The HTC Vive is set to launch subscription software for those not looking to buy VR apps. The service, which will be launched through the HTC app hub Viveport, will offer a range of apps to choose from at just $6.99 per month.
How HTC plans to make Anniversary Day special
Under the plan, a user can access a maximum of five apps. As of now, the Viveport subscription has more than 50 VR games and apps such as Everest VR and Fantastic Contraption. It is up to the customer to stick with the same five titles forever or keep changing their selection every month.
Rikard Steiber, president of Viveport said, “The rapid growth of the app market is a win for VR overall yet it can present discoverability challenges that affect both customers and content creators.”
Steiber added that offering a subscription model for VR is a natural evolution of where the market is going.
Those who already have the Vive will be able to get a free trial for one month starting Wednesday, notes CNET. Along with this subscription offer, users are also getting an opportunity to buy this expensive VR hardware at a discount. To mark the first anniversary of the headset, the makers have now reduced the price by $100.
The headset was priced $799, and now, it will be available for $699 on April 5. HTC has named the anniversary “Vive Day.” The competing Oculus Rift headset is already available for $499, but the Vive is equipped with two wireless motion controllers. This boils down to the fact that even after the one-day discount, the HTC Vive is expensive compared to the Rift with the Oculus Touch controllers, which costs $598, notes Polygon.
On anniversary day, the company is also offering Vive owners Arcade Saga — a bundle of three action games made specifically for VR capabilities and mode — free. Arcade Saga usually comes with a price tag of $19.99; the free deal will be offered only on Viveport HTC’s storefront for the Vive.
What’s new with the Vive?
The HTC Vive system is known for its room scale sensors, which allow VR users to roam around and have an ultimate immersive experience. Wiring has been an issue because space is restricted, but the company looks in no mood to restrict users from roaming around. Therefore, it is looking to create a wireless adapter. It has partnered with TPCast to do this and is planning to release the adapter by the end of April, according to Road to VR.
Meanwhile, HTC Vive VR or Oculus Rift owners can now play as Batman from the comfort of their homes. The only condition is that the VR headset should be plugged into a PC. Batman Arkham has already been available on PlayStation VR since October 2016, and now, it is coming to these VR headsets on April 25. The game’s pre-order date is expected to be available on the official game website soon.
