Consumers interested in trying out the Oculus Rift virtual reality goggle gadget can now get their wish: Rift demos are set to launch at 48 Best Buy stores in the US on 7 May, as part of The Intel Experience.
oculusConsumers can use the Oculus Live scheduler to plan a Rift demo at Best Buy locations up to a month in advance.
Later this summer, more in-store Rift demos will be added to additional Best Buy locations. It also plans to introduce international locations in Canada and Europe this autumn.
“For many, this is a first chance to jump into truly immersive VR,” the company said in a blog. “We’ll have a variety of experiences that everyone can enjoy, including VR vignettes with Oculus Dreamdeck. Ultimate thrill seekers will be able to experience what it’s like rock climbing on the side of a cliff with The Climb, and in the coming weeks, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful alien world of Farlands.”
A small number of Rifts will be available for purchase at select Best Buy stores in early May, and online from Microsoft and Amazon. The company said that quantities will be extremely limited while it catches up on Rift pre-orders.
“We know that many pre-order customers are still waiting for their Rifts, so we’re offering those customers a chance to purchase Rift from retail instead – while keeping their pre-order benefits, like the EVE: Valkyrie Founder’s Pack and priority status for Touch pre-orders,” the company said.
Annual investment in augmented and virtual reality companies has hit an all-time high with a record $1.1 billion being invested into AR and VR companies in 2016 so far this year, according to Digi-Capital. It marks the first time that investment has topped a billion dollars in any year, and shows incredible growth compared to the $700 million invested during all of 2015.
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