HP has announced a new VR headset, the HP Reverb G2. Claiming that this headset is "the world's highest-resolution VR headset among major vendors," it feels like HP is trying to upset Pimax 8K fans.The Reverb G2 also features new state-of-the-art optics, inside-out tracking, spatial 3D audio, natural gestures, and plug-and-play support for Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR.

One could be forgiven for thinking that HP was a bit behind the curve in its recent VR resurgence, but it turns out that it was working under the hood with Valve and Microsoft to improve on the original Reverb. The new headset retains Reverb's one-eye 2160 x 2160 resolution and 114-degree field of view, but adds improvements such as better spatial audio, four-camera inside-out tracking for omnidirectional monitoring of the hand, and improved comfort for longer sessions ... [The HP Reverb G2 will be available in the fall for a retail price of $599. In the U.S., pre-orders will be available today through HP's website and SteamVR's website.

The collaboration with Valve is most evident in optics and audio. The new lenses are not the same as those on the Valve Index, but they are inspired by the Valve Index, improving brightness and contrast for a more immersive experience and reducing afterimage and perceived unevenness (screen door effect). This is also true on the audio side, with the Reverb G2 using the same drivers as the Index, with the speakers positioned 10 mm from the ear to avoid discomfort during long sessions.

Also in terms of comfort, HP has introduced a new IPD adjustment slider on the headset that allows the user to set the proper distance between pupils, allowing the headset to be worn for extended periods of time. The Reverb G2 also has an improved face cushion and better weight distribution than the first headset. The controller has also undergone major changes, with a new button layout and more nuanced controls.

HP was keen to point out that the VR market is doing very well, noting that SteamVR logged nearly 1 million additional connected headsets per month this past April. One wonders why? Perhaps it has something to do with "Half-Life": alix?It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in May.

HP seems to think that VR will be used for more than just games. In fact, HP has come up with three different use cases that don't pretend to be in a dystopian city under alien control. These use cases are apparently creative, collaborative, and listening learning. I admit that I would be very happy if this were just a great VR gaming headset, but it is not.

HP's first headset, the Reverb, was generally well received thanks to its high-resolution display and attractive price tag, but HP was somewhat surprised by demand and was unable to produce sufficient numbers. One reason for this was that it was not designed with the consumer in mind.