Viverse is an open platform for virtual worlds and environments developed by HTC and encompassing multiple devices and applications. Conceived as a metaverse, the platform is intended to create an interconnected series of virtual worlds, and includes elements of augmented reality. The Viverse platform consists of various components, including virtual reality headsets, social applications, and content creation tools.[1]

Viverse
HeadquartersDublin, Ireland
Country of originTaiwan
Founder(s)Cher Wang
ChairpersonCher Wang
IndustryVirtual reality, augmented reality, extended reality, software, web3, technology, metaverse, content
ServicesVive World, Market, Vive Avatar, Vive Wallet, Vive Guardian, Viverse For Business, VRChat, Vive Sync
ParentHTC
Launched1 March 2022; 2 years ago (2022-03-01)

History and development

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Some elements that later became part of the Viverse ecosystem were developed as early as 2014.[2][3][4][5][6] The formal announcement of Viverse only came in 2022 at the 2022 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.[7] Viverse was co-founded by Cher Wang, the CEO of HTC, who is also the Chairwoman of Viverse.[8]

While some HTC hardware has important implications for Viverse,[9] Viverse is envisioned as an open metaverse, and so is not confined to any HTC hardware.[10]

Components and partners

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As of 2023, Viverse consists of a number of virtual environments, services, platforms, interfaces, and applications, including:

  • Vive Avatar - A tool for generating and storing custom avatars which represent user Viverse personas.[11]
  • Vive Wallet - A cryptocurrency and NFT wallet which also manages user digital identity. The wallet supports Ethereum and Polygon.[12]
  • Market - A platform for buying and selling NFTs.[13]
  • Vive World - User-designed virtual environments that act as a home space for users.[14]
  • Vive Sync - A virtual meeting and conference platform in VR.[15]
  • Viveport - A subscription-based content library of virtual reality games and apps.[16]
  • Vive Guardian - An application focused on the security and privacy of children.[17]
  • Viverse for Business - Viverse for business includes tools for companies to create custom, branded virtual spaces, either as workspaces or for interacting with customers such as virtual common spaces, reception, showrooms, classrooms, meeting spaces, and auditoriums. HTC plans to provide support for these spaces on multiple platforms, including VR headsets, smartphones, tablets, and PCs.[18]

Partners

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A number of virtual environments created by 3rd party developers are integrated into Viverse:

  • ENGAGE - A social VR platform designed to enable enterprise, education, and creative entities to have a metaverse presence.[19]
  • Beatday - A virtual music platform with social elements.[20]
  • VRChat - A virtual reality social platform.[11]
  • Museum of Other Realities - A collection of virtual art.[7]

Strategy

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Viverse is intended to be as open as possible in order to encourage third party development and integrations, and supports both the Open XR and Web XR standards.[21]

HTC is also seeking to appeal to cryptocurrency users with cryptocurrency integrations, such as native support for Ethereum and Polygon tokens on the Desire 22, a cryptocurrency wallet built into the Vive Flow, and an NFT marketplace as one of Viverse's first applications.[22]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "HTC unveils its Viverse vision of the metaverse". VentureBeat. 2022-02-28. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  2. ^ "Company History". ENGAGE | The Professional Metaverse Platform. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  3. ^ "HTC launches Viveport, its VR app store". VentureBeat. 2016-09-30. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  4. ^ Strategy, Moor Insights and. "HTC Vive Sync: A Real Solution For VR Teleconferencing And Telepresence". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  5. ^ Frater, Patrick (2021-09-01). "HTC Vive Poised to Unveil Beatday Virtual Concert Metaverse". Variety. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  6. ^ "Htc Vive Originals' metaverse Platform Beatday Presents First VR Metaverse Theatre Project". IMDb. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  7. ^ a b "HTC VIVE debuts its new metaverse offering with 'Viverse'". Auganix.org. 2022-03-03. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  8. ^ Dargan, James (2022-03-17). "VIVERSE & The Open Metaverse". The Metaverse Insider. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  9. ^ "HTC VIVE and holoride unveil in-car Virtual Reality entertainment for guests at MWC 2022". Auganix.org. 2022-03-03. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  10. ^ Xiang, Nina. "HTC Wants To Build An Open Metaverse While Splinternet Accelerates". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  11. ^ a b "How to explore HTC's take on the metaverse today -- for free". ZDNET. Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  12. ^ "VIVE Wallet: Digital Identity & Assets Management Solution". blog.vive.com. Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  13. ^ Ochanji, Sam (2022-01-30). "VIVE Bytes: HTC VIVE NFT Marketplace Launching in February". Virtual Reality Times. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  14. ^ "VIVERSE: Your room. Your space. Your World". blog.vive.com. Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  15. ^ "Meetings in the metaverse: Our experience with HTC Vive Sync". ZDNET. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  16. ^ "HTC's Viveport Infinity unlimited VR service will cost $99 per year". VentureBeat. 2019-03-14. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  17. ^ "HTC Vive's metaverse vision includes safeguards for children". Engadget. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  18. ^ Grant, Rob (2023-03-01). "HTC Demos Open Vive XR Elite, VIVERSE for Business and Other Solutions at MWC23". Virtual Reality Times. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  19. ^ Greener, Rory (2022-06-23). "ENGAGE Link Launches Early for HTC VIVE, Stanford Uni". XR Today. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  20. ^ "HTC's new 'Viverse' includes a music partnership with Beatday - Music Ally". 28 February 2022. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  21. ^ "HTC Vive XR Elite headset debuts for enthusiasts and enterprises". VentureBeat. 2023-01-05. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  22. ^ Takle, Steve (28 February 2022). "HTC Vive unveils VR metaverse – including Web3 and NFT content – plus online safety program at MWC". pocketgamer.biz. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
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