<![CDATA[ Latest from Laptop Mag in Htc-vive ]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/tag/htc-vive Sun, 02 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ The State of VR: How Meta dropped the ball ]]> From its meteoric rise as a Kickstarter darling to being acquired by Facebook, the Oculus Rift and its subsequent successors helped bring virtual reality into the mainstream. But last year, Facebook, now known as Meta, hit a snag with its latest headset, the Meta Quest Pro. A device that's delivering one of the best mixed-reality experiences currently available, the Quest Pro should have flown off the shelves. But due to a number of mitigating factors, the Quest Pro has been deemed somewhat of a flop which doesn't bode well for the rest of the VR, AR and MR products debuting this year. 

Read on to learn how pricing and a play for the commercial and enterprise markets helped stymie an otherwise fantastic device and how Meta’s fumble can affect the market at large.

Pricing

Facebook acquired Oculus VR, Inc, in 2014 to big fanfare. The possibilities were endless with one of the most popular social media platforms combining with the VR headset du jour. To date, while the Oculus Rift and Rift 2 were lauded by the tech media, enthusiasts and early adopters alike, Oculus, HTC and a number of other VR headsets had yet to gain any headway with mainstream audiences. No matter the company, each headset faced similar problems. You needed an entire room to effectively play, the device had to be connected to a high-powered laptop or desktop and the headsets were far from cost-friendly. 

The O.G. Rift cost $599, while the Rift S was priced at $399 and the Oculus Go started at $199. Meanwhile over at HTC, the original Vive and Vive Pro debuted at $799 with the Cosmos getting a slight discount at $699. However, Pro 2 was much more expensive at $1,399. And over in MR-land, you had the Microsoft Hololens which cost a budget-breaking $3,000. The Rift S and PSVR were cheap by comparison, but still required a tethered connection. 

Then came the Oculus Quest (now Meta Quest) in 2019, a wireless, standalone VR headset at an affordable price. It was the first step of Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg’s goal to have a VR headset in every household and making VR the most social platform. Keeping the starting price at $399, the Quest proved to be a success, making $5 million in sales during the first two weeks it debuted, ultimately selling 20 million units during its life cycle. It seemed that $399 was Meta’s sweet spot as that’s what the Meta Quest 2 cost when it debuted and quickly outsold both the Xbox Series S and X during the pandemic. 

Meta Quest Pro

(Image credit: Future)

And then came the highly anticipated Meta Quest Pro with its promise of seamless AR and VR experiences, advanced eye and hand tracking and Meta’s impressive catalog of games and apps. Meta also has Horizon Worlds, a virtual universe where people create their own avatars where they can interact via a number of activities including hosting events, attending NBA games or even attending a comedy show. Zuckerberg was so confident in the impending success of the metaverse, an immersive virtual world that we’d all one day be living in, he renamed the company Meta. 

And how much much was this new marvel that was supposed to usher in the next wave of virtuosity? A wallet-punching $1,500. It was a far jump from the $399, consumers were accustomed to, but you pay more for bleeding edge tech right? Still, it was a hard pill to swallow, especially when it revealed that the Quest 3 is rumored to cost somewhere between $300 - $500. And then we learned the Quest 2 got a price hike  But then the PS VR 2 debuted $599 and we demoed the HTC XR Elite, which recently launched for $1,000. So maybe Zuckerberg and company were on the right, albeit expensive track. However, not soon after the Elite’s price was announced, the Quest Pro’s price dropped to match it. 

“The lower price point will help, but ultimately I don't see Meta keeping it around longer than it needs to.”

Anshel Sag, Moor Insights & Strategy

Anshel Sag, Principal Analyst, Smartphones, Wireless, PC, 5G & XR Moor Insights & Strategy say that this ultimately won’t help keep the Quest Pro afloat. “The lower price point will help, but ultimately I don't see Meta keeping it around longer than it needs to.” And it was here that we started to see a crack in Meta’s armor.

And while the headset received relatively positive reviews, including 4 stars from this publication, pricing proved to be a huge con across the board. It placed the headset outside of the reach of all but the fervent VR/AR fans and the deep pocketed. The Wall Street Journal reported that research firm IDC said Meta's headset shipments sank more than 90% over the holiday season, representing a drop from 4.5 million in Q4 of 2021 to approximately 300,000 in the closing months 2022. Keep in mind that those figures include all currently available Meta headsets, not just the Quest Pro. 

However, in the end, the price was an issue for both consumers and Meta according to Sag. 

“I think the Quest Pro flopped only because people's expectations were unrealistic and the price was too high, but for what's in the headset and where Meta is financially right now, it couldn't bear the cost of subsidizing an even more expensive headset.”

However, price isn’t Meta’s only misstep. 

Consumer vs. Commercial & Enterprise

While the pricing is a major factor in the Meta Quest Pro’s downfall, Meta’s target consumer proved to be a bigger problem. Where all of the previous iterations of Rifts and Quests targeted mainstream consumers with a focus on gaming. Meta didn’t outright eschew that audience as the Quest Pro still works with the company’s catalog, but apps like Meta Horizon Workrooms, it’s pretty clear Meta’s trying to wrangle its way into your workspace. 

According to the official Quest Pro site, the headset is “built for people like architects, engineers, builders, creators, and designers who want to augment their workflow and supercharge their creativity with the power of VR. Longer term, we expect the device to unlock a wide range of new ways to experience and improve work across many different industries and the enterprise.” 

Meta Microsoft Teams

(Image credit: Meta)

To achieve that goal, Meta teamed with Microsoft bringing the video conferencing software Teams and the Microsoft 365 suite to VR. Microsoft has also brought Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory support into the mix, adding security and management features that IT departments can use to manage the devices. It’s sort of like Intel vPro which allows for remote IT management which along with the Meta Quest Pro’s security measures, makes sure the headset is as secure as possible. 

Sag said, “I think Meta understands that a more expensive headset needs to be targeted toward the enterprise, but I don't think many people believed its enterprise story until it partnered with Microsoft. Even so, it still very much looks like a premium headset for prosumers and developers than it does for productivity.”

Meta Connect 2022

(Image credit: Meta)

Because while the Meta Quest Pro and Quest 2 do offer some productivity apps, the library is nowhere near as fleshed out as the gaming, social and creation categories. It leaves the Quest Pro in a weird spot as it doesn’t have enough apps to warrant positioning it as a productivity device, especially for the price. 

