Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC seems to be betting big on virtual reality. According to a report in Digi Times, the company is partnering with computer giant HP, to launch Vive-branded PCs. The PCs will come bundled with the company’s Vive VR headsets. According to the report, HTC will acquire PCs from HP and rebrand them as HTC Vive . The report quotes sources in the upstream supply chain. The company is said to be launching the PCs at ‘consumer-friendly’ prices. HTC made its foray into the VR segment with the of its Vive headset in April this year when the devices finally went on sale. The company’s first stab at a virtual reality headset, HTC Vive was first unveiled at MWC 2015. HTC Vive is priced at $799, which makes it one of the most expensive VR headset in the market. Earlier this year, HTC launched a $100 million accelerator program for startups that want to use its VR technology. Called Vive X, the programme aims to offer mentorship and help secure investment. The company is also said to be planning to spin off a separate subsidiary for its VR business. The idea behind the subsidiary reportedly is to insulate the VR business from weakness in the smartphone business. Though HTC is betting big on VR segment, according to Slash gear the sales of the company’s Vive VR headset are comparitively lower than those of Oculus Rift. Competition too will soon be getting tougher with Sony set to launch its PlayStation VR.
