Facebook and Xiaomi to release VR device on the Chinese mainland

Facebook and Xiaomi will release a virtual reality headset in the Chinese mainland market even though the US-based social giant’s service is not accessible in the mainland.

The VR device, Mi VR standalone, will be the first Facebook device officially sold in the mainland market which has the world’s biggest number of Internet users. The will feature both Xiaomi and Facebook’s Oculus logos in China. It’s the Chinese version of Facebook’s Oculus Go, which costs US$199 in the US market.

Both sides, which announced the VR device today, declined to reveal more information like revenue sharing or price and timetable of the release domestically.

The standalone headset doesn’t require a personal computer or mobile phone to work with.

Meanwhile, Facebook is also  actively seeking opportunities to expand in China, and Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of the company, has visited China several times in recent years to talk with government officials, academic researchers and business leaders.

Globally, 5 million VR devices will be sold 2018, up from 3.7 million units last year. Sony, Oculus and HTC Vive are the top three players, according to researcher TrendForce.