Since the launch of the first two major head-mounted displays (HMDs), Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, both have been plagued with delivery issues. While Oculus VR still struggling with orders – currently new online orders are expected to ship in August 2016 – HTC seems to have got its act together. Today the company has announced that any customers ordering a HMD through HTCVive.com will receive their device within 72 hours, and that’s worldwide for 24 countries.
Along with the new delivery time HTC has also revealed customers can now buy the HTC Vive virtual reality (VR) headset in select Microsoft Stores, GameStop and Micro Center locations. Pre-orders placed through these retailers will be fulfilled beginning this week.
“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.”
And beginning this month, the Vive will now be demoed in 100 retail locations throughout the US. 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 HTC Vive costs $799 USD / £689.00 GBP excluding delivery. VRFocus will continue its coverage of HTC, reporting back with any further announcements.
