Skip to main content

IMAX Virtual Reality fund nabs a $10 million investment from Acer

acer invests 10 million in imax virtual reality fund starvr headset
Computer hardware and electronics manufacturer Acer has invested $10 million into IMAX’s Virtual Reality Fund in a bid to “support the development of high-quality and immersive VR content” for location-based experiences.

The investment follows up on Acer’s recent partnership with Starbreeze Studios, which promotes the creation of cinema-grade virtual reality experiences for the company’s StarVR headset.

“Acer is excited to join forces with IMAX and other world-class investors to help foster top-shelf content for the thriving VR industry,” Acer CEO Jason Chen said in a statement. “With this strategic investment and our deep collaboration with partners including Starbreeze in the hardware and entertainment sector, we hope to enable engaging and immersive VR experiences in IMAX VR centers and beyond.”

While many companies are attempting to find a foothold in the virtual reality industry with headsets and software designed for consumer-grade VR hardware, Acer and other hardware manufacturers have set their sights on advanced VR hardware built specifically for location-based entertainment.

Rival hardware manufacturer HTC recently announced plans to license VR software for use in movie theaters, Internet cafes, and VR arcades worldwide. Once the technology is adopted for location-based entertainment, licensed users will need to download compatible VR applications and games via HTC’s Viveport app store, ensuring a steady revenue stream for HTC.

It’s likely that Acer has similar ambitions for its investment into IMAX’s Virtual Reality Fund. Currently, the manufacturer considers itself to be among the “leaders from the media and entertainment industry who are investing in this fund and seeking to bring VR experiences to the next level.”

Acer is already leveraging its Starbreeze partnership to ship StarVR head-mounted displays to IMAX developers. The company hopes to integrate StarVR technology with installations at the IMAX VR Center in Los Angeles, which is set to open by the end of 2016. Similar IMAX VR pilot centers will soon open for business in London, Shanghai, and New York.

Editors' Recommendations

Danny Cowan
Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…
Want virtual reality, but don’t want a Rift? Don’t worry — you’ve plenty of options
these fierce oculus rift competitors are ready to thrown down in vr stereoscopic inner

Virtual reality is clearly an emerging market, with its competitive landscape incessantly proving it to be a viable platform for application developers in a wide array of fields, both intended for the professional and the entertainment consumer. While major players like Facebook and HTC hog the headlines, independent companies like StarVR are taking a different approach, and may hold the real key to innovation.

Of course, with the inevitable saturation that's likely to ensue from so many contenders taking a stab at VR synchronously, there are a few companies out there that may go overlooked in the midst of all the buildup. Absent the creative drainage commonly associated with large corporations, these companies are presented with the opportunity to try something new, taking risks that Facebook wouldn't dare attempt with the Oculus Rift -- to the impending dismay of its stockholders.
Affordability
Oculus has a lot to offer in terms of functionality. But, to the vast majority of consumers, price is a crucial factor in determining which VR headset to buy. Without a gaming PC already in hand, you'll end up paying upwards of $1,500 for virtual reality, which is far more than most people can afford.

Read more
One of HP’s best student laptops is $230 off today
hp pavilion pro 14 review plus front angled

Parents and students who are searching for laptop deals with amazing value should take a look at HP's discount for the HP Pavilion 15.6-inch laptop. From its original price of $600, it's down to $370 for $230 in savings. It's not going to challenge the best laptops in terms of performance, but it's easily within the realm of the best budget laptops. You'll need to push through with your purchase as soon as possible though, because the laptop's stocks probably won't last long.

Why you should buy the HP Pavilion 15T-EG300 laptop
The HP Pavilion is a great laptop for students looking to get a head start on savings and studies over the summer. It’s up there with several of the best laptops for college, and it has a large, 15.6-inch Full HD display that’s great for both taking notes in class and watching movies on the weekend. Dual speakers by Bang & Olufsen chip in for the show as well. Because this is a larger-sized laptop, it can house a larger battery. In most cases you’ll get a full day of use with this laptop, and fast charging technology will get you to a 50% charge in just 45 minutes. HP is among our best laptop brands as well, so you know you’re getting a computer that can last.

Read more
This deal knocks $130 off Lenovo’s Surface-style Chromebook
The new Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 sitting on a desk.

If you’re in the market for one of the best tablets but would like to save some money along the way, Lenovo is offering a significant discount on the Chromebook Duet 5. This is a great tablet for students and professionals and it makes a lot of sense if you’ve had your eye on the Microsoft Surface Pro lineup of tablets but are shopping on a budget. While this tablet would regularly cost $499, right now Lenovo has it discounted to just $369. That’s a savings of $130, and free shipping is included. In many locations Lenovo will even let you pick it up at the nearest Best Buy.

Why you should buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is a 2-in-1 tablet that can compete in many ways with not only the best 2-in-1 tablets, but also the super popular Microsoft Surface Pro. On paper it lacks in specs when put next to high end tablets, but when it comes to actual user experience, the IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook has nearly as much to offer. Chromebooks are meant to be simple, after all, and with 8GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, it can get you through long work days in a word processor, creative jam sessions, or late nights buried in homework. It has a detachable keyboard and touch pad, a nice bit of design that gives the IdeaPad Duet 5 laptop ergonomics when you want it.

Read more