Report: HTC may look to sell VR unit Vive

Mobile technology giant HTC may look to sell off its Vive virtual reality unit as one of a number of strategic options that also include a full sale of the company, according to Bloomberg.

According to the report, citing unnamed sources, Taiwan-based HTC is working withy advisers to explore options that include striking a deal with a strategic investor, selling the Vive VR headset unit or spinning it off. HTC has held talks with companies including Google, the report said.

A full sale of HTC, also mulled as an option, is seen as less likely, according to Bloomberg.

HTC has seen its market value fall by about three quarters over the past five years as its share of the smartphone market fell below 2%, squeezed between high-end players Apple and Samsung and low-cost Chinese manufacturers.

Vive produces a high-end VR headset, competing with the likes of Oculus Rift, that has sold about 190,000 units to date, according to IDC statistics. A standalone version is planned for China soon.

According to the Bloomberg report, no final decision has been taken by HTC, and it is possible that the company will not move forward with any of the strategic options being considered.