We look at HP Reverb G2’s specs and how they compare to other VR systems
HP’s original Reverb was HP’s second WMR headset, and it brought a crisp resolution, comfortable build, and robust audio. Now, HP is back with a redesigned Reverb G2 that was created in conjunction with Valve and Microsoft. Let’s take a look at its tech specifications and how they compare to some other popular VR systems available now.
Compared to the original Reverb, the Reverb G2 has a bunch of improvements designed in tandem with Valve and Microsoft. From Executive Editor Daniel Rubino’s announcement post, here are some of the major improvements you can expect:
- Valve-designed lenses: Valve is bringing its expertise in VR lens making to the Reverb G2, delivering reduced mural, 2160 x 2160 LCD panels per eye at 90Hz. Text and textures are supposed to be more precise with a 114-degree field of view (FOV).
- Manual IPD adjust: Users can now use a wheel to adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD).
- Four-camera tracking: two new cameras on the side aide in motion detection and the two front-facing ones. This change gives 1.4x more movement capture over Reverb G1.
- New controllers: New optimized button layout that more closely resembles a gaming controller. The design is more ergonomic, and is it supposed to be more natural.
- New headphones: Reverb G2 has built-in headphones like the previous model, but these are newly designed and sit 10mm off the ear for more comfort, making them “more spatial audio ready.” HP claims they use its new spatial audio format “anchored in artificial intelligence, new signal processing, and psychoacoustics.” The headphones are still removable, too, in case you want to use your own. Microphones are still built-in and unchanged.
The HP Reverb G2 is expected to be released Fall 2020. Preorders are available now for about $600. This price includes the headset and two motion controllers. If you’re looking for a deeper comparison dive, be sure to have a look at our Valve Index vs. HP Reverb G2 post with much more information.
