Rumor: HTC Vive Redesigns, DRM Storefront Outside Of Steam

Following the HTC Vive’s delay, new rumors have come up of new features and changes coming to the device.

First off are these images of tweaks to the headset and controller designs. The headset itself has had its wires hidden into a wider casing. The controllers have received a more radical change, resembling sleek and accurate medical services equipment.

Perhaps more interesting are hints that HTC is opening their own storefront, with huge online DRM plans. The DRM is cloud based, so the Vive will be checking in online to authenticate you if you have permission to play the game.

HTC could go crazy with this idea, since the Vive headset could be equipped to identify users and allow only one person to play games on a given account. I’m not saying this is what they plan to do, but it is certainly a possibility the technology enables.

Our source is more worried HTC is planning this from under Valve’s eyes, but I don’t think that’s the case. After all, HTC has their own devices, including tablets and smartphones that don’t run Steam or SteamOS. As the manufacturer, HTC will want the Vive to help sell their devices too. There may be overlap between mobile and desktop based VR games, but this is likely something Valve will just have to accept, if they don’t condone it.

How do you feel about these rumors? Would you buy Vive games on HTC’s storefront over Steam? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.