HTC announces new wearable VR device

HTC Corp has launched a pair of virtual reality glasses, the Vive Flow, which is compact, lightweight and immersive. The announcement comes as part of the company's broader drive to build a VR ecosystem covering VR-related hardware, software and content.

Designed with comfort and portability in mind, Vive Flow lets people find moments throughout their daily lives to relax, refresh and restore.

"Meditation, gentle stretches, brain training, streaming our favorite shows or even meeting friends or coworkers in VR with Vive Sync can all be enhanced by a device light and compact enough to fit in our pocket. Vive Flow represents the next evolution of technology as we take a more holistic view of how we can make life better," said Cher Wang, chairwoman and CEO of HTC. 

"With Vive Flow, HTC is taking technology in a new direction, focusing not on what we do, but how we feel."

Alvin Graylin Wang, president of HTC China, said Vive Flow represents another milestone in the VR industry, as it features a compact and portable appearance while providing a VR experience based on spatial location, which will allow more users to access the VR technology and enjoy better lives. 

In addition, HTC has cooperated with China Telecom to accelerate the application of immersive VR products in the 5G era.

With Vive Flow, people can dive into a range of immersive experiences via the Vive port app store, connect wirelessly to 5G-compatible Android smartphones and stream content like TV shows and films from their favorite platforms. 

Priced at $499, the Vive Flow weighs about the same as a chocolate bar and its dual-hinge design and soft face gasket allow it to fold into a compact shape for effortless portability.