The HTC Vive Focus stand-alone VR helmet will be available worldwide until the end of 2018, just in time for the holidays. That’s what Joel Breton, VP of Global Product Development at HTC Vive, says.
Available in China since 2017, the HTC Vive Focus is HTC’s first self-contained VR helmet. Unlike the HTC Vive and HTC Vive Pro, it is an all-in-one device that works without connecting to a PC. The processor, battery and even the tracking system are directly integrated. The user only has to put the helmet on his head to dive into the virtual reality.
Initially, this device was generally compared to the Oculus Go. However, the technical data sheet brings it closer to the new Oculus Quest, introduced by Facebook in early October 2018. In fact, both headsets are equipped with the same Samsung AMOLED display and the same Snapdragon 835 processor. It’s also the first HTC helmet to offer the proprietary Vive Wave application shop.
So far, the only real advantage of the Quest over the Focus has been its 6DoF motion detection control. The Vive Focus was limited to 3DoF controllers. However, HTC yesterday introduced new 6DoF controllers for the Focus. As a result, both helmets now play in the same playground and allow users to freely use their hands inside.
At the moment, there is no way to reach Vive Focus outside China. However, HTC does not intend to leave the field free for Oculus and its mission. For example, Joel Breton, VP of Global Product Development at HTC, has just confirmed on the UploadVR website that the HTC Vive Focus will be launched worldwide by the end of 2018.
Specifically, Breton hopes that the helmet will be available in time for Christmas. So we can assume that the Vive Focus will be available at Christmas 2018! So the device would be available before the Oculus Quest, which is expected in spring 2019. That is enough to cut the Taiwanese down to the ground under the feet of its rival.
Remember, however, that the HTC Vive Focus is currently more expensive than the Oculus Quest. It is sold in China for 3999 yuan, which is about 600 dollars. The Quest is available for $399. However, it is possible that the Asian company will lower the price of the global launch in order to compete effectively with its opponent.