And the business sector can be somewhat slow in adopting new tech and software into the workforce. Let’s look at Windows 11 adoption as an example. To date, the amount of entities that have upgraded to the new reached an 20.95% adoption rate as of March 2023 according to StatCounter Global Stats, an analyst site with Windows 10 holding the lion’s share at 73.46%. 

Windows 10 end of life is scheduled for October 14, 2025, which means Windows users have a limited time before Microsoft retires the OS. If one of the most popular operating systems that’s offering free upgrades is taking this long to be adopted, getting VR headsets into the enterprise sector is going to be an uphill battle.

Beyond Quest Pro

So the Meta Quest Pro isn’t for everyone, particularly mainstream consumers. Where does that leave Meta and the rest of the industry? According to MSNBC, the industry has hit a bit of a rough patch. The end of 2022 showed VR and AR headsets sales decreased by 12% year over year worldwide with a 2% decline of headset sales in the U.S. And rumors of a price hike for the upcoming Quest 3 isn’t making that forecast look any rosier. 

“This will be a struggle for them because it was quite clear that the Quest 2 price hike affected demand considerably,” says Sag. “So I think it will be important for them to communicate the value of the headset and possibly include some content bundled with the headset to entice people to buy a more expensive headset.”

So what does that mean for the Quest 3? It means that Meta has to walk a fine line. The nascent headset must incorporate just enough of Quest Pro’s new features (controllers with improved hand and finger tracking and  better face and eye tracking) without breaking either consumers or Meta’s bottom line. Which means Meta has to figure out how much of the cost can it stand to subsidize and still turn a profit. One hopes that the answer is enough so the Quest 3 can stay a sub-$500 device. 

"[I]t will be important for them to communicate the value of the headset and possibly include some content bundled with the headset to entice people to buy a more expensive headset.”

Anshel Sag, Moor Insights & Strategy

Because going beyond that price point seems to be a deal-breaker for consumers as Sony is quickly learning with the PS VR2. According to Forbes, the $549 tethered headset only sold approximately 270,000 units since its February 2023 launch which might indicate a slow launch in its initial five week debut. Analysts are suggesting an immediate price cut in order to right the ship.

But while Meta deals with its pricing and use case dilemmas, all eyes are on Cupertino as Apple readies its mixed-reality headset. Rumors have already priced the headset at a cost prohibitive $3,000, putting it on a par with Microsoft Hololens, which never made it into mainstream consumers’ hands. And as WWDC 2023 quickly approaches there are reports that the highly anticipated device will not make its debut, being reported pushed back amid worries of not “recreating the astounding iPhone moment,” according to CNET.

Typically, Apple is one company that can get away with charging ultra premium prices on products. Hell, the company’s stylus, the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil will set you back $129 and people still fork over their hard-earned cash, because Apple. But if the rumors are true and even Apple is worried about releasing their long-awaited take on AR.VR and MR, there is definitely cause for concern. But again, this is Apple, a company that’s renown for making incredibly strong cases for their expensive products. 

Meta Quest Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Sag agrees. “I also think that Apple is going to position this as an extremely premium product that is highly elusive and exclusive and will deliver an experience and or apps that cannot be matched elsewhere. However, I believe that the vast majority of people that will buy this headset will be Apple faithful and developers wanting to dip their toes into Apple's xrOS and prepare for the more mainstream products coming down the road.”

Is there an appetite for an ultra premium headset? Sure. Companies just have to thread the needle and check off all the boxes. 

“I think a $1,000 headset can be successful with consumers if it delivers an experience that is not only amazing, but better than everything else in the market today,” says Sag. “I think that's why the Quest Pro and HTC Vive XR Elite can command the premiums they do. That said, I still think for the mainstream consumer, there needs to be considerably more content and not just more content but also stickier content that keeps consumers coming back for more.”

Conclusion

Into every life a little rain must fall and that includes tech behemoths like Meta. The company took a calculated risk into the MR space with the Quest Prom introducing a host of features that captivated audiences and pushed the industry forward as a whole. However, the cost of advancement and who the improvements are actually for at this point have created a headwind for the VR industry as a whole. 

In order for Meta and any other company in the VR/AR/MR space to weather the storm, they’ll need clear messaging on what the product does and who’s it for, compelling software, improved hardware and a reasonable price. Meta captured lightning in a bottle with the Quest 2, so it has the blueprint of what a successful headset launch looks like. It just needs to tailor the Quest 3’s upcoming launch in a similar fashion.

And if there is going to be a significant price hike, make it worth consumers’ time. It’s imperative as AR, MR and VR have yet to reach their full potential in transforming how we work, play and socialize. But until a solution is found, it might be another rocky year for Meta and the VR industry at large. 

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/features/the-state-of-vr-how-meta-dropped-the-ball H9gBVUYoq2LLwn9jXo4BzH Sun, 02 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 false false false

From its meteoric rise as a Kickstarter darling to being acquired by Facebook, the Oculus Rift and its subsequent successors helped bring virtual reality into the mainstream. But last year, Facebook, now known as Meta, hit a snag with its latest headset, the Meta Quest Pro. A device that's delivering one of the best mixed-reality experiences currently available, the Quest Pro should have flown off the shelves. But due to a number of mitigating factors, the Quest Pro has been deemed somewhat of a flop which doesn't bode well for the rest of the VR, AR and MR products debuting this year. 

Read on to learn how pricing and a play for the commercial and enterprise markets helped stymie an otherwise fantastic device and how Meta’s fumble can affect the market at large.

Pricing

Facebook acquired Oculus VR, Inc, in 2014 to big fanfare. The possibilities were endless with one of the most popular social media platforms combining with the VR headset du jour. To date, while the Oculus Rift and Rift 2 were lauded by the tech media, enthusiasts and early adopters alike, Oculus, HTC and a number of other VR headsets had yet to gain any headway with mainstream audiences. No matter the company, each headset faced similar problems. You needed an entire room to effectively play, the device had to be connected to a high-powered laptop or desktop and the headsets were far from cost-friendly. 

The O.G. Rift cost $599, while the Rift S was priced at $399 and the Oculus Go started at $199. Meanwhile over at HTC, the original Vive and Vive Pro debuted at $799 with the Cosmos getting a slight discount at $699. However, Pro 2 was much more expensive at $1,399. And over in MR-land, you had the Microsoft Hololens which cost a budget-breaking $3,000. The Rift S and PSVR were cheap by comparison, but still required a tethered connection. 

