HTC launches headset that combines VR and MR

HTC Corp has unveiled its latest headset the Vive XR Elite, which combines mixed reality and virtual reality capabilities into one compact, lightweight, and highly versatile device, as part of its broader push to tap into the opportunities of immersive internet.

The device is designed to support mixed reality or MR scenarios that merge the real-world environment with a computer-generated one. For instance, this can include playing games where the characters are running on your furniture, having real-time overlays on musical instruments like a piano so you can learn, and even having the ultimate workstation with multiple virtual screens while still being able to use your real-world keyboard and mouse, HTC said.

Charles Huang, corporate vice-president of HTC, said 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 hard to strengthen technological exchanges and information sharing in the VR and MR and striving to build an interconnected, mutually beneficial and compatible metaverse ecosystem.

HTC has unveiled an open metaverse platform called Viverse, which provides seamless experiences that are reachable on any device anywhere and 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. Telecom operators have big user bases, and their participation can help trigger large-scale consumption behaviors, thereby accelerating the development of the entire industry, Huang said.

Now, there is also a growing demand for VR devices in a wide range of industries, such as remote conferencing, training, education, healthcare, design and exhibition, Huang added.

The market consultancy International Data Corp predicted that the IT-related expenditure in China's AR and VR market will increase to $13.08 billion in 2026, making it the second-largest market in the world.