VIVE Ultimate Tracker

Overview

VIVE Ultimate Tracker is HTC's self-tracking tracker for bodies and objects. HTC launched it on November 28, 2023 at $199 per tracker. HTC's US store now lists it at $229. Each setup needs a VIVE Wireless Dongle. The dongle is sold separately, and the VIVE Ultimate Tracker 3+1 Kit bundles three trackers with one dongle.

Design and battery

The tracker measures 77 x 58.6 x 27.3 mm and weighs 94 g. Two wide-FOV cameras give it 6DoF inside-out tracking, so it needs no base stations. It slides onto a quick-release mount. It also has a standard 1/4"-20 UNC screw mount and six pogo pins for custom accessories. HTC rates battery life at up to 7 hours. A USB-C charge takes about 2.2 hours with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, or 3.2 hours with a 5V/1A supply. It connects over a proprietary 2.4 GHz link and 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

Compatibility

HTC lists VIVE Focus 3, HTC VIVE Focus Vision, HTC VIVE XR Elite and third-party SteamVR headsets. On the HTC standalones, the dongle plugs into the headset for standalone apps or wireless PC VR streaming. For wired streaming it goes into the PC. With other headsets, the dongle sits in its cradle on the PC and you pair the trackers in VIVE Hub. HTC names Meta Quest 3 as an example; Quest users also need the Meta Quest Link PC app. Lighthouse headsets such as Valve Index or Bigscreen Beyond 2 use the same SteamVR route. HTC says direct standalone support for third-party headsets is only planned.

Setup and use

One dongle pairs up to five trackers. Three trackers on the waist and feet, plus a headset and two controllers, give six-point full-body tracking. With five trackers you can get full-body tracking without controllers. For SteamVR use, you first scan a tracking map of the room in VIVE Hub. Then you align the trackers to a controller with VIVE Space Calibrator inside SteamVR. HTC recommends a play area of at least 3 x 3 m, a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection for the headset, and no low light or direct sunlight. Tracking support varies by game.

Who it is for

It suits VRChat users, VTubers, dancers and fitness players who want hip and leg tracking without mounting base stations. It fits owners of HTC's standalone headsets and Quest owners who play PC VR through SteamVR. If you already have base stations, HTC also sells the VIVE Tracker (3.0), which tracks with SteamVR base stations instead of cameras.