Then came the Oculus Quest (now Meta Quest) in 2019, a wireless, standalone VR headset at an affordable price. It was the first step of Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg’s goal to have a VR headset in every household and making VR the most social platform. Keeping the starting price at $399, the Quest proved to be a success, making $5 million in sales during the first two weeks it debuted, ultimately selling 20 million units during its life cycle. It seemed that $399 was Meta’s sweet spot as that’s what the Meta Quest 2 cost when it debuted and quickly outsold both the Xbox Series S and X during the pandemic. 

Meta Quest Pro

(Image credit: Future)

And then came the highly anticipated Meta Quest Pro with its promise of seamless AR and VR experiences, advanced eye and hand tracking and Meta’s impressive catalog of games and apps. Meta also has Horizon Worlds, a virtual universe where people create their own avatars where they can interact via a number of activities including hosting events, attending NBA games or even attending a comedy show. Zuckerberg was so confident in the impending success of the metaverse, an immersive virtual world that we’d all one day be living in, he renamed the company Meta. 

And how much much was this new marvel that was supposed to usher in the next wave of virtuosity? A wallet-punching $1,500. It was a far jump from the $399, consumers were accustomed to, but you pay more for bleeding edge tech right? Still, it was a hard pill to swallow, especially when it revealed that the Quest 3 is rumored to cost somewhere between $300 - $500. And then we learned the Quest 2 got a price hike  But then the PS VR 2 debuted $599 and we demoed the HTC XR Elite, which recently launched for $1,000. So maybe Zuckerberg and company were on the right, albeit expensive track. However, not soon after the Elite’s price was announced, the Quest Pro’s price dropped to match it. 

“The lower price point will help, but ultimately I don't see Meta keeping it around longer than it needs to.”

Anshel Sag, Moor Insights & Strategy

Anshel Sag, Principal Analyst, Smartphones, Wireless, PC, 5G & XR Moor Insights & Strategy say that this ultimately won’t help keep the Quest Pro afloat. “The lower price point will help, but ultimately I don't see Meta keeping it around longer than it needs to.” And it was here that we started to see a crack in Meta’s armor.

And while the headset received relatively positive reviews, including 4 stars from this publication, pricing proved to be a huge con across the board. It placed the headset outside of the reach of all but the fervent VR/AR fans and the deep pocketed. The Wall Street Journal reported that research firm IDC said Meta's headset shipments sank more than 90% over the holiday season, representing a drop from 4.5 million in Q4 of 2021 to approximately 300,000 in the closing months 2022. Keep in mind that those figures include all currently available Meta headsets, not just the Quest Pro. 

However, in the end, the price was an issue for both consumers and Meta according to Sag. 

“I think the Quest Pro flopped only because people's expectations were unrealistic and the price was too high, but for what's in the headset and where Meta is financially right now, it couldn't bear the cost of subsidizing an even more expensive headset.”

However, price isn’t Meta’s only misstep. 

Consumer vs. Commercial & Enterprise

While the pricing is a major factor in the Meta Quest Pro’s downfall, Meta’s target consumer proved to be a bigger problem. Where all of the previous iterations of Rifts and Quests targeted mainstream consumers with a focus on gaming. Meta didn’t outright eschew that audience as the Quest Pro still works with the company’s catalog, but apps like Meta Horizon Workrooms, it’s pretty clear Meta’s trying to wrangle its way into your workspace. 

According to the official Quest Pro site, the headset is “built for people like architects, engineers, builders, creators, and designers who want to augment their workflow and supercharge their creativity with the power of VR. Longer term, we expect the device to unlock a wide range of new ways to experience and improve work across many different industries and the enterprise.” 

Meta Microsoft Teams

(Image credit: Meta)

To achieve that goal, Meta teamed with Microsoft bringing the video conferencing software Teams and the Microsoft 365 suite to VR. Microsoft has also brought Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory support into the mix, adding security and management features that IT departments can use to manage the devices. It’s sort of like Intel vPro which allows for remote IT management which along with the Meta Quest Pro’s security measures, makes sure the headset is as secure as possible. 

Sag said, “I think Meta understands that a more expensive headset needs to be targeted toward the enterprise, but I don't think many people believed its enterprise story until it partnered with Microsoft. Even so, it still very much looks like a premium headset for prosumers and developers than it does for productivity.”

Meta Connect 2022

(Image credit: Meta)

Because while the Meta Quest Pro and Quest 2 do offer some productivity apps, the library is nowhere near as fleshed out as the gaming, social and creation categories. It leaves the Quest Pro in a weird spot as it doesn’t have enough apps to warrant positioning it as a productivity device, especially for the price. 

And the business sector can be somewhat slow in adopting new tech and software into the workforce. Let’s look at Windows 11 adoption as an example. To date, the amount of entities that have upgraded to the new reached an 20.95% adoption rate as of March 2023 according to StatCounter Global Stats, an analyst site with Windows 10 holding the lion’s share at 73.46%. 

Windows 10 end of life is scheduled for October 14, 2025, which means Windows users have a limited time before Microsoft retires the OS. If one of the most popular operating systems that’s offering free upgrades is taking this long to be adopted, getting VR headsets into the enterprise sector is going to be an uphill battle.

Beyond Quest Pro

So the Meta Quest Pro isn’t for everyone, particularly mainstream consumers. Where does that leave Meta and the rest of the industry? According to MSNBC, the industry has hit a bit of a rough patch. The end of 2022 showed VR and AR headsets sales decreased by 12% year over year worldwide with a 2% decline of headset sales in the U.S. And rumors of a price hike for the upcoming Quest 3 isn’t making that forecast look any rosier. 

“This will be a struggle for them because it was quite clear that the Quest 2 price hike affected demand considerably,” says Sag. “So I think it will be important for them to communicate the value of the headset and possibly include some content bundled with the headset to entice people to buy a more expensive headset.”

So what does that mean for the Quest 3? It means that Meta has to walk a fine line. The nascent headset must incorporate just enough of Quest Pro’s new features (controllers with improved hand and finger tracking and  better face and eye tracking) without breaking either consumers or Meta’s bottom line. Which means Meta has to figure out how much of the cost can it stand to subsidize and still turn a profit. One hopes that the answer is enough so the Quest 3 can stay a sub-$500 device. 

