HTC Vive
HTC Vive will be launched to retail stores and VR fans around the world this week. That includes Microsoft Stores, GameStop, and other brick-and-mortar locations. Meanwhile, global shipments will be available in 24 countries through VIVE.com.
Dan O'Brien is Vice President of VR at HTC. He stated that demand for the company's VR headsets has been high since pre-orders started at the end of February.
O'Brien reported that launching the VR device to retail stores will also boost interest. He said it will give people a chance to try what he claims is the only fully immersive VR experience on today's retail market, according to Slash Gear.
This month in-store demos of HTC Vive will be available in about 100 retail locations in North America. Most of them will be at Microsoft Stores (51) and GameStop (40), as well as 10 Micro Center locations.
GameStop will be adding the most new try-out locations at 30, while Microsoft is getting 22 more demo stores. The total number of demo locations is still not gargantuan. However, it gives shoppers a chance to test the VR headset before they spend $799.
Pre-orders that are placed at the three chains of physical stores will be processed this week. Meanwhile, shipping for Vive.com orders will take two or three business days.
Two of the four major VR headsets available on the market today are for mobile devices. They include Google Cardboard that works with any smartphone, and Samsung Gear VR that functions with Samsung handsets.
HTC Vive is the result of HTC and Valve teaming up. Meanwhile, Oculus Rift is made by the Facebook subsidiary Oculus.
In related news, Sony announced a new virtual reality game for PlayStation VR on June 7, Tuesday. "Tethered" is a strategy game from the United Kingdom-based studio Secret Sorcery, according to Road to VR.
Gamers must protect small creatures in a flying village from a gang of monsters that try to steal the village's Spirit Energy. They must build up the village during the day and battle the beasts at night.
"Tethered" is the first title from Secret Sorcery and is set to launch with PlayStation VR in fall 2016.
Here's a HTC Vive review:
