HTC Introduces ‘VIVERSE Worlds’: A Browser-Based 3D & VR Hub Targeting ‘YouTube of 3D Content’ Status

HTC has just unveiled VIVERSE Worlds, an innovative 3D content platform designed to seamlessly integrate with any website on various devices. This launch positions it as a more adaptable and user-friendly method for showcasing and exploring 3D content across the internet.

In contrast to HTC’s earlier version of the Viverse metaverse platform or even Meta’s Horizon Worlds, Viverse Worlds zeroes in on the distribution of 3D content. It breaks away from the need for app downloads by offering a straightforward web-based interface for browsing 3D content. This is accessible on both XR headsets and standard screens, making it incredibly versatile.

HTC isn’t holding back on ambition, likening Viverse Worlds to a revolution in 3D content akin to what YouTube has achieved for video. They describe it as an open, inviting, and immersive digital space where creators can build, share, and engage with the next generation of 3D experiences.

The platform plans to stand out with superior quality content, much of which is made possible by HTC’s Polygon Streaming technology. This tech, which was introduced last year, enables efficient streaming of elaborate, high-poly models across different devices. Typically, web content is restricted to simple, low-poly visuals due to rendering limitations, but Polygon Streaming promises to change that.

Originally exclusive to Viverse for Business, Polygon Streaming has now become integral to Viverse Worlds. It intelligently streams and renders only the visible 3D elements at necessary densities, eliminating the need for custom executables while boosting the quality of 3D content.

Like HTC’s broader focus on the enterprise and high-end XR sectors in recent years, VIVERSE Worlds targets a diverse audience. It caters to businesses seeking immersive shopping experiences, interactive 3D manuals, and virtual showrooms, as well as individual users eager to explore and share a wide range of XR environments.

HTC highlights the simplicity of using the platform: “Users can easily subscribe to creators, receive updates, and see all their 3D content in one place. Embedding 3D models is straightforward—just copy and paste an IFrame into any website, all at no cost.”

Furthermore, Viverse Worlds integrates closely with Sketchfab, a hub for millions of 3D models. It also supports content made with Viverse Create’s no-code web builder and the browser-friendly PlayCanvas extension.

Although HTC’s cutting-edge Polygon Streaming and straightforward embedding might give Viverse Worlds a competitive advantage, it’s entering a challenging field. Other platforms like FrameVR, Matterport, and Spatial.io focus on specific niches rather than aiming for Viverse’s “YouTube-like” reach, especially given the difficulties of monetizing such services. Mozilla’s WebXR-based Hubs platform, for instance, was a major player until it shut down last year due to financial troubles.

HTC hasn’t yet disclosed its full strategy for monetization. However, they’ll be hosting public demonstrations of Viverse Worlds at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona from March 3rd to 6th, where more details may emerge.

What’s clear is that HTC has evolved significantly. Just last month, Google acquired several of HTC’s XR engineers for $250 million, intended to speed up the development of the Android XR platform. The future role of HTC in the XR space remains uncertain, signaling a new chapter for the company.