HTC is creating a new standalone Vive VR headset specifically for the Chinese market.
The company broke the news at the ChinaJoy conference in Shanghai, and confirmed the headset will utilize Viveport — HTC’s own virtual reality storefront — as its official content platform.
The device will offer wireless functionality, and won’t rely on the use of a PC or smartphone connection to operate.
As for what’s under the hood, details are scarce at the moment. The only thing we know for sure is that it’ll be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor.
There’s also no word on how much the headset will cost or what it’ll look like, although HTC has released a “concept silhouette” that you can see below.
When it comes to pricing, HTC has said it’s determined to deliver a headset that’s “affordable” in a bid to make virtual reality more accessible in the region.
“China is the leading mobile market in the world today, and has the momentum to lead the global VR market as well,” said Alvin Graylin, China regional president of Vive at HTC.
“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.”
Any VR developers out there interested in supporting the device can apply for participation in Vive Standalone associated support programs by clicking right here.
