HP claims the new Omnicept virtual headset can measure when users are paying attention using a facial camera, heart rate monitor and other technologies.

The Omnicept, announced today and aimed at businesses and developers, joins a growing number of virtual reality devices focused on online collaboration. With millions of people working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, businesses are increasingly looking to virtual reality as a workplace.

Omnicept's facial camera captures a user's facial expressions, making it easier for people to connect online, HP claims. "Facial expressions actually account for 50 percent of effective communication," Anu Herranen, HP's director of new product introduction, advanced compute and solutions, said in a press conference. It makes people "more aware of each other's behavior and feelings, which really leads to happier, more efficient teams."

HP also announced today that the previously unveiled Reverb G2 virtual reality headset, which is aimed at consumers, will be available in November. The G2 lacks many of the Omnicept's advanced features, such as the facial camera and heart rate monitor.