The HTC Vive might be available for more than a year already, but this VR (virtual reality) headset is still considered to be a luxury purchase compared to an essential item. The cost of entry could be equal to that of a flagship Android smartphone, but here is an opportunity for those who are interested to own one for just £35 per month for 24 months, the total cost of the Vive would be £840. This is definitely more expensive than picking up the Vive for £759 outright, but at least spreading the cost over two years with a 9.9% financing (which includes shipping) will make the Vive more accessible to the masses. This particular financing option can be selected on the billing page when you check out through the HTC Vive website. Each Vive purchase through this financing plan will be accompanied by Richie’s Plank Experience and Everest VR, in addition to an entire month’s worth of free access to Viveport Subscription. With a Viveport Subscription, users are able to take the pick of five monthly selections from a unique range of VR titles to help them dive into the world of VR. While this deal is available only in the UK at the moment, expect other European countries to follow suit with a similar financing structure, albeit using a different currency.
Richie’s Plank Experience is a highly rated game on Steam that works with both the Vive and Oculus Rift, requiring a play area of at least 2 m x 1.8 m. The name of the game gives itself away, providing you with a safe and affordable method of overcoming vertigo. As for Everest VR, you will be able to make an attempt to scale one of the world’s most famous peaks, sans the danger of depriving yourself of oxygen or being subject to perilous and extreme weather conditions.
The Vive is a VR headset that was developed by both HTC and Valve. First released in April last year, the Vive intends to make use of “room scale” technology which will use its integrated sensors to transform any room into 3D space. Within this 3D space, users are able to walk around in a natural manner while its handheld controllers that are capable of motion tracking enables object manipulation, precise interaction, as well as the ability to communicate within an immersive environment. It would be interesting to see what kind of financing options will be introduced to other European countries for the Vive.