VIVERSE is a good indication of what each metaverse provider is aiming to achieve: virtual spaces and platforms accessible via a range of 2D and 3D devices, where all manner of activities can be carried out
Quick read
➨ VIVERSE was previewed in February with a poorly received concept trailer
➨ But HTC VIVE’s first iteration is much more substantial
➨ VIVERSE can be accessed via a browser using tablets, PCs, smartphones, and VIVE Flow, and initially enables users to move between different venues
The story
HTC VIVE has unveiled its own metaverse, VIVERSE, and given attendees at Mobile World Congress (MWC) the first opportunity to try out a live demo that offers a good indication of where the concept is heading.
VIVERSE was previewed in February with a poorly received concept trailer, promising to deliver the best of what virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and non-fungible tokens have to offer, all under the banner of a ‘metaverse’.
It was vague and unhelpful, not least because what was shown in the trailer is someway off from even being possible, let alone commercially available.
But HTC VIVE’s live demo at MWC is much more substantial. Attendees entered VIVERSE via a browser using tablets, PCs, smartphones, and VIVE Flow, and were able to move between different venues in VIVE Sync and Engage.
 100vw, 600px” data-recalc-dims=”1″><figcaption><strong><em>VIVERSE</em></strong></figcaption></figure>
<p>This is a better indication of what each metaverse provider is aiming to achieve: virtual spaces and platforms accessible via a range of 2D and 3D devices, where all manner of activities can be carried out.</p>
<p>VIVE Sync and Engage are perfect examples of possible work use cases for a metaverse, equipped as they are for collaboration, productivity, learning and training.</p>
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Cher Wang, co-founder and chairwoman at HTC, says in a statement: “Since starting VIVE in 2015, we’ve integrated technology with humanity. VIVERSE is taking the next step in making our vision a reality by creating a world of possibilities to learn, create, explore, train, play and unwind. We’re working with amazing partners to grow the open ecosystem and make immersive experiences more accessible with VIVERSE.”
Among the partners contributing to this early iteration of a metaverse are Beatday, an interactive, holographic music platform, and VRChat, the social VR platform—both with huge consumer potential.
HTC VIVE also unveiled a dedicated cross-platform mechanism and browser, along with a Guardian companion app to protect young users.
 100vw, 600px” data-recalc-dims=”1″><figcaption><strong><em>VIVE Guardian</em></strong></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Access to VIVERSE is now open worldwide on Android tablets and smartphones, and select VIVE headsets: <a rel=)
viverse.com. Let VRWorldTech know what you think via Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or editor@vrworldtech.com.
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