HTC’s new Vive standalone headset is for the Chinese market, and works without being tethered to a PC or smartphone.
HTC has announced its first standalone Vive virtual reality headset, one that works without being tethered to a PC or smartphone.
Still unnamed, the headset is a consumer product exclusive to China. It is separate from the Google Daydream headset HTC is also developing, which is due to launch later this year. Google Daydream HTC is also developing
Whereas that headset will run the Google Daydream platform, the headset for China taps into the Viveport content ecosystem.
Based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 VRDK reference design, this headset is a premium product in the same vein as HTC’s Daydream device, and Qualcomm tells us the two headsets are near-identical, save for a few aesthetic differences.
Neither headset requires connecting to a PC, smartphone or other device in order to run virtual reality experiences.
HTC isn’t announcing further details on this new headset right now, including what it’s called, specs, release date or price. What we do know is that it will run the Snapdragon 835 chipset and have six-degrees-of-freedom tracking, but not much else.
While this headset is part of the Vive family, there will almost certainly be marked differences from the HTC Vive currently on the market. This is largely due, obviously, to the fact the standalone headset needs to have its power source and connectivity self-contained. HTC Vive
There’s still a lot of mystery surrounding HTC’s first mobile VR headset, but developers who are interested in creating content for the device can register here. here
It would make sense for HTC to time the standalone Viveport headset’s release around the launch of its Daydream-powered counterpart, though again HTC is keeping that information under wraps at the moment.
As for price, this Vive standalone headset will be more affordable than the PC-tethered HTC Vive while still offering a high-quality experience.
Despite the lack of details, HTC is clearly ready to push ahead with standalone VR, flushing out its Vive lineup with more affordable mobile products.
Marc Metis, Global Head of Vive X at HTC Vive, recently shared with TechRadar that HTC is developing new Vive products at different price points, and is “working with new partners to address new segments.” recently shared
We don’t have confirmation Metis was referring to Qualcomm and this standalone VR headset with his remarks, but it’s likely the new device was top of mind.
With a headset announced for China, we probably don’t have long to wait until the Daydream-powered, standalone HTC Vive makes its debut in other markets. We’ll provide updates on that headset as soon as those become available. HTC Vive vs Oculus Rift: which VR headset is better? HTC Vive vs Oculus Rift