"[I]t will be important for them to communicate the value of the headset and possibly include some content bundled with the headset to entice people to buy a more expensive headset.”

Anshel Sag, Moor Insights & Strategy

Because going beyond that price point seems to be a deal-breaker for consumers as Sony is quickly learning with the PS VR2. According to Forbes, the $549 tethered headset only sold approximately 270,000 units since its February 2023 launch which might indicate a slow launch in its initial five week debut. Analysts are suggesting an immediate price cut in order to right the ship.

But while Meta deals with its pricing and use case dilemmas, all eyes are on Cupertino as Apple readies its mixed-reality headset. Rumors have already priced the headset at a cost prohibitive $3,000, putting it on a par with Microsoft Hololens, which never made it into mainstream consumers’ hands. And as WWDC 2023 quickly approaches there are reports that the highly anticipated device will not make its debut, being reported pushed back amid worries of not “recreating the astounding iPhone moment,” according to CNET.

Typically, Apple is one company that can get away with charging ultra premium prices on products. Hell, the company’s stylus, the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil will set you back $129 and people still fork over their hard-earned cash, because Apple. But if the rumors are true and even Apple is worried about releasing their long-awaited take on AR.VR and MR, there is definitely cause for concern. But again, this is Apple, a company that’s renown for making incredibly strong cases for their expensive products. 

Meta Quest Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Sag agrees. “I also think that Apple is going to position this as an extremely premium product that is highly elusive and exclusive and will deliver an experience and or apps that cannot be matched elsewhere. However, I believe that the vast majority of people that will buy this headset will be Apple faithful and developers wanting to dip their toes into Apple's xrOS and prepare for the more mainstream products coming down the road.”

Is there an appetite for an ultra premium headset? Sure. Companies just have to thread the needle and check off all the boxes. 

“I think a $1,000 headset can be successful with consumers if it delivers an experience that is not only amazing, but better than everything else in the market today,” says Sag. “I think that's why the Quest Pro and HTC Vive XR Elite can command the premiums they do. That said, I still think for the mainstream consumer, there needs to be considerably more content and not just more content but also stickier content that keeps consumers coming back for more.”

Conclusion

Into every life a little rain must fall and that includes tech behemoths like Meta. The company took a calculated risk into the MR space with the Quest Prom introducing a host of features that captivated audiences and pushed the industry forward as a whole. However, the cost of advancement and who the improvements are actually for at this point have created a headwind for the VR industry as a whole. 

In order for Meta and any other company in the VR/AR/MR space to weather the storm, they’ll need clear messaging on what the product does and who’s it for, compelling software, improved hardware and a reasonable price. Meta captured lightning in a bottle with the Quest 2, so it has the blueprint of what a successful headset launch looks like. It just needs to tailor the Quest 3’s upcoming launch in a similar fashion.

And if there is going to be a significant price hike, make it worth consumers’ time. It’s imperative as AR, MR and VR have yet to reach their full potential in transforming how we work, play and socialize. But until a solution is found, it might be another rocky year for Meta and the VR industry at large. 

]]> <![CDATA[ Every HTC Vive VR headset is down to its lowest ever price right now ]]> Getting into VR can be expensive, but HTC is looking to change that with a huge Vive sale that is taking up to £150 off its entire range!

Starting right now and running until Sunday, September 11, you can save big across the entire Vive range including the Pro and Cosmos series of headsets.

HTC Vive deals

HTC Vive Cosmos full kit: was £499 now £399 @ Vive
With refined inside-out tracking and thoughtful hardware design, the base Cosmos model of the Vive lineup is an impressive alternative to the Meta Quest 2 — with similar specs at an identical price for a limited time too. Plus, that ergonomic design with the flip up visor makes this a brilliantly versatile headset.View Deal

HTC Vive Cosmos Elite full kit: was £699 now £599 @ Vive
Now £100 off, HTC's pricey VR headset is finally more affordable than ever. PC VR gamers can expect a sharp, smooth display thanks to the LCD panels with 2880 x 1700 combined Pixel resolution, powerful sound, and a variety of games and apps. Specs-wise, it has six tracking cameras, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a wide 110-degree field of view. View Deal

HTC Vive Pro full kit: was £919 now £819 @ Vive
Go all in on the metaverse with the Vive Pro, which packs gorgeous AMOLED displays with 1440 x 1600-pixel resolution per eye, a buttery smooth 90 Hz refresh rate, High-res audio support, plenty of adjustability and versatility in comfort and two accurately tracked controllers.View Deal

HTC Vive Deluxe Audio strap: was £99 now £69 @ Vive
Finding the right headphones to fit over your Vive headset can prove to be an expensive and difficult task, but the Deluxe Audio strap integrates sound right in to the headstrap for a far more comfortable wearing experience with sound, better weight distribution and improved cable management.View Deal

Of course, a VR headset is only as good as its software support, which comes courtesy of the fully-loaded Viveport — a subscription service that grants you access to hundreds of apps and games in one user-friendly interface. 

And the games aren’t just quick cash-ins to make the library look full. They are legitimately impressive experiences such as Moss, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, Phasmophobia and Five Nights at Freddy’s VR.

With discounts this big, these deals are perfect for VR beginners or pros looking to update their setups.

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/news/every-htc-vive-vr-headset-is-down-to-its-lowest-ever-price-right-now St5snTnXaP6gL2YkAv8PkC Mon, 29 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000 false false false

Getting into VR can be expensive, but HTC is looking to change that with a huge Vive sale that is taking up to £150 off its entire range!

Starting right now and running until Sunday, September 11, you can save big across the entire Vive range including the Pro and Cosmos series of headsets.

