HTC CEO welcomes Apple to VR market, here's what he said

HTC

's

CEO

, Cher Wang, sees Apple's entry into the

virtual reality

(VR) market as positive, believing it will propel the technology towards mainstream adoption.

Apple

launched its high-priced Vision Pro headset on February 2nd, marking its biggest product debut since the original iPhone in 2007. While acknowledging the steep price point, Wang emphasizes that Apple's involvement will increase public awareness of

VR

's potential.

"I think it is good that Apple joined the competition. I mean Apple is a big brand so its good," HTC CEO and co-founder Wang told AFP at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024), the telecom industry biggest annual show, in Barcelona.
"I think their price is very high but people started to see what you can do" with the technology, she added.
HTC exited smartphone market to focus on VR

HTC, once a major smartphone player, has shifted its focus to VR through its Vive line of headsets. Wang predicts VR will become "the next internet," driven by decreasing prices and continued technological advancements.
Despite criticisms regarding eye strain, hair disruption, and bulky battery packs, VR is experiencing growth. While gaming remains the primary application, VR is finding its way into business settings, particularly for training purposes in healthcare and law enforcement.

Wang highlights the use of HTC Vive Focus 3 headsets on the International Space Station, providing astronauts with exercise routines and glimpses of Earth during extended missions.
While VR shipments declined slightly in 2023 due to economic factors, the IDC consultancy anticipates a 46.4% increase in 2024. This growth is attributed to the year-long availability of Apple's Vision Pro and the launch of Meta's Quest 3 in October 2023.
Overall, the text emphasizes HTC's positive outlook on VR's future, viewing Apple's entry as a catalyst for broader adoption and highlighting the technology's potential beyond gaming applications.