HTC teasing lip tracking module for VIVE VR headsets

Ever since launching the VIVE headset, HTC has been experimenting with additional VR accessories and modules. At this point, it is possible to turn the HTC VIVE into a wireless headset, add eye tracking and soon, a new module will seemingly bring lip tracking too. 

The HTC VIVE Twitter account has been teasing a new module for a little while now, with the latest coming yesterday:

Express yourself. pic.twitter.com/a4RnnWRVM8

— HTC VIVE (@htcvive) March 8, 2021

The tweet teases an additional module with the tagline ‘express yourself'. It didn't take long for fans to reply with an image of a lip tracking module attached to a HTC VIVE headset.

Lip tracking for VR was first teased by HTC during GDC 2019, so it has been a long time since we've had an update on this front. The lip tracking module sits at the bottom of the headset, hovering over the user's mouth. As pointed out by UploadVR, HTC could be planning to use this technology alongside its own avatar software to make more expressive virtual characters. Aside from additional VR modules, HTC is also planning a new standalone VR headset for 2021, so we should be getting more updates over the next few months.

KitGuru Says: It looks like lip tracking is going to be available to VR enthusiasts soon, but whether or not developers will utilise this technology is another matter. How could lip tracking be used to improve VR games? 

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