HTC Vive deals

HTC Vive Cosmos full kit: was £499 now £399 @ Vive
With refined inside-out tracking and thoughtful hardware design, the base Cosmos model of the Vive lineup is an impressive alternative to the Meta Quest 2 — with similar specs at an identical price for a limited time too. Plus, that ergonomic design with the flip up visor makes this a brilliantly versatile headset.View Deal

HTC Vive Cosmos Elite full kit: was £699 now £599 @ Vive
Now £100 off, HTC's pricey VR headset is finally more affordable than ever. PC VR gamers can expect a sharp, smooth display thanks to the LCD panels with 2880 x 1700 combined Pixel resolution, powerful sound, and a variety of games and apps. Specs-wise, it has six tracking cameras, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a wide 110-degree field of view. View Deal

HTC Vive Pro full kit: was £919 now £819 @ Vive
Go all in on the metaverse with the Vive Pro, which packs gorgeous AMOLED displays with 1440 x 1600-pixel resolution per eye, a buttery smooth 90 Hz refresh rate, High-res audio support, plenty of adjustability and versatility in comfort and two accurately tracked controllers.View Deal

HTC Vive Deluxe Audio strap: was £99 now £69 @ Vive
Finding the right headphones to fit over your Vive headset can prove to be an expensive and difficult task, but the Deluxe Audio strap integrates sound right in to the headstrap for a far more comfortable wearing experience with sound, better weight distribution and improved cable management.View Deal

Of course, a VR headset is only as good as its software support, which comes courtesy of the fully-loaded Viveport — a subscription service that grants you access to hundreds of apps and games in one user-friendly interface. 

And the games aren’t just quick cash-ins to make the library look full. They are legitimately impressive experiences such as Moss, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, Phasmophobia and Five Nights at Freddy’s VR.

With discounts this big, these deals are perfect for VR beginners or pros looking to update their setups.

]]> <![CDATA[ Huge Black Friday savings: HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR headset gets $250 price cut ]]> The whirlwind of Black Friday 2021 deals brings a heap of killer Black Friday gaming offers, and PC gamers will be happy to know HTC's Vive Cosmos Elite VR headset is getting in on the discount action by finally getting a significant $250 price cut.

This epic Black Friday deal brings the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite down to $649, and you can pick it up right now at Amazon. With its highly accurate Lighthouse tracking technology and crystal-clear LCD (2880 x 1700) panels, PC VR gamers can take their gaming up a notch — and it's now easier on the wallet. 

HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Black Friday deal

HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR Headset: was $899.99 now $649 @ Amazon
Now $250 off, HTC's pricey VR headset is finally more affordable than ever. PC VR gamers can expect a sharp, smooth display thanks to the LCD panels with 2880 x 1700 combined Pixel resolution, powerful sound, and a variety of games and apps. Specs-wise, it has six tracking cameras, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a wide 110-degree field of view. View Deal

While the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset is the best VR headset due to its low price point and brilliant performance, it struggles to compete with the PC-powered HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR headset. Like the HTC Vive Cosmos, one of the Elite's biggest flaws is the expensive price tag. Now, thanks to this Black Friday offer, it isn't as much of a pitfall anymore.

Paired with one of the best VR-ready gaming laptops, the Cosmos Elite offers a high-end VR experience that will have gamers become fully immersed in big hitters such as Half-Life: Alyx. Featuring all-new LCD panels with 2880 x 1700 combined pixel resolution and Lighthouse tracking technology with a base station 1.0 that provides up to 160 square feet of play space.

Plus, the Cosmos Elite comes with Viveport offering access to HTC's personal game library store and a paid monthly service called Viveport Infinity that'll give you access to hundreds of VR games as well as exclusive offers and discounts. To play the very best VR games, the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite has you covered.

If you're after even more affordable VR headset deals, head on over to our best Oculus Quest 2 VR Black Friday deals page. 

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/news/huge-black-friday-savings-htc-vive-cosmos-elite-vr-headset-gets-dollar250-price-cut jT9Cr7kEfEcH4kktTfLZy3 Thu, 25 Nov 2021 12:27:19 +0000 false false false

The whirlwind of Black Friday 2021 deals brings a heap of killer Black Friday gaming offers, and PC gamers will be happy to know HTC's Vive Cosmos Elite VR headset is getting in on the discount action by finally getting a significant $250 price cut.

This epic Black Friday deal brings the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite down to $649, and you can pick it up right now at Amazon. With its highly accurate Lighthouse tracking technology and crystal-clear LCD (2880 x 1700) panels, PC VR gamers can take their gaming up a notch — and it's now easier on the wallet. 

HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Black Friday deal

HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR Headset: was $899.99 now $649 @ Amazon
Now $250 off, HTC's pricey VR headset is finally more affordable than ever. PC VR gamers can expect a sharp, smooth display thanks to the LCD panels with 2880 x 1700 combined Pixel resolution, powerful sound, and a variety of games and apps. Specs-wise, it has six tracking cameras, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a wide 110-degree field of view. View Deal

While the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset is the best VR headset due to its low price point and brilliant performance, it struggles to compete with the PC-powered HTC Vive Cosmos Elite VR headset. Like the HTC Vive Cosmos, one of the Elite's biggest flaws is the expensive price tag. Now, thanks to this Black Friday offer, it isn't as much of a pitfall anymore.

Paired with one of the best VR-ready gaming laptops, the Cosmos Elite offers a high-end VR experience that will have gamers become fully immersed in big hitters such as Half-Life: Alyx. Featuring all-new LCD panels with 2880 x 1700 combined pixel resolution and Lighthouse tracking technology with a base station 1.0 that provides up to 160 square feet of play space.

Plus, the Cosmos Elite comes with Viveport offering access to HTC's personal game library store and a paid monthly service called Viveport Infinity that'll give you access to hundreds of VR games as well as exclusive offers and discounts. To play the very best VR games, the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite has you covered.

If you're after even more affordable VR headset deals, head on over to our best Oculus Quest 2 VR Black Friday deals page. 

]]> <![CDATA[ [Update] HTC 'Vive Air' leak reveals fitness-focused VR headset — watch out Quest 2! ]]> Update on April 21: HTC has confirmed to UploadVR the Vive Air VR headset is currently a concept and is not in development. An HTC spokesperson stated the iF Design Award was only given to the concept piece. However, the spokesperson claimed the "design language" of the Vive Air has elements and inspirations "you'll see elsewhere." There will be more to come on either May 11 or 12 at VIVECON 2021. What follows is the original story.

HTC has been teasing a new VR headset after launching face trackers, but a new leak gives us a first look at its new "Vive Air." It is specifically designed for virtual fitness fans.

The iF Design Awards 2021 revealed a fitness-focused VR headset from HTC, and it's expected to launch sometime in 2021. According to the page, the headset will be available in Asia, Europe and North America. 

