YouTube channel MRTV is a trusted sources that many people go to for information on virtual reality, augmented reality, and of course, mixed reality. Today the channel reported that the HTC Vive Cosmos was expect to come at (or near) a price point of $900.
Before we dive into whether this is factual or not, let us understand what this would mean for consumers and HTC.
The Cosmos is anticipated to be HTC’s first consumer-focused headset since the HTC Vive. The Vive was originally priced at $799. With the technology that is packed into the headset, controllers, and base stations, you can expect the price to be what it was. Now that more HTC headsets have made their appearance on the market and other competing headsets have dropped in price, the Vive has too. You can now buy one as cheap as $499.
The Cosmos is anticipated to be inside-out tracking system. With the six cameras that will be rocking on this headset, we can expect a pretty great 6DoF experience. The controllers are also going to be tracked by the Cosmos, making the need for sensors on this headset non-existent. This is a pretty big advancement for HTC, as Oculus has already managed to make the Rift S a powerful PC headset with great inside-out tracking.
The Cosmos and Rift S are – in theory – going to be competitors for the years to come. If the new headset form HTC is going to stand a chance against the Rift S and even the Quest, they are going to have to keep a price point that is very realistic for the consumer headset. Anything over $600 is going to keep the consumers going with Oculus for this generation virtual reality headsets.
Now to see if the rumors are true, Road to VR reached out to a spokesperson for a quote about this initial report. This is what he responded with. “We appreciate the speculation on Cosmos’ price and functionality. What was reported today is incorrect (and high). We’re just getting started on what we’ve built with Cosmos and believe we’re delivering a product with great value, functionality, and the ability to grow with you over time.”
There is multiple points in this quote that are worth speaking to. Of course HTC has denied the initial report, but there is speculation to go with it. With the “mods” on this headset making its rounds, we wonder if this is going to be playing a major part in the price point and functionality of this headset. If we are going to have a major increase in price from HTC with the mods, here are a few things we would expect.
Keep the mods as an option at checkout. There is no need to force anyone who wants to own the Cosmos to own every modification for the headset as well, especially if it can impact the final price they are going to pay for the headset. Next, don’t let the “ability to grow with you over time” to impact the price you are paying for the headset either. There is plenty of futurist out there that love this idea, and there are plenty of people that are happy with the one headset they buy. Don’t obligate everyone who buys the Cosmos to be growing with it. Again, keep mandatory mods to a minimum with the Vive Cosmos.
Hopefully in the coming weeks we get a little more information on what the full plan is for the HTC Vive Cosmos. It is anticipated that we get the specifications and prices of the headset shortly, but we have not confirmed that the company is still on the timeline as they were on just weeks ago.
