HTC’s product, HTC Vive, just received a $200 price cut, bringing the product’s cost down to $599. The virtual reality headset’s price is meant to encourage consumer interest in this kind of technology and also make these accessories more affordable. This device is not the only one that received this type of discount, the Vive Tracker’s was reduced earlier this year as well. Furthermore, the HTC Viveport subscription service comes with a one-month trial where the customer can choose from a variety of VR games.
The Vive Us general manager, Dan O’Brien, stated that they intend to boost the VR adoption and usage around the globe and this is the first step in reaching that goal. This price cut is similar to the Oculus Rift’s $200 price cut back in March, and this also means that both products have at the moment the same base price. Dan O’Brien also suggests that the product is not going away any sooner and that it is not about clearing the path to make room for another similar product. It is expected that this version to say in stores until 2018. Moreover, the users are able to upgrade the device with wireless adapters; they get a new head strap and other add-ons, because the company wants their customers to keep using the products they bought and not feel like they always have to be up into new hardware.
Upgraded elements
The general manager for Vive upgraded a few elements like the Vive’s cable system without coming up with new-generation hardware. However, Valve, the co-creator of Vive, made known to the public another upgrade that is rumored to appear later this year: redesigned motion controllers. The controllers are still in the prototype stage, but most of developers started trying out the new versions for testing.
Even if the setup process for Vive, which is intense, is more appropriate for tech enthusiasts rather than casual VR customers, the new discount is what makes the product more affordable and attractive in the eyes of those who’ve been interested in this system.