HTC Vive Air

(Image credit: IF World Design Guide)

HTC Vive Air: What we know

The HTC Vive Air is all about fitness, with the leak indicating that the design of the new VR headset has been inspired by "sports shoes." It was made to be used for long periods of time, using knitted materials for comfort when sweating it out in VR.

The new headset has been "optimized for high intensity" workouts, designed to be lightweight so users can easily move around, and aims to improve ventilation by using breathable quick-drying fabrics.

Since it's being used for virtual fitness (think fitness apps such as Beat Saber or Creed: Rise to Glory), there's going to be a lot of sweat. HTC seems to have taken this into account by introducing a way to release the VR system from the head strap so the "soft components" can be washed. 

HTC Vive Air

(Image credit: IF World Design Guide)

While there's no mention of the device being wireless, photos indicate the Vive Air is a stand-alone wireless VR headset akin to the popular Oculus Quest 2.

There's no word if HTC will be releasing specific fitness games or additional accessories with the Vive Air, nor does the leak give a price. However, with the popularity of the Quest 2 continuing to sore at its $299 price point, we expect the new VR headset to be in the same ballpark.

The Vive Air's design doesn't match what HTC has been previously teasing on Twitter, specifically in terms of color. This suggests there may be more than one VR headset coming down the line. As always with leaks, we'll just have to wait and see until the VR company officially announces the fitness-focused headset. 

(H/T Road to VR)

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/news/htc-vive-air-leak-reveals-fitness-focused-vr-headset-watch-out-quest-2 SU8nggqwkwhtjcWsmQA4nG Wed, 21 Apr 2021 11:22:57 +0000 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 11:23:46 +0000 false false false

Update on April 21: HTC has confirmed to UploadVR the Vive Air VR headset is currently a concept and is not in development. An HTC spokesperson stated the iF Design Award was only given to the concept piece. However, the spokesperson claimed the "design language" of the Vive Air has elements and inspirations "you'll see elsewhere." There will be more to come on either May 11 or 12 at VIVECON 2021. What follows is the original story.

HTC has been teasing a new VR headset after launching face trackers, but a new leak gives us a first look at its new "Vive Air." It is specifically designed for virtual fitness fans.

The iF Design Awards 2021 revealed a fitness-focused VR headset from HTC, and it's expected to launch sometime in 2021. According to the page, the headset will be available in Asia, Europe and North America. 

HTC Vive Air

(Image credit: IF World Design Guide)

HTC Vive Air: What we know

The HTC Vive Air is all about fitness, with the leak indicating that the design of the new VR headset has been inspired by "sports shoes." It was made to be used for long periods of time, using knitted materials for comfort when sweating it out in VR.

The new headset has been "optimized for high intensity" workouts, designed to be lightweight so users can easily move around, and aims to improve ventilation by using breathable quick-drying fabrics.

Since it's being used for virtual fitness (think fitness apps such as Beat Saber or Creed: Rise to Glory), there's going to be a lot of sweat. HTC seems to have taken this into account by introducing a way to release the VR system from the head strap so the "soft components" can be washed. 

HTC Vive Air

(Image credit: IF World Design Guide)

While there's no mention of the device being wireless, photos indicate the Vive Air is a stand-alone wireless VR headset akin to the popular Oculus Quest 2.

There's no word if HTC will be releasing specific fitness games or additional accessories with the Vive Air, nor does the leak give a price. However, with the popularity of the Quest 2 continuing to sore at its $299 price point, we expect the new VR headset to be in the same ballpark.

The Vive Air's design doesn't match what HTC has been previously teasing on Twitter, specifically in terms of color. This suggests there may be more than one VR headset coming down the line. As always with leaks, we'll just have to wait and see until the VR company officially announces the fitness-focused headset. 

(H/T Road to VR)

]]> <![CDATA[ HTC reveals strange Vive Pro face trackers — the future of VR is about tracking your lips ]]> Earlier this week, HTC teased new add-ons coming to the HTC Vive VR headsets. Now, the company has officially revealed what we were all expecting, and it's looking to be the future of VR for those willing to spend.

HTC has announced its Vive Facial Tracker and new Vive Tracker, both of which will be able to track more of a user's expressions and movements, seemingly to the point where they may as well be in a full motion-capture suit to film the next Hollywood blockbuster. In fact, that's kind of what they're being targeted for. 

HTC Vive Facial Tracker and Body Tracker: What we know

The HTC Vive Facial Tracker will be officially released in the U.S. on March 24, priced at $129.99. It will translate a user's entire face, including facial expressions and mouth movement. It will also track up to 38 facial movements using blend shapes across the lips, jaw, teeth, tongue, cheeks, and chin. Wait, does that mean we can stick our tongue out at others in virtual reality? Neat.

It also boasts sub-10 millisecond latency so lips match a user's voice. It has a 60 Hz tracking rate, and comes with dual-cameras to track motion and infrared illumination when in low-light settings.

The HTC Vive Facial Tracker also works with other modules, including the Vive Pro Eye to bring even more of the user into VR. However, it only works with the Vive Pro series of VR headsets, which means the HTC Vive Cosmos or Cosmos Elite aren't getting any love.

As for the Vive Tracker 3.0, it is also priced at $129.99 and comes out on March 24. The updated tracker will have 75% more battery life for up to 7.5 hours and be 33% smaller and 15% lighter than its predecessors, coming in at 75 grams. It has a field of view (FOV) of 240 degrees.

These add-ons could take VR beyond gaming with HTC marketing the Pro series and these new trackers for simulation training, production and developers. While a step in the right direction for VR, none of this is cheap. Adding these up, getting a Pro headset, a top-of-the-line gaming laptop or PC, and these new add-ons will cost thousands of dollars.

While not quite as mainstream as the Oculus Quest 2 due to its price, the Vive could find an audience thanks to the facial tracker and updated body trackers, which could be a game-changer for apps such as VRChat, and could possibly change VR dating, too. 

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/news/htc-reveals-strange-vive-pro-face-trackers-the-future-of-vr-is-about-tracking-your-lips EjgER4FvZaiZ3nvNKWYza4 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 14:26:44 +0000 false false false

Earlier this week, HTC teased new add-ons coming to the HTC Vive VR headsets. Now, the company has officially revealed what we were all expecting, and it's looking to be the future of VR for those willing to spend.

HTC has announced its Vive Facial Tracker and new Vive Tracker, both of which will be able to track more of a user's expressions and movements, seemingly to the point where they may as well be in a full motion-capture suit to film the next Hollywood blockbuster. In fact, that's kind of what they're being targeted for. 

