumer VR Headsets (aka Head Mounted Display / HMD). It is currently being tweaked. Some features may change slightly. (Note: all specs are based on information available in mid August, 2020 and are subject to change.)



The G2 is a 6DoF room-scale HMD, using 4 cameras, two in front and two on the side of the headset for “inside-out” tracking. It tracks a large volume around the user. It uses a new controller with standard buttons, including an analog trigger. However, it is not currently capable of hand tracking. The controllers use two AA batteries. (The released controllers will likely accept rechargeable batteries.)

Although it tracks the environment for safety, the G2 appears to be designed for Virtual Reality (VR); that is, it sees only computer-generated images in applications, not integrating the “real” outside environment into the user’s view (like the HoloLens or Magic Leap One). In other words, although Microsoft calls it a "Windows Mixed Reality device", that refers to the branding and the software it uses (Windows Mixed Reality software), rather than the type of images it can show.

It has an LCD display with a 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye, and new Fresnel lenses that optimize the display for the viewer. It also has a manual IPD slider that automatically reports the setting to the software for adjustments. It is capable of 90 FPS.

The G2 is a PCVR, not a standalone. The unit is fed data by a 6-meter (almost 20 foot) cable from a host computer that is plugged and anchored into the headset (rather than loosely attached -- but it is removable). It features a USB 3.1 type C connector, and a plug-in adapter, so that it does not require power from the USB connection. (There is an adapter for older USB ports.) For best performance, the host computer should have a state-of-the-art GPU (see requirement specs below). But the G2 will scale back the display to work with less powerful computers.

Alternatively, the device can be fed by a short cable to a backpack, for complete mobility.

The headset is light, at 1.1 pounds, and features a flippable head mount, which can be raised to allow the G2 to be quickly held to the face for “VR snacking”, or lowered to allow the entire unit to rest on the head for longer viewing.

It also has ear-covering speakers, set 10 mm off the ear.

Software for the G2 comes from both Microsoft Mixed Reality, and Valve Steam VR.

Here’s a quick look at the headset:

HERE'S A REFERENCE LINK TO THE G2 HEADSET
https://www8.hp.com/us/en/vr/reverb-g2-vr-headset.html

HP is currently taking pre-orders, at about $600.00 with shipping “in the Fall”.

HERE'S A LINK TO PREORDER THE G2 HEADSET
https://www.connection.com/product/hp-reverb-g2-virtual-reality-headset/1g5u1aa-aba/41024161


Here are the current (8/21/2020) system requirements for the host computer:

System Requirements

• Recommended minimum workstation specifications:
• Processor: Intel Core i5, i7, Intel Xeon E3-1240 v5, equivalent or better. AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent or better
• Memory: 8 GB RAM or more
• Video out: DisplayPort 1.3
• USB ports: 1x USB 3.0 Type C
• Power: USB Type C with power delivery or included power adapter
• Operating system: Windows 10 May 2019 update or later
• Graphics: DX12 capable graphics

Cards that typically run Reverb at full resolution:
Consumer:
* NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
* NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER, NVIDIA GeForce 2080 Ti
* AMD Radeon RX 5700, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, AMD Radeon 7

Workstation:
* NVIDIA Quadro P5200
* NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000, NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000, NVIDIA Quadro RTX 6000, NVIDIA Quadro RTX 8000
* AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200, AMD Radeon Pro WX 9200
* AMD Radeon

Pro W5700 Cards that typically run Reverb at half resolution:
Consumer:
* NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660ti, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
* NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
* AMD Radeon RX 580, AMD Radeon RX 5500XT, AMD Radeon RX 590, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, AMD Radeon RX Vega56, AMD Radeon RX Vega64

Workstation:
* NVIDIA Quadro P3200, NVIDIA Quadro P4000, NVIDIA Quadro P4200, NVIDIA Quadro P5000
* NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000
* AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100

Labels: AYE!WEARE. HP, eXtended Reality, G2, Head Mounted Display, Headset, HG Reverb G2, HMD, Microsoft, Reverb, Valve, Virtual Reality, VR, XR