Following the extremely successful launch of the HTC Vive virtual reality headset to consumers a couple of months back, and the recent announcement that anyone can now buy one and have it shipped out within 72 hours, HTC is now offering a special Business Edition of the headset. It comes with all the usual accessories and components, but with added support, face cushions, and an installation service.
All for $1,200.
Anyone who has already purchased a Vive or stared back and forth between its online listing and their bank balance will know that’s $400 more than the HTC Vive usually costs. But that’s what business customers will have to pony up if they want that added customer support line.
They also net themselves a 12-month limited warranty, which will presumably cover more public-related damage or issues, though the installation service could be the most valuable part of the package.
The idea behind the Business Edition is that companies that want to demo the HTC Vive, or launch their own virtual reality installations. can do so with as little hassle as possible.
Having replacement face cushions only makes sense when you are giving lots of people a go (or you could use a VRCover) and the dedicated support line will be very handy for companies without experience with this sort of hardware/software. If HTC can install it all for you, you don’t need to train anyone to do it either.
This isn’t the first time that HTC has had its VR headset and compatible software working in business settings. Along with many a tech and gaming outlet using them to draw in the crowds and attract sales, automotive companies, real estate agents, and more have used the Vive to demonstrate aspects of their products in ways that just weren’t possible before VR.
The Vive Business Edition will launch this month in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany and France. Prices will be based around the $1,200 figure, but when you factor in value-added tax and other local taxes, we would expect the European editions to be more expensive.