HTC Vive Facial Tracker and Body Tracker: What we know

The HTC Vive Facial Tracker will be officially released in the U.S. on March 24, priced at $129.99. It will translate a user's entire face, including facial expressions and mouth movement. It will also track up to 38 facial movements using blend shapes across the lips, jaw, teeth, tongue, cheeks, and chin. Wait, does that mean we can stick our tongue out at others in virtual reality? Neat.

It also boasts sub-10 millisecond latency so lips match a user's voice. It has a 60 Hz tracking rate, and comes with dual-cameras to track motion and infrared illumination when in low-light settings.

The HTC Vive Facial Tracker also works with other modules, including the Vive Pro Eye to bring even more of the user into VR. However, it only works with the Vive Pro series of VR headsets, which means the HTC Vive Cosmos or Cosmos Elite aren't getting any love.

As for the Vive Tracker 3.0, it is also priced at $129.99 and comes out on March 24. The updated tracker will have 75% more battery life for up to 7.5 hours and be 33% smaller and 15% lighter than its predecessors, coming in at 75 grams. It has a field of view (FOV) of 240 degrees.

These add-ons could take VR beyond gaming with HTC marketing the Pro series and these new trackers for simulation training, production and developers. While a step in the right direction for VR, none of this is cheap. Adding these up, getting a Pro headset, a top-of-the-line gaming laptop or PC, and these new add-ons will cost thousands of dollars.

While not quite as mainstream as the Oculus Quest 2 due to its price, the Vive could find an audience thanks to the facial tracker and updated body trackers, which could be a game-changer for apps such as VRChat, and could possibly change VR dating, too. 

]]> <![CDATA[ HTC teases new lip-tracking module for Vive VR headsets — a game-changer for VRChat ]]> The HTC Vive VR headsets may currently be lagging behind the Oculus Quest 2, but it might be bringing new add-ons that could be a game-changer for many VR experiences, especially fans of VRChat and even VR dating.

HTC has teased VR fans with a close-up image of what might be its lip-tracking module add-on for its Vive VR headsets. Now we just need smell-o-vision and we can finally immerse ourselves in the virtual world. 

As spotted on Upload VR, it seems HTC will release its lip-tracking module to all Vive owners soon, as there's even a date on the photo upon closer inspection that states "3/10/21." Whether that means a full reveal on March 10 in the American date format, or a release date for October 3 using the U.K. date format, we're not sure.

One fan on Twitter showed a picture of the lip tracking module attached to the Vive Pro headset. HTC Vive's lip-tracking module was fully shown back in GDC 2019, although it wasn't made available for the general consumer. Essentially, the module hangs below the headset in front of a user's lips, which will then be able to read the movements of lips when speaking (or pulling wacky faces).

HTC Vive has been teasing a number of things on its Twitter page recently, along with a "It's your move" tweet with another close-up image of what seems to be a HTC Vive tracker. Instead of another VR headset release, HTC could be hinting at add-on accessories to better immerse players in VR. Seeing as the HTC Vive is considerably a lot pricier than its VR headset competition (although fitted with great specs), releasing add-ons could be a better option for those who already own a HTC Vive.

There's no doubt VR headset competition is heating up, with Apple rumoured to launch its own VR headset in 2022, while Facebook's Oculus Quest 2 is set to get a major 120Hz upgrade very soon.

Speaking of being being immersed, if you're after a freaky VR experience, check out our first thoughts on Wraith: The Oblivion — Afterlife — it made one of us puke. 

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/news/htc-teases-new-lip-tracking-module-for-vive-vr-headsets-a-game-changer-for-vrchat Hrw9M9UKTVKCC36wd8qJJg Tue, 09 Mar 2021 15:08:00 +0000 false false false

The HTC Vive VR headsets may currently be lagging behind the Oculus Quest 2, but it might be bringing new add-ons that could be a game-changer for many VR experiences, especially fans of VRChat and even VR dating.

HTC has teased VR fans with a close-up image of what might be its lip-tracking module add-on for its Vive VR headsets. Now we just need smell-o-vision and we can finally immerse ourselves in the virtual world. 

As spotted on Upload VR, it seems HTC will release its lip-tracking module to all Vive owners soon, as there's even a date on the photo upon closer inspection that states "3/10/21." Whether that means a full reveal on March 10 in the American date format, or a release date for October 3 using the U.K. date format, we're not sure.

One fan on Twitter showed a picture of the lip tracking module attached to the Vive Pro headset. HTC Vive's lip-tracking module was fully shown back in GDC 2019, although it wasn't made available for the general consumer. Essentially, the module hangs below the headset in front of a user's lips, which will then be able to read the movements of lips when speaking (or pulling wacky faces).

HTC Vive has been teasing a number of things on its Twitter page recently, along with a "It's your move" tweet with another close-up image of what seems to be a HTC Vive tracker. Instead of another VR headset release, HTC could be hinting at add-on accessories to better immerse players in VR. Seeing as the HTC Vive is considerably a lot pricier than its VR headset competition (although fitted with great specs), releasing add-ons could be a better option for those who already own a HTC Vive.

There's no doubt VR headset competition is heating up, with Apple rumoured to launch its own VR headset in 2022, while Facebook's Oculus Quest 2 is set to get a major 120Hz upgrade very soon.

Speaking of being being immersed, if you're after a freaky VR experience, check out our first thoughts on Wraith: The Oblivion — Afterlife — it made one of us puke. 

]]> <![CDATA[ How-To Use Your Alienware Notebook for VR ]]> Now that the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have arrived, you're ready to jump into the virtual reality fray. However, like many of us, you might not have the space or the money for one of the powerful new gaming rigs you need to support either headset. But fear not, if you already own a current-gen Alienware 13, 15 or 17 laptop,  there's a more space and cost-efficient option in the Alienware graphics amp.

The $199 peripheral is an external graphics amplifier that can house a powerful desktop card such as the just-released Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti GPU. That means that your last-generation, used-to-be-unsuitable-for-VR Alienware laptop can transform into a beefy powerhouse, ready for anything the virtual world can throw at it -- provided, of course, you have a compatible Alienware laptop. But if you have a newer system outfitted with Nvidia VR-ready Pascal GPU, the graphics amp can add more graphics oomph for a smoother VR experience and better frame rates on traditional games. Previously only Alienware laptops with Intel 6th Generation Core Series (aka Skylake) CPUs, which were sold starting in late 2015, had the necessary connector. But now every current Alienware will feature the proprietary port. 

