HTC has just made a surprising
reveal of a new version of a business version of its Vive VR headset. It's
called the Vive Business Edition (BE), and you basically get the same headset
and accessories (two Vive controllers, two base stations and four face cushions)
as consumers. However, business buyers also get a dedicated customer support
line and the option to buy more than one headset. After strong initial sales, you can now get a
regular Vive pretty soon after you order it -- a sign that consumer demand may
have waned.
HTC recently launched the Vive X
fund to help companies build VR apps for the device. Virtual reality also has
huge potential in the business world for architecture, visualization and
design, among other applications. As such, HTC is offering a commercial license
and limited 12-month guarantee as part of the Vive BE package (the consumer
guarantee is limited to non-commercial applications). The Vive BE is launching
this month in the US, Canada, UK, Germany and France, and will arrive elsewhere
in the coming weeks.
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