Communicating data for VR is a huge hurdle. Network latency, bandwidth restrictions, data transmissions, and more are big bottlenecks for the current generation of VR technology.
In an attempt to try and solve some of the computational hurdles that everyday consumer’s face with modern VR, HTC has partnered with Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing branch of Alibaba Group, which is now the world’s largest retailer.
“Cloud computing has continuously broken the boundaries of what we thought possible, accelerating the rate of innovation, said Ge JIN, Business Architect Director at Alibaba Cloud, in an official press release. “The partnership between Alibaba Cloud and HTC will bring two of the world’s most disruptive technologies together to bring more value to businesses looking to leverage VR and cloud. This partnership will accelerate the development of VR technology in China and encourage widespread, global adoption.”
The partnership will reportedly “focus on developing breakthrough innovative solutions to tackle bandwidth allocation, data transmission and data processing needs in areas such as VR video production and VR broadcasting,” which should be huge boons to the industry.
The infrastructure and streamlined support of a cloud platform should be able to alleviate many of the computing and bandwidth issues that commonly face VR’s performance. This could be a big step for HTC, the Vive, and the VR community as a whole.
“We are excited to partner with Alibaba Cloud, as we believe it will be a landmark collaboration between the VR and cloud computing industries,” said Alvin Wang Graylin, China Regional President of Vive, HTC. “By utilizing the cloud computing expertise and enabling 500k developer community built on Alibaba Cloud, HTC Vive will be able to provide more reliable resources to VR content developers, while delivering smoother access and richer content to VR consumers on our Viveport content store in China.”
Last month, we also reported on an initiative by Alibaba to bring their Amazon-like online shopping platform into VR as well, further emphasizing the growing size of the Chinese VR market, which is extending far beyond VR cyber cafes.
Featured Image: RetailDetail
