That HTC would be unveiling the HTC One M9 is a no-brainer. Even the HTC Grip fitness band was somewhat expected. But imagine our surprise when the smartphone maker revealed at MWC 2015 that it too will be dipping its toes into the virtual reality market, with a high-profile partner no less. The strangely named HTC Vive will be the company's entry into the budding VR arena. And to boost its credentials, it will be working with Valve with its own soon to be revealed Steam VR platform.
Valve itself already revealed that it will be disclosing details about Steam VR at Game Developers Conference or GDC, happening on the same week as MWC. It already demonstrated a prototype headset last year, so little did we expect that this time, it has hooked up with HTC to deliver the physical goods. That said, much like almost everything Valve is doing these days, the platform is open to everyone. HTC just happens to be one of the very first to rally behind it.
Not much yet is known about the Vive headset itself, but HTC assures us that its signature focus on design will be apparent all throughout. Comfort and performance are top priorities, of course. From the looks of it, the headset won't simply be a cradle for fitting in a smartphone, unlike the Samsung Gear VR and the LG G3 Cardboard. Indeed, the headset looks more similar to the Oculus Rift, plus with cables popping out from the top. HTC has been playing around with imaging lately, as evidenced by its RE products. Virtual reality, then, seems like the next, but very big step.
On the platform side, Valve will be the one running things, it seems. Steam VR isn't scheduled to be revealed until later this week, so we'll have to wait for more details. The HTC Vive, however, won't just be limited to games. There will also be TV and video content, though it has yet to be detailed how such content will be created. Proof of that are the special wireless VR controllers that come in pairs and whose use go beyond simple gaming.
The HTC Vive will have a Developer Edition available this spring, while consumer models are expected to launch before the end of the year. If this unexpected HTC venture has you curious for more, be sure to keep tabs on our MWC 2015 coverage for our hands-on of the surprise device.