HTC cancels standalone Daydream VR headset with Google, launches ‘Vive Focus’ instead

The HTC Vive Focus is an all-in-one device which features “world-scale” 6DoF tracking which, in short, doesn’t require additional base stations or sensors. We do know China is the primary focus (no pun intended) of the “first commercial standalone device to deliver inside-out 6-degree-of-freedom tracking”.

HTC said more than 100 developers are working on content for the Focus, but it didn’t reveal any specifics.

Wherever it ends up releasing, the HTC Vive Focus, much like the Oculus Go, appears to target that relatively untapped mid-range market segment. The headband is similar to the Deluxe Audio Strap for the HTC Vive in that has an adjustment dial to help you find a snug fit, but it doesn’t have built-in headphones.

HTC hasn’t detailed pricing or availability yet, but the Vive Focus will be sold initially in China. “Over 35 Chinese and global content developers have already built VR content optimized for Vive Wave”.

HTC’s Vive Focus is said to be the first premium standalone VR headset.

The platform also features an open interface that allows interoperability among numerous mobile VR headsets and accessories.

The Vive Wave, as an open platform for virtual reality content, will look to bring together the fragmented mobile virtual reality market in China.

HTC isn’t the only one using this technology, with Google pointing out Lenovo has a standalone headset with Daydream in development, though that’s not yet being talked about.

Twelve hardware partners, including Quanta, Pimax, Nubia, and iQIYI, reportedly have pledged their support for the integration of Vive Wave into their future products. The second announcement was of the Vive Focus, HTC’s highly anticipated premium standalone VR headset. If Vive Wave is as versatile as it claims to be and that the hardware manufacturers get things right, then it shouldn’t be hard to convince developers from all around the world to tap into the vast Chinese market via this platform. The new Vive Focus adds counter balance to eliminate strain.

Interestingly enough the Vive Focus can be linked to other Vive-branded headsets, including the bigger PC-powered brother as well as the smaller Focus.