Recent HTC Vive rumors that HTC plans to expand its virtual reality venture into an independent company are false, said HTC. The manufacturer addressed the recent rumor in a note to investors Tuesday, stating, “HTC will continue to develop our VR business to further maximize value for shareholders.”
Taiwanese publication Focus Taiwan reported Monday that HTC had plans to separate its VR sector into a company that would be owned by HTC CEO Cher Wang. Several publications quickly speculated that the split could be an effort to ensure that HTC’s VR sector wasn’t affected by its faltering mobile sector , which has suffered losses in sales and market share for some time.
Tech publication 9to5 Google suggested that having HTC Vive as a separate revenue stream could strengthen its place in the market, by allowing it to build its branding without the HTC monicker. However, HTC seems committed to keeping its company in tact.
With Mobile World Congress quickly approaching, the Taiwanese manufacturer may have even more news about HTC Vive to announce. The headset will be available for preorder Feb. 29 and rumors currently suggest it will be priced at $1500. HTC could announce its pricing that the Vive at MWC, which takes place from Feb. 22 to Feb. 25.
The headset will begin shipping in April.
