HTC pushes forward with metaverse initiative

HTC has launched a set of tools to simplify the creation and sharing of virtual worlds for its Viverse spatial computing platform, reaffirming its belief in the viability of the metaverse concept.

The company’s latest offering in the VR space, which includes the HTV Vive headset line, is Viverse Create. This toolset allows creators to construct interactive multi-participant worlds without the need for coding.

These interactive environments can then be shared across VR headsets, computers, tablets, and smartphones via a web browser-accessible link. HTC claims this will enable users to enjoy interactive entertainment without requiring a gaming device.

In addition to the no-code creation option, HTC’s latest tools offer the capability for more advanced users to import and utilize existing assets.

In a statement regarding the new launch, HTC Viverse head of growth Andranik Aslanyan emphasized that they are “empowering creators with the tools to build and share any world with their network, including friends, parents, and even grandparents.”

Highlighting the potential for virtual meetups, live events, or competitions, Aslanyan asserted that “the metaverse is not dead; it is simply waiting for the rest of us to catch up.”

HTC had been championing the foundation of its VR world vision long before the metaverse frenzy that swept the tech industry in 2022 and early 2023.

Despite the much-anticipated debut of Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset earlier this year, the buzz surrounding the metaverse and spatial computing has significantly subsided, with a strong focus on generative AI platforms capturing industry attention.

While other companies have dialed back their talk of the metaverse, HTC remains committed to advancing its vision of the virtual world with the release of a variety of tools over the past year.