HTC says virtual reality is ‘more important’ than smartphones; Vive VR headset pre-orders start February 29

BY Evan Selleck

Published 11 Jan 2016

HTC Vive

HTC is a brand that, through the fledgling years of the Android mobile operating system, saw it released into the world, and carried it into households all over the planet.

HTC’s presence in the Android market hasn’t been as defined lately, with companies like Samsung, Motorola, and others stealing most of the limelight. It seems that HTC is aware of the shift as well, as the company’s CEO, Cher Wang, has made it clear that while smartphones are still something that’s important in general, virtual reality is actually a bit more important.

Here’s the quote from The Telegraph‘s report:

“Yes, smartphones are important, but to create a natural extension to other connected devices like wearables and virtual reality is more important,” she said.”

Luckily for HTC, they’ve got a virtual reality headset that’s set to go up for pre-order soon. That would be the HTC Vive, which the company unveiled last year. According to the report, HTC is set to launch pre-orders for the VR headset beginning February 29, with a wider rollout beginning sometime in April of this year.

The release of the Vive will actually come after HTC has already showcased its second-generation VR headset, called the Vive Pre, which is just in its developer edition phase at the moment.

Are you as excited for virtual reality adoption as HTC seems to be? What do you think of the company’s apparent shift in attention?

[via The Telegraph]