14 DAY TRIAL // HTC, Valve's hardware partner for the upcoming HTC Vive virtual reality headset, confirms that the new device will offer a premium experience and is going to come with a steep price tag to justify its value, although it's unclear just how high it might be.
Valve unveiled at GDC 2015 at the beginning of the month its own virtual reality headset, in the form of the HTC Vive, which is made in partnership with the large mobile manufacturer from Asia. The two companies mentioned that the headset is launching in November of 2015 but declined to offer any other details.
HTC Vive will bring a premium virtual reality experience
Now, HTC Connected Products Marketing boss Jeff Gattis talks with MCV and confirms that the Vive will bring a premium virtual reality experience. As such, customers should expect a steep price tag as both HTC and Valve know that there is potential for such a product on the upcoming VR market.
"We want to deliver the most premium VR experience the world has seen. That’s not marketing speak, but more about where Vive is positioned in the market. This is at the high end. Starting with the premium experience, even if it has a slightly higher price point, is the right thing to do from a strategic point of view. The price can always come down as the market grows," he says.
Gattiss mentions that there will be demand for quality virtual reality headsets and those that want the best won't have a problem paying more than initially expected. He does leave the door open for price cuts once the adoption of such devices grows, but at least at the beginning it's quite likely that the HTC Vive will cost more than other upcoming products, like the final Oculus Rift.
Unfortunately, exact figures are still a mystery, so who knows how much such headsets might cost when they reach the market.