Microsoft HoloLens, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive Virtual Reality News With Release Dates, Prices, and Upgrades

Aug 04, 2016 12:04 AM EDT

We are really in an age that is about to seriously get on board with VR, but we aren't into it yet.  The issue is that some of the major players that are out now, the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, are just getting their feet wet and making upgrades.  The good news for those that want the Microsoft HoloLens, as it is available for purchase now, albeit expensive.  Then there is a less expensive headset from Samsung known as the Galaxy Gear VR.  This is the latest Virtual Reality News with release dates, prices, and upgrades from the biggest companies.

Microsoft HoloLens Available for Consumers

When it comes to the HoloLens, developers in the past had to apply for the chance to purchase Microsoft's augmented reality headset.  If you want to purchase it, you will have to pay about $3,000.  In fact, you can purchase up to five of these headsets provide that you have a Microsoft account, as well as an address in the United States or Canada, according to Engadget.  It might be wiser to wait for the consumer edition of this particular headset, as it could go for a cheaper price. 

Samsung Gear VR Headset Gets an Upgrade

Since the Samsung new Galaxy Note 7 is now ready to meet its consumer audience, it is compatible with the Gear VR headset, at least the new one.  The issue is that the Gear VR headset has a USB Type-C port, which has a more comfortable version of its VR face-screen.  By the way, if you have an older Samsung phone with a micro USB port, this is compatible thanks to an included adapter. 

Engadget wrote about it, and they say that the redesign of the VR headset has a new finish different from its other models.  The controls are also different with a dedicated Home button and a redesigned touchpad on the Gear VR's right side, and there is some padding to make it even more comfortable.   If this is something that you want, you should be able to get it on August 19th

Oculus Rift and Content

What is interesting about Virtual Reality is it is on the cusp of changing the world, but it is difficult to see when it will take off.  Part of the problem is content, and Jason Rubin, the head of content at Oculus Rift, says it could take 6 to 12 months before content really takes off. 

Venture Beat says that Virtual Reality could be a $20 billion dollar business by 2020, but Rubin reports that the launch was "mixed".  However, it will be lucrative for developers, and there is quite a future for it, if it really blows the user away. 

HTC Vive and New Sensor?

A report from The Verge says that the HTC Vive could have some new features such as a new sensor.  This came from a tweet from Dimitri Diakopoulos, who had a picture of a prototype with six camera holes to detect the environment around you.