HTC to launch standalone Vive VR headset in China this year

HTC Vive Standalone VR headset will source its content from Viveport.

At Google I/O 2017, a promising announcement was made about the future of standalone virtual reality (VR) headsets. Unlike existing products, the standalone VR headset will not require a PC or smartphone, and users can consume content straight from the device. Google said that it will work with companies like HTC and Lenovo to develop standalone VR headsets for its Daydream VR platform. These VR headsets are said to arrive later this year. In conjunction with this, HTC has now announced that it will launch its standalone VR headset exclusively for China this year. Also Read - Google and Facebook will now have to pay news publications for content as per new Australian News Media law

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HTC made this announcement at the ChinaJoy 2017 expo, where it teased the Vive Standalone headset, reports VentureBeat. This device isn t the same as the one announced by Google, but does bear resemblance in terms of design. Google s standalone VR headset will be based on its Daydream platform, and content will be available on Google Play Store. However, content on Vive Standalone will be accessed from Viveport. This device would be exclusive to China, while global markets will receive the Daydream-based VR headset.

HTC is partnering with Qualcomm for developing its Vive Standalone headset, and it will be powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC. Google s standalone Daydream VR headset will also use the Snapdragon 835 SoC, but it will be based on WorldSense positional tracking technology. The design of Vive Standalone is quite similar to what was showcased at Google I/O 2017. The details on Vive Standalone are still scarce, and there is no word on its pricing either. ALSO READ: Google I/O 2017: Standalone VR headsets is what we needed; WorldSense technology from HTC, Lenovo coming soon

However, a statement made by Alvin Graylin, HTC Vive s China regional president reads, Partnering with Qualcomm to deliver an easy to use and more affordable Vive VR system will enable us to make premium standalone VR widely accessible to the masses in China.

HTC s Vive Standalone would possibly compete with the rumored Oculus wireless VR headset. It was earlier reported that Facebook s Oculus team is working with Xiaomi for this product, which will possibly have a custom China version. Both these devices are expected to compete in the China market. ALSO READ: Facebook is working with Xiaomi on a wireless Oculus VR headset: Report

Image Courtesy: VentureBeat

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