HTC Working On New Vive Headsets, Could Be Called 'Oasis'

By Yosarrian Nino

Nov 05, 2016 06:50 AM EDT

HTC is already working on an updated model of its Vive virtual reality headset. The new model would probably be called "Oasis."

According to TechCrunch, the Senior Vice President of HTC's Virtual Reality Rikard Steiber said that the new virtual reality headsets are on their way. The new Vive virtual reality headsets will likely see form factor updates.

Steiber, in a discussion regarding HTC's future virtual reality plans, said that the new Vive headsets will have enhanced "design factor" and "performance." This is part of the company's plan when it comes to their VR arcade strategy in China and Taiwan.

Steiber said that many of the VR experiences they want to bring to China and Taiwan would require arcade-style peripherals. For example, the arcade-style peripherals would provide a better experience when it comes to steering wheels or weapons.

The HTC is not saying much with regards to the details of the kind of update that the Vive virtual reality headset will undergo. But he did say that device is "going to evolve."

Tech Times report that known HTC leaker @LlabTooFeR revealed on Twitter that HTC's new VR headset has an internal codename called Oasis. The name was inspired by the futuristic novel of Ernest Cline about VR.

HTC is working in refreshed Vive headset... Internal codename is Oasis...

— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) November 2, 2016

The updated headset would also come without wires and cables that usually hamper the wearer's movements. The claims are based on reports that Google and Oculus are working on their own stand-alone or wireless VR headsets.

A Bulgarian company also leaked information back in September that they are working with HTC to develop an unidentified wireless device. With this leaks and claims, it is safe to expect that the "Oasis" box will come with lesser baggage.

No official word yet on when the new Vive will launch. But the grapevine is identifying a year-end launch or a CES2017 debut for HTC's new Vive virtual reality headset.