Preorders have opened for both the Microsoft HoloLens and the HTC Vive. Here's a rundown of specs, shipping dates, and prices for both pieces of virtual reality technology.
Microsoft HoloLens
Microsoft is letting developers preorder the HoloLens development edition today. This may not seem exciting if you're not a developer, but just wait—they're also detailing exactly what's inside the headset.
The HoloLens is fully untethered and self-contained, which means you don't need a PC or phone to use it. Microsoft has built an entire Windows 10 device into a headset, using a custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit and an Intel 32 bit processor. In addition, the HoloLens hosts hardware and features including:
- An inertial measurement unit
- Ambient light sensor
- Four environment-understanding cameras
- 2-megapixel HD camera
- Four microphones
- 2GB of RAM
- 64GB of flash storage
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- 2-3 hour battery life
The $3,000 price tag definitely reflects all of those bells and whistles. Shipping begins March 30th.
HTC Vive
On a more cost-conscious note, preorders have officially opened for HTC's Vive virtual reality headset as of today at 10AM ET. Created in partnership with Valve, the Vive is going to start shipping on April 5th.
Here's the cost rundown. Remember, these don't include shipping or tax:
- $799.00 US
- £689 in the UK
- €899 in Europe
- CAD$1,149 in Canada
- ¥111,999 in Japan
Check of HTC's blog for other countries.
In addition to the headset, two controllers, and the Vive's laser tracking system (which is described as "room-scale VR," and uses two laser "lighthouses" to allow the user to move about and interact in a 5 x 5 meter [15 x 15 foot] space), preordering will get you a bonus of three games and apps:
- Job Simulator, Prepare. To. Job.
- Fantastic Contraption, a building game designed for room-scale VR
- Tilt Brush, painting from a new perspective
So, which will you choose?
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