The following how-to will show you the ins-and-outs of setting up an Alienware notebook with the company's graphics amp to use either a Rift or Vive.

System Requirements

In order to use the Vive or the Rift, your Alienware laptop will have to meet a few requirements. Both headsets require at least a 6th-generation Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor, 8GB of RAM, two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 1.4, a 1920 x 1080 display and Windows 7 or above. As far as graphics cards, the minimum components you can use with either headset are a Nvidia GTX 970 GPU or an AMD Radeon R9 290 GPU.

The headsets do have a few differences though, namely when it comes to RAM requirements and ports. The Vive can function with a minimum 4GB of RAM with either HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 and at least one USB 2.0. The Rift requires 8GB of RAM or more, HDMI 1.3, and three USB 3.0 ports plus one USB 2.0 port.  

Once you make sure the laptop and graphics card are up to snuff, be sure to update the relevant software such as Nvidia's GeForce Experience, Oculus Home or Steam VR.

The Gear

For this guide, I used an Alienware 17 R3 (2016), configured with an Intel i7-6700HQ CPU, 8GB of RAM, 1TB HDD and a Nvidia GeForce 970M GPU with 3GB of VRAM. The Alienware Graphics Amplifier was outfitted with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 GPU, the company's latest and greatest graphics card. Once the card is safely in the amp, it can support both the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift. And don't forget the most important piece of hardware in this setup -- a Philips-head screwdriver.

The Setup

Now that you've gotten all your equipment and software together, it's time to set up your virtual reality rig. First, we'll take care of the graphics amplifier.

Open the amp. There's a sliding switch along the back of the amp; slide it to the left to release the clasp and pull upward on the lid to reveal the amp's interior.

Remove the top two screws so you can place the GPU into the awaiting slot.

Install the GPU. Take your graphics card out of its packaging and put it into the awaiting PCIe slot.

 Replace the screws, plug in the connector and close the lid. 

Plug in the graphics amp's power cord to get the party started and use the proprietary cord to connect it to the Alienware laptop. Whether it's an Alienware 17, 15 or 13, you'll find the port along the back of the laptop.

Turn the amp on. Once the amp is connected to your laptop, feel free to fire up the laptop. You'll see a message prompting you to restart the laptop in order to switch over to the amp. Hit the yes button and once it restarts, you'll be ready to rock and roll.

Attach your VR headset. You did remember to install your VR headset's software right? If so, all you have to do is attach your Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, follow the setup and enjoy traipsing through your virtual environment.

]]> https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/alienware-graphics-amplifier-vr-tutorial EziZ2LA3jNUAq3rkw69wdh Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:45:54 +0000 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 19:40:15 +0000 false false false

Now that the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have arrived, you're ready to jump into the virtual reality fray. However, like many of us, you might not have the space or the money for one of the powerful new gaming rigs you need to support either headset. But fear not, if you already own a current-gen Alienware 13, 15 or 17 laptop,  there's a more space and cost-efficient option in the Alienware graphics amp.

The $199 peripheral is an external graphics amplifier that can house a powerful desktop card such as the just-released Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti GPU. That means that your last-generation, used-to-be-unsuitable-for-VR Alienware laptop can transform into a beefy powerhouse, ready for anything the virtual world can throw at it -- provided, of course, you have a compatible Alienware laptop. But if you have a newer system outfitted with Nvidia VR-ready Pascal GPU, the graphics amp can add more graphics oomph for a smoother VR experience and better frame rates on traditional games. Previously only Alienware laptops with Intel 6th Generation Core Series (aka Skylake) CPUs, which were sold starting in late 2015, had the necessary connector. But now every current Alienware will feature the proprietary port. 

The following how-to will show you the ins-and-outs of setting up an Alienware notebook with the company's graphics amp to use either a Rift or Vive.

System Requirements

In order to use the Vive or the Rift, your Alienware laptop will have to meet a few requirements. Both headsets require at least a 6th-generation Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor, 8GB of RAM, two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 1.4, a 1920 x 1080 display and Windows 7 or above. As far as graphics cards, the minimum components you can use with either headset are a Nvidia GTX 970 GPU or an AMD Radeon R9 290 GPU.

The headsets do have a few differences though, namely when it comes to RAM requirements and ports. The Vive can function with a minimum 4GB of RAM with either HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 and at least one USB 2.0. The Rift requires 8GB of RAM or more, HDMI 1.3, and three USB 3.0 ports plus one USB 2.0 port.  

Once you make sure the laptop and graphics card are up to snuff, be sure to update the relevant software such as Nvidia's GeForce Experience, Oculus Home or Steam VR.

The Gear

For this guide, I used an Alienware 17 R3 (2016), configured with an Intel i7-6700HQ CPU, 8GB of RAM, 1TB HDD and a Nvidia GeForce 970M GPU with 3GB of VRAM. The Alienware Graphics Amplifier was outfitted with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 GPU, the company's latest and greatest graphics card. Once the card is safely in the amp, it can support both the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift. And don't forget the most important piece of hardware in this setup -- a Philips-head screwdriver.

The Setup

Now that you've gotten all your equipment and software together, it's time to set up your virtual reality rig. First, we'll take care of the graphics amplifier.

Open the amp. There's a sliding switch along the back of the amp; slide it to the left to release the clasp and pull upward on the lid to reveal the amp's interior.

Remove the top two screws so you can place the GPU into the awaiting slot.

Install the GPU. Take your graphics card out of its packaging and put it into the awaiting PCIe slot.

 Replace the screws, plug in the connector and close the lid. 

Plug in the graphics amp's power cord to get the party started and use the proprietary cord to connect it to the Alienware laptop. Whether it's an Alienware 17, 15 or 13, you'll find the port along the back of the laptop.

Turn the amp on. Once the amp is connected to your laptop, feel free to fire up the laptop. You'll see a message prompting you to restart the laptop in order to switch over to the amp. Hit the yes button and once it restarts, you'll be ready to rock and roll.

Attach your VR headset. You did remember to install your VR headset's software right? If so, all you have to do is attach your Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, follow the setup and enjoy traipsing through your virtual environment.

]]>