I recently had the incredible opportunity to experience Horizon of Khufu, an immersive virtual reality journey that transported me back 4,500 years to the majestic Great Pyramids of Egypt. This meticulously crafted VR adventure allowed me to soar over the Giza Necropolis, explore the burial chambers of ancient kings and queens, and even wander the pyramids under a starlit sky – all without ever leaving suburban Sydney. Launched in Paris in June 2022 and now captivating audiences worldwide, Horizon of Khufu has delighted over a million visitors, though that experience seamlessly blends history with modern technology – creating a breathtaking escape into the past.
As I took off the headset, I couldn’t help but wonder how I could bring that kind of immersive experience home. Fortunately, the same developers responsible for all things ancient Egypt have made it possible through an at-home virtual reality headset that uses similar VR technology featured in Horizons of Khufu. Here’s how the HTC Vive XR Elite delivers the kind of captivating experiences I had just encountered, in a more personal, at-home virtual reality style.
HTC Vive XR Elite: A very versatile experience
Unboxing the Vive XR Elite, I was immediately struck by its sleek and compact design. Weighing just 625 grams with the battery pack, it felt remarkably lightweight compared to other headsets I had tried in the past.
Setting up the XR Elite was also a breeze. I simply connected it to my Wi-Fi and was amazed by the expansive virtual screen – 300 inches of personal cinema where I could enjoy movies, play games, or explore VR experiences.
One of the standout features of the Vive XR Elite is its focus on comfort. The headset has a well-balanced design, distributing weight evenly, which is crucial for longer gaming sessions. I wore it for hours, enjoying various experiences without feeling weighed down. It also has an adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD), which meant I could fine-tune the visuals to suit my vision.
Moreover, the XR Elite allows seamless streaming from a compatible Android phone, expanding my entertainment options. I could watch my favourite shows on Netflix or even dive into gaming sessions from the comfort of my couch.
However, what truly impressed me were the specifications: 1920×1920 pixels per eye and 4K resolution for crystal-clear visuals, combined with a 110-degree field of view and accurate hand tracking – that made everything feel immersive.
Eager to dive in and see how this device could replicate the magical experience of ancient Egypt, I decided to test its capabilities with one of the popular pre-loaded VR options – namely the Eternal Notre Dame experience, developed by the same team behind the Horizon of Khufu.
From Parramatta to Paris
While my suburban life may be far from the City of Love, wearing the Vive XR Elite made it easy to forget I wasn’t actually in Paris. With the VR’s clarity and immersive soundscape, I was transported to Notre Dame Cathedral through the Eternal Notre Dame experience.
This journey took me back in time to witness the cathedral’s construction in the Middle Ages, its Gothic beauty, and even the tragic 2019 fire that captivated the world. I last visited Notre Dame on a Contiki tour, but this virtual experience was far more vivid.
Guided by a holographic medieval craftsman, I explored bustling old Paris with its half-timbered houses and artisans building the cathedral. Climbing up to the cathedral’s “forest” framework—a place normally off-limits—I looked over 13th-century Paris, feeling the vertigo of height. The vivid stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture brought the cathedral’s beauty to life, and I even stood in the nave, gazing at its grand vaults, organ, and bronze bells.
This 45-minute VR journey, from the cathedral’s initial construction to its current restoration, felt like a truly immersive tour. I uncovered secrets hidden in places like the belfry and sacristy, all from home in Parramatta.
Not a fan of France? Other apps on the Vive XR Elite include Les Mills BodyCombat for fitness, Synth Riders for dance, and AtOne for meditation.
The HTC Vive XR Elite verdict
At $1499, the HTC Vive XR Elite is a premium investment, but for those looking to explore the wonders of virtual reality at home, it’s a solid choice. It offers a versatile, comfortable experience, whether you’re seeking immersive adventures like Horizon of Khufu or just a way to unwind with a movie. While there are areas for improvement – like the occasional tracking hiccup – the overall experience is captivating and engaging.
As I navigated the landscapes of one of the world’s most iconic cathedrals in my living room, I realised that the Vive XR Elite brings the future of entertainment and exploration right to my fingertips.
For anyone serious about diving into the world of VR, this headset is undoubtedly worth considering. It allows me to bridge the gap between thrilling, out-of-home experiences and the exciting possibilities of at-home virtual adventures.
