HTC to launch Vive PCs?

HTC is planning on partnering with HP to launch Vive branded PCs, reports Digitimes.

One of the biggest barriers facing HTC with its virtual reality (VR) headset has been its high barrier for entry. The Vive is demanding of a more powerful PC than the Oculus Rift and it is also considerably more expensive. HTC hopes to overcome this hurdle by acquiring PCs from HP and rebranding them under HTC Vive, bundling them with the headset at a friendlier price. 

The report goes on to say that despite HTC’s efforts, some market watchers expect HTC Vive’s sales to reach only 500,000-700,000 units in 2016, far lower than Sony PlayStation VR’s forecasts of up to six million units and also weaker than Oculus Rift’s one million units.

HTC hopes that this will be a positive strategy to get their product to more consumers who might be reluctant to upgrade their PCs and spend a consideragble amount of money for the device.

Competition for the VR space is undoubtedly heating up and will only get more intense as Sony launches PlayStation VR later this year at a considerably cheaper price point than the Rift and the Vive. 

Making the Vive more accessible to a wider audience can only be a good thing for HTC’s long-term ambitions to dominate VR