HTC is entering the virtual reality arena with a new headset called the HTC Vive. It’s made in partnership with game developer Valve, and it’s basically HTC’s answer to the Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR (as well as Google Cardboard, I guess).

htc vive

HTC and Valve plan to launch the virtual reality headset by the end of the year, with a developer kit coming this spring.

Speaking at the company’s Mobile World Congress press event today, HTC officials said the device will support 360 degree views, 90Hz refresh rates, and it will support motion controls and two wireless handheld controllers which you can use to interact with apps, videos, or other content displayed on the HTC Vive.

HTC says a group of content partners are already working on apps, games, videos, and other content for the platform. Some of those partners include HBO, Lionsgate, and Google.

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5 replies on “HTC partners with Valve to launch the Vive virtual reality headset”

  1. So far I have been very skeptical about any VR headsets that are not Oculus. The problem is that most of them don’t look like they will produce a promising following of developers.

    If this really has big interest in the developer world, then this sounds great.

    Oculus already has support in every 1st-person perspective PC game imaginable. I don’t know how anyone else thinks they will capture the same community. The only room for competition is innovation.

    1. yeah oculus is the gold standard right now.

      But the first one to retail market (especially if it has valve support and a great price) could snowball momentum to unseat oculus.

      1. You’re right, I wasn’t thinking about Valve’s involvement. Oculus’ developer version is enough to keep the true enthusiasts happy in the meantime. But the early-adpoting/developer community are only one part of the market.

        HTC has the opportunity to beat them to the mainstream market, and they could do it if Valve provides support for all of their PC games, and makes a big push for other developers on Steam to do the same.

        Basically I will buy whichever one provides the best support for the PC version of GTA V. If I had to bet, I would put my money on Oculus. Even if official support is terrible, I’m sure there will be tons of unofficial tweaks to make it right.

      2. If they release Half-Life 3 designed for VR and the headset at the same time, they might take Oculus’s place as king of the hill.

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