HTC Corp has announced the release of its latest virtual reality (VR) headset, the Vive XR Elite. The headset combines mixed reality (MR) and VR capabilities into one compact, lightweight, and highly versatile device. The Vive XR Elite is designed to support MR scenarios that merge the real-world environment with a computer-generated one.
The headset enables users to engage in a range of activities such as playing games where characters are running on furniture, having real-time overlays on musical instruments like a piano, and using multiple virtual screens while still being able to use a real-world keyboard and mouse. As part of its broader push to tap into the opportunities of immersive internet, HTC is working to build an interconnected, mutually beneficial, and compatible metaverse ecosystem.
Charles Huang, corporate vice-president of HTC, noted that when developing an MR product, a hardware-manufacturing mindset alone is not enough. It involves the cultivation of an ecosystem, and every point of hardware, software, content, and platform must be taken into account. HTC is working to strengthen technological exchanges and information sharing in the VR and MR industries.
The company is also working to build an open metaverse platform called Viverse that provides seamless experiences that are reachable on any device anywhere. The platform is enabled by VR, MR, high-speed connectivity, AI, and blockchain technologies. HTC is also partnering with telecom operators to accelerate the popularity of VR, leveraging their big user bases to trigger large-scale consumption behaviors and accelerate the development of the entire industry.
HTC’s efforts come as the demand for VR devices is growing in a wide range of industries, including remote conferencing, training, education, healthcare, design, and exhibition. According to Huang, the IT-related expenditure in China’s AR and VR market is expected to increase to $13.08 billion in 2026, making it the second-largest market in the world.
The Vive XR Elite is a testament to HTC’s efforts to build an immersive internet that provides users with a seamless experience across various devices and platforms. The headset’s versatility and lightweight design make it an ideal device for both personal and professional use, allowing users to engage in a range of activities that go beyond gaming.
As HTC continues to push the boundaries of VR and MR technology, it is clear that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for immersive experiences in various industries. Through its metaverse platform and partnerships with telecom operators, HTC is working to build an ecosystem that supports the growth of the VR and MR industries, providing users with new and innovative ways to engage with the world around them.