HTC Vive (Photo : Facebook)
HTC has announced a Business Edition (BE) version of its Vive VR headset. The new product featuring the virtual reality gadget will include the same hardware as the consumer version, but will feature a dedicated support line and be available for bulk orders. Meanwhile, the price tag for Vive BE will be one-third higher at $1,200 compared to the $799 regular Vive model.
Vive BE will include the headset, two Vive controllers, two base stations, and four face cushions. Price tags will be £849 ($1,230) in the United Kingdom, and €1,080 ($1,220) in Europe.
The current warranty for the Vive headset does not include events that happen when it is used for commercial purposes. That is because the device was designed for personal entertainment. Thus, the Vive BE will include a limited 12-month guarantee.
In addition, due to HTC Vive being heavily back-ordered, purchases are limited to one unit per customer, according to The Verge. However, Vive can be used for several business applications such as 3D design and architecture.
HTC has already teamed up with software company Dassault Systèmes. The two companies will show off the European multi-national company's commercial products on the VR gadget.
Meanwhile, the helpline will also help to troubleshoot issues such as faulty hardware. Some Vive owners have complained about customer support for such matters.
Daniel O'Brien is VP at HTC. He stated that there is a high demand from global companies to have a total VR experience.
The company also recently rolled out its Vive X fund to help companies develop VR apps for the gadget.
HTC Vive is competing with Oculus Rift and with the upcoming Sony PlayStation VR. The Taiwan-based company has showed the most interest in selling its VR headsets to businesses.
Vive BE will launch sometime this month in the United States, Canada, UK France, and Germany. It will be sold globally in the next weeks.
In related news, HTC recently announced a stable supply of HTC Vive. It will now ship to 24 countries within 2 or 3 business days, according to Ars Technica.
Meanwhile, the company announced that by the end of June people can get in-store demos at 100 retail locations. That includes Microsoft Store, GameStop, and Micro Center locations.
Here's a HTC Vive review:
