HTC launched the consumer version of its ‘Viveport M’ mobile virtual reality (VR) content platform, which it said is part of the Vive content ecosystem dedicated exclusively to mobile devices.

Vive is the VR platform developed by HTC and Valve.

“Viveport M will provide more diverse and higher-quality mobile VR content and experiences to users,” the troubled smartphone maker said in a statement.

According to Alvin Graylin, China regional president of Vive, Viveport is currently the leading VR content distribution platform in China.

Compatible with most Android phones, Viveport M is designed to enable users to find and use high-quality mobile VR applications or 360 degree videos in touchscreen and VR modes.

The recently launched Vivepaper, an “augmented virtual reality reading experience”, is also available on Viveport M.

Vivepaper “aims to deliver a cutting-edge reading experience that enhances the sense of reality and enriches the virtual experience for users through interactions with a physical object, such as a Vivepaper booklet”.

Viveport M has entered into an exclusive referral partnership with YoukuVR, giving users access to more than 100,000 360 degree videos. It is also the preferred download platform for the VR shopping application Taobao Buy+.

To promote the platform, Vive is giving away branded VR cardboard displays and CNY50 ($7) of virtual credits to those who purchase two or more apps.

Viveport M can be downloaded via Alibaba’s PP Helper mobile application, its launch distribution partner.

Last month, HTC stepped up its VR push after announcing a strategic partnership with Chinese giant Alibaba’s cloud unit to “explore high scalable and price competitive VR solutions”.

Earlier in the year, it launched a consortium that pulls together 28 of the world’s largest investment firms, with a focus on virtual reality (VR), setting aside $10 billion of capital, arguing that VR will replace the smartphone within four years.