2024 has been dubbed the "AI year," seemingly overshadowing the metaverse. However, several companies remain committed to the metaverse, including HTC. While known for its mobile phones, HTC began exploring the metaverse about a decade ago, and has since launched various VR and AR products, most recently the VIVE Focus Vision. In an interview with CFTime, HTC's Business Development and Service Director, Lawrence Chang, emphasized the complementary nature of AI and the metaverse, stating that they are not mutually exclusive.
Chang highlighted HTC's consistent innovation, noting their entry into the mobile phone market before it became mainstream. Around 2013, sensing market saturation, HTC shifted focus to VR, anticipating its future potential.
Ten years later, hardware advancements are significant. VR headsets now feature ergonomic designs to reduce neck strain, longer battery life (two hours with replaceable batteries), and smaller form factors. On the software side, HTC embraces open-source development, providing developers with ample resources. HTC’s metaverse platform features virtual avatars, supporting VRM (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) to create diverse characters from various sources, including anime.
Addressing concerns about reduced demand for online meetings post-pandemic, Chang explained that cross-regional collaboration remains vital, particularly for engineering and design projects where physical presence isn't always necessary.
Chang clarified that high-end chips aren't essential for all VR applications. The XR2 chipset, for example, enables smooth operation even in mixed reality (MR) scenarios. However, AI-related applications and manufacturing processes do necessitate top-tier chips. Regarding the perceived high cost of VR headsets, Chang emphasized HTC's strategic pricing and positioning to cater to diverse projects, particularly focusing on B2B clients with high privacy requirements. He highlighted HTC's commitment to open platforms and accessibility as a key advantage.
HTC showcased VR's versatility through projects like the virtual reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral. This project utilizes large-scale VR technology (LVE), allowing users to "purchase tickets" for a 45-minute guided tour covering the cathedral's history, construction, fire, and reconstruction efforts. Chang described the "large-scale" experience as immersive, enabling simultaneous participation of up to 20 users with no need for additional equipment beyond the headset. This experience premiered in Shanghai.
Another example is HTC's collaboration with the University of Hong Kong's medical school, providing virtual dissection labs. Medical students use VR headsets to participate in virtual anatomy lessons, guided by professors in a virtual environment.
Finally, addressing the shift by tech giants towards AI investment, Chang reiterated that AI and the metaverse are not competing technologies but rather complementary. HTC integrates both in its educational initiatives, showcasing their synergistic potential.
