Previously, it was reported that HTC plans to release the consumer edition of its virtual reality headset, the Vive, before the year ends. Unfortunately, the December release date was mas out of pure speculation as HTC clarified that the release of the HTC Vive will only be for the developer kits and the consumer version for retail will be released in April next year.
According to an announcement on the official HTC blog, the company said the reported December release date of the consumer version is "speculation and misinformation" and clarified that the HTC Vive is still on track. HTC and partner Valve will provide both feedback and content for the developer edition, the announcement said.
Meanwhile, the company reiterated that the upcoming additional Vive units that will be released early next year will still be the developer kits for content creation and that the consumer version will eventually roll out in April.
The company also promised additional updates that will come from the company itself prior to the launch. HTC said, "We will be starting the new year by making an additional 7,000 units available to developers, followed by commercial availability in April 2016. We are incredibly excited about the future and look forward to sharing more information as we move forward towards launch."
HTC's Vive headset have been hyped as one of the most awaited virtual reality peripherals to come out, with the early developer kits gathering favorable reviews. According to TechCrunch, the collaboration with Valve has produced a VR accessory capable of giving users an immersive and impressive experience.
With the consumer edition to be released next year, the Vive joins other premium VR headsets pegged for a 2016 launch, such as Sony's PlayStation VR (previously Project Morpheus) and the Oculus Rift. CNET reported that so far, in terms of virtual reality market, the Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard are the only VR headsets available to consumers.
