HTC Mobile VR Headset Release Date, Specs: Launch Set for This Year

By Georgia Gana, Christian Post Contributor Friday, February 17, 2017

HTC has announced that they are developing a new mobile virtual reality (VR) headset that will deliver a different experience than what is currently being offered by other smartphone VR devices in the market.

Last year, the Taiwanese consumer electronics company entered the premium VR headset market with the release of Vive, a $799 device designed to compete with the Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR. However, the device only managed to sell about 400,000 units due to its steep price tag and the fact that it had to be paired with a powerful PC.

In comparison, Samsung managed to sell around 4.5 million units of the Gear VR, a VR headset compatible with the company's Galaxy smartphones. With Gear VR and Google's Daydream View slowly expanding its reach in the market, HTC hopes to offer something that is more than just putting a smartphone inside a VR mount.

In an interview with CNET, Chia-lin Chang, HTC's president of global sales, confirmed that their new mobile VR solution will bridge the gap between the two types of VR devices.

"We have a good plan in terms of combining mobility with VR. Vive is very top end, and in the coming months you'll see our plans in terms of mobility and VR, and it's not a phone slapped onto a headset. It'll be a very different thing," the executive revealed.

Chang added that they have learned a lot about the world of VR since the launch of the Vive headset last year. As such, they are looking to lead the expansion of the industry with compelling content and rich experiences.

HTC first talked about plans for a new mobile VR solution last year and it was hinted at during the launch of the U Ultra, last month. It is said that the mobile VR headset will be compatible with the company's newest flagship smartphone.

According to the publication, HTC's stumbling mobile phone business, which seemingly contributed to an operating loss of about $116 million, could be the reason why they are beginning to position themselves as a VR company. If so, then there will a lot riding on the performance of the new mobile VR headset.

At this time, not much is known about the upcoming device but it is expected to arrive at the end of the year.