---
title: "The Wait Is Over—HTC Vive and Microsoft HoloLens Preorders Are Here!"
description: "Shipping dates for the HoloLens and Vive virtual reality headsets have been announced. Get the specs, shipping dates, and prices."
date: "2016-03-01"
modified: "2016-03-01"
authors:
  - name: "Sarah Marquart"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/sarah_fqtq"
url: "https://futurism.com/wait-htc-vive-microsoft-hololens-preorders"
categories:
  - "Future Society"
  - "Virtual Reality"
tags:
  - "augmented reality"
  - "hololens"
  - "htc"
  - "microsoft"
  - "virtual reality"
  - "Vive"
---

# The Wait Is Over—HTC Vive and Microsoft HoloLens Preorders Are Here!

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Virtual-Reality-and-Marketing.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: \<a href="https://www.subliminalmoney.com" target="\_blank"\>Nelson Berry\</a\>\</em\>*

Preorders have opened for both the [Microsoft HoloLens](<https://www.facebook.com/futurism/videos/522623981250139/>) and the [HTC Vive](<https://futurism.com/htc-vive-launching-heres-know>). Here's a rundown of specs, shipping dates, and prices for both pieces of virtual reality technology.

##### Microsoft HoloLens

Microsoft is letting developers [preorder](<http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/29/11132090/microsoft-hololens-hardware-specifications-developer-kit>) 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.

![Screen Shot 2016-02-29 at 6.18.08 PM](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Screen-Shot-2016-02-29-at-6.18.08-PM.png>)
**Microsoft**

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](<http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/29/11132364/htc-valve-vive-vr-preorders-open-shipping-date>) for [HTC's Vive](<http://www.htcvive.com/us/>) virtual reality headset as of today at 10AM ET. Created in partnership with Valve, the Vive is going to start shipping on April 5th.

![Screen Shot 2016-02-29 at 6.12.17 PM](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Screen-Shot-2016-02-29-at-6.12.17-PM-1200x579.png>)
**HTC**

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](<http://blog.htcvive.com/us/2016/02/international-pricing-for-vive-pre-order/>) 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](<http://jobsimulatorgame.com/>), Prepare. To. Job.
- [Fantastic Contraption](<http://fantasticcontraption.com/>), a building game designed for room-scale VR
- [Tilt Brush](<http://www.tiltbrush.com/>), painting from a new perspective

So, which will you choose?

### Author social links  
[Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/sarah.marquart>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-marquart-ba7aa38b>)  
[Twitter](<https://x.com/sagaofsarah>)