Starting today, HTC’s Vive VR headset is available to purchase direct from HTC at vive.com in at least 24 countries with the device expected to ship to customers in the next 2-3 days. And it’s also being made available to preorder at select retail partners including Microsoft Stores, GameStop and Micro Center with those orders expected to arrive beginning sometime this week.
HTC originally launched preorders in February and started shipping in April, but until this week orders have been backed up and the company has been experiencing shipping delays and complaints from preorder customers.
In addition, HTC announced today that it’s greatly increasing the number of physical locations with Vive demos through the same retail partners, giving potential customers a chance to try out the product.
Beginning in June, Vive will be demoed in 100 retail locations throughout North America. In addition to current retail demo locations, Microsoft Stores will expand from 29 to 51 locations, GameStop will increase demo locations from 10 to 40, and Micro Center will add 5 more locations for a total of 10. The demonstrations are open to the general public to experience room-scale virtual reality first-hand with the variety of content available on Steam®. The full list of participating locations is available at www.vive.com.
You can get the Vive now from HTC for $799 ($1,149 CAD) and for that you get everything needed including the VR headset itself and “two wireless controllers, two base stations, link box, earbuds, Vive accessories.”
The Vive is currently available in the following countries:
Australia, Österreich. België. Canada, 中国, Česká republika, Danmark, Suomi, France, Deutschland, Iceland, Ireland. Italia, 日本, Nederland, New Zealand, Norge, Polska, España, Sverige, Suisse, 台灣, United Kingdom, United States
[9to5-press-release]
VIVE NOW SHIPPING IMMEDIATELY FROM HTC, RETAIL PARTNERS EXPAND DEMO LOCATIONS
Orders from Vive.com shipping within 72 hours worldwide; Vive now available in-store at select Microsoft Stores, GameStop and Micro Center locations
Seattle, WA – June 7, 2016 – HTC ViveTM can now be purchased through www.vive.com in 24 countries, shipping within 2-3 business days of purchase. In addition to online availability from HTC, individuals can now buy the revolutionary Vive virtual reality system in select Microsoft Stores, GameStop and Micro Center locations. Pre-orders placed through these retailers will be fulfilled beginning this week.
Beginning in June, Vive will be demoed in 100 retail locations throughout North America. In addition to current retail demo locations, Microsoft Stores will expand from 29 to 51 locations, GameStop will increase demo locations from 10 to 40, and Micro Center will add 5 more locations for a total of 10. The demonstrations are open to the general public to experience room-scale virtual reality first-hand with the variety of content available on Steam®. The full list of participating locations is available at www.vive.com.
“Since beginning pre-orders at the end of February and shipping in early April, we’ve seen incredible interest in Vive,” said Dan O’Brien, VP of VR at HTC. “Working with our retail partners has only enhanced that momentum because more people are able to try the only truly immersive virtual reality offering on the market today.”
Vive is a first-of-its kind virtual reality system developed in partnership by HTC and Valve, priced at $799 ($1,149 CAD). Vive was designed from the ground up for room-scale VR, allowing true-to-life interactions and experiences thanks to an adjustable headset displaying stunning graphics, two wireless controllers with HD haptic feedback and 360˚ absolute motion tracking. For a convenient and safe experience, Vive incorporates essential functionality from your phone and features a front-facing camera that blends physical elements into the virtual world. Working in concert, this system immerses you visually, physically and emotionally in the virtual world.
With more than 200 VR offerings now available on Steam, Vive owners have a wide selection of virtual reality content to choose from that will yield hours upon hours of VR fun.
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