It seems that HTC have quietly opened a flagship HTC Vive store in China this month allowing customers to engage in virtual reality and test out the new VR headsets created by HTC. The new store is located at the Consumer Electronics Exchange/Exhibition Center (CEEC) in Shenzhen and underwent a soft open earlier this month on October 1st, 2018.
Immersive Experiences and Pricing
The Road to VR website explains, “a single, 15-minute experience with Vive Pro can be purchased for ¥59 CNY ($8.50 USD), or a group of sessions, bringing each experience down to ¥36 CNY ($5.20 USD) per 15-minute period. Experiences include Beat Saber, Arizona Sunshine, and McLaren’s F-1 VR simulator to name a few.” This pricing strategy makes it accessible for a wide range of customers, from casual gamers to VR enthusiasts. The store offers a variety of experiences that cater to different interests, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Beat Saber, for instance, is a rhythm game that has gained immense popularity for its engaging gameplay and energetic music. Arizona Sunshine offers a gripping zombie apocalypse experience, while McLaren’s F-1 VR simulator provides a thrilling racing adventure. These diverse options highlight HTC’s commitment to offering high-quality, immersive experiences that showcase the capabilities of their VR technology.
Strategic Timing and Market Impact
The opening of the new virtual reality store has coincided with the news that rival Facebook has cancelled the highly anticipated launch of its new Oculus Rift 2 headset, as well as announcing the departure of Oculus co-founder Brendan Iribe. This timing could not be more strategic for HTC, as it positions them to capture a larger share of the VR market. With one of their main competitors facing setbacks, HTC has a unique opportunity to attract customers who might have been considering the Oculus Rift 2.
The HTC virtual reality gaming headset is now available to purchase from the likes of Amazon priced at £559 and provides everything you need to immerse yourself in virtuality gaming enjoying such titles as Skyrim VR, Fallout VR and more. These games are known for their expansive worlds and immersive gameplay, making them perfect showcases for the capabilities of the HTC Vive headset.
Moreover, the location of the store in Shenzhen, a hub for technology and innovation, is a strategic choice. Shenzhen is home to many tech-savvy consumers who are likely to be early adopters of new technologies. By establishing a presence in this city, HTC is positioning itself at the forefront of the VR market in China, a country with a rapidly growing interest in virtual reality.
In addition to individual consumers, the store is likely to attract businesses interested in incorporating VR into their operations. From training simulations to virtual meetings, the potential applications of VR are vast, and HTC’s new store provides a space for businesses to explore these possibilities.
Overall, the opening of the flagship HTC Vive store in China marks a significant milestone for HTC. It not only provides a platform for showcasing their latest VR technology but also positions them strategically in a competitive market. As virtual reality continues to grow in popularity, HTC’s investment in this flagship store is likely to pay off, attracting both consumers and businesses interested in the future of immersive technology.
Source: R2VR
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