HTC downplayed leaked images that appeared to show a new fitness-focused VR headset built by the company. The images and details of the HTC Vive Air were posted online earlier this week on a design website, but HTC now says the headset is “just a concept.”
“It’s exciting to see our concept piece, the VIVE Air VR headphones, winning an iF Design Award,” the company said in a statement UploadVR. “Although this is just a concept, the design language has elements and inspirations that you will see elsewhere in our products. We are not the ones resting on our laurels, so although it is great to win this award, we have to take care of ourselves – we hope to see you on May 11/12 at ViveCon. ”
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This statement does not completely rule out that a similar product is in the works from HTC, but the company certainly keeps things definitely ambiguous. A new set of headphones was unveiled at ViveCon next month, but the images and suggestions we’ve seen so far suggest a business-oriented model, rather than a fitness device for general consumers.
It’s a shame, because VR fitness has a moment, and the idea of a specially designed, light and washable headset is an attractive idea. With HTC’s consumer business in jeopardy, however, it’s probably not a sensitive target for the company right now. We’ll just have to wait and see what the company has in store at ViveCon in May.