HTC launched its all-in-one VR headset called the Vive Focus. This VR headset is having a unique feature. It does not need to be connected to a computer or use a phone’s screen to show images.
There is no specification given by the company about the availability of the VR headset in the market nor anything about the price a customer has to pay for the device, but HTC has revealed that initially it will be only available in China.
At the same event, the company has revealed that it is no more working with Google on production of a stand-alone headset based on its Daydream technology.
Also, Vive Focus has an AMOLED screen and uses internal sensors to work out where a person is looking, giving users a greater ability to explore virtual scenes, as it will support six degrees of movement. Other VR headsets available in the market now are having only four degrees of freedom – up, down, left and right. This six degrees of movement feature give the user a freedom to move his head backwards and forwards and get a greater sense of their presence in a virtual scene.
Games analyst Piers Harding-Rolls, from IHS Markit said, “Six degrees of freedom tracking is a standard feature on high-end PC and console headsets, and, with its support, instantly elevates Focus above cheaper smartphone VR headset solutions.”
He further added that the standalone headsets were the “end game” for wearable VR and it was “encouraging” to see HTC release one that could match PC versions.
As per Harding-Rolls, HTC’s decision to release the Vive Focus in only China made sense, as “China is the most advanced market for smartphone VR and for trying out higher quality VR at out-of-home venues.” As headsets from Facebook, Google and Samsung were not officially available in China, could leave a vacuum for HTC to occupy, he said.
But Vive Focus will have to face competition from Oculus Go and Santa Cruz, once it’s launched in the market.
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