HTC Opens Vive VR Headset Preorders, Shipments Commence April 5th

htc vive banner
In the past few weeks, we’ve been hearing more and more about HTC’s Vive virtual reality (VR) headset. Just over a week ago, we learned that the device would ship in April with an eye-searing price tag of $799. Today, HTC has revealed that preorders for the device are now open and that it will ship on April 5th.

"We are delighted to help usher in the next generation of virtual reality," said HTC CEO Cher Wang. "Launching Vive with Valve has helped us ignite the creativity of thousands of content developers around the world."

"Our collaboration with HTC and the VR development community has allowed us to create the most compelling and complete VR solution," added Valve's Gabe Newell. "In the coming weeks, many of these developers will launch an incredible first generation of VR titles to consumers around the world."

HTC Vive headset

So what do you get for your $800 investment into HTC’s VR ecosystem? Well, for starters you get the Vive headset, which features a total of 32 sensors for 360-degree motion sensing. You’ll also get a 110-degree field of view along with a front-facing camera to help incorporate real-word elements into your virtual arena.

Complementing the headset are two wireless handheld controllers and two wireless base station that provide 360-degrees of motion tracking. Each Vive will also ship with three free software titles — Tilt Brush, Fantastic Contraption and Job Simulator — to get you accustomed to the VR experience.

The HTC Vive will face some stiff competition later this year, as it will be doing battle with both the Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR. The former will ship March 28th with a price tag of $599, while the latter is expected to ship later this year.

Tags:  HTC, VR, htc vive