HTC says it intends to blend the physical and virtual world using the new Vive VR headset and is working on real-world experiences beyond gaming
At Mobile World Congress 2016, HTC revealed that the Vive VR gaming system, which it developed in partnership with Valve, will cost $799 and will start shipping from early April with a headset and two wireless VR controllers.
HTC said that the Vive consumer edition will be available to pre-order from 29 February.
HTC also launched Vive Phone Services, which make it possible for users to never miss a beat in their gaming experience by being able to respond to incoming calls and messages directly through the headset.
HTC Vive blends the physical and virtual worlds
The Taiwanese tech giant describes this as a “hybrid reality”, setting the stage for all kinds of applications and services combining the real and the virtual worlds.
HTC has also updated the head strap and the wireless controllers, which now sport haptic feedback and dual-stage triggers, as well as a front-facing camera that blends physical elements into the virtual world.
The system has been priced at $799 and will come with two VR experiences, including Job Simulator: The 2050 Archives and Fantastic Contraption.
But it is clear that HTC has its designs on more than just gaming and it said that it is working with developers to foster the creation of content for entertainment, retail, education, design, healthcare and automation.
“From the beginning, Vive has been at the forefront of virtual reality, with HTC pioneering several groundbreaking technologies,” said Cher Wang, chairwoman and CEO of HTC.
“Since announcing Vive this time last year, we have worked tirelessly with Valve to deliver the best VR experience on the market, winning multiple awards and receiving critical acclaim from media, consumers and the industry.
“With the Vive consumer edition we are now able to realise our ultimate vision; bringing Vive into homes around the globe so that people can experience immersive virtual reality in a way that fires the imagination and truly changes the world.”
