HTC VIVE today announced features and functionality of the new VIVE COSMOS including upcoming pricing and availability, and pre-order bonuses.

Vive Cosmos is the latest PC-based virtual reality (VR) system designed to grow with users over time through a modular faceplate design that can change the functionality of the headset, such as the newly announced Vive Cosmos External Tracking Mod. Cosmos will launch globally on October 3 at $699 USD, with pre-orders starting September 12.

“Since Vive began our VR journey, we’ve continued to refine and improve on what a premium VR experience can and should be,” said Daniel O’Brien, GM, Americas, HTC Vive. “Cosmos offers an unmatched experience and is also our most versatile headset yet—with inside-out tracking, options in the future for different faceplates, unlimited content in the box, and the new user interface, we see limitless possibilities for XR customers.”

The new Vive tracking system offers a simplified setup and features six camera sensors for wide and accurate inside-out tracking. Cosmos features a 2880 x 1700 combined pixel resolution—an 88% increase over the original Vive—promising to deliver "crystal-clear" text and graphics. New LCD panels reduce the distance between pixels and combined with real RGB displays minimize screen-door effect.

A flip-up design allows users to jump between reality and virtual reality in seconds—all without disrupting VR journeys. Ergonomics and comfort allow for longer VR experiences and integrated on-ear headphones provide immersive sound. Cosmos also features redesigned controllers that maximize functionality within VR and offer extended comfort during long play sessions. Cosmos is also compatible with the Vive Wireless Adapter for those who want to enjoy moving in VR without being tethered.

With a modular faceplate design, the Vive Cosmos VR headset offer users the ability for their headset to grow with them over time. The first official “mod”, announced today, is the Vive Cosmos External Tracking Mod for users that want to continue to use their existing Lighthouse base stations for tracking scenarios, but also take advantage of the performance of Vive Cosmos. This first base station-compatible mod supports Vive’s ecosystem of peripherals including the Vive Tracker. This new mod will be available in Q1 of next year.

Vive Cosmos is the VR headset that packs a content punch right out of the gate with an included 12-month Viveport Infinity subscription during the pre-order period. Anyone who pre-orders their Cosmos by October 2 will receive a 12-month Viveport Infinity redeem code in their box. Viveport Infinity gives unlimited access to hundreds of top-rated VR apps, games, and videos like A Fisherman’s Tale, Fujii, and Ninja Legends, as well as premium videos from top brands like GoPro, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet. In tandem with the Vive Cosmos launch, Viveport Infinity will be adding new titles such as Doctor Who: The Edge of Time by Maze Theory, Playstack, and BBC; Eleven Eleven by Syfy; Battlewake by Survios; Gloomy Eyes by Atlas V and 3dar; Swords of Gargantua by Yomuneco and gumi; and MLB Home Run Derby VR by MLB.

Vive Cosmos is the first headset to offer the Vive Reality System, a new design philosophy for VR, offering an extension of life to make VR feel less like launching apps and more like stepping between worlds. Cosmos will feature a redesigned user interface called Lens to easily navigate XR and Viveport Infinity applications, and a new, dynamic home space called Origin. The Origin space is the launchpad for VR applications and interactive experiences that will grow over time.

Vive Cosmos will be available for pre-order online from HTC on vive.com as well as through select retailers.