PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Oculus, the company behind the much-hyped Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, is remaining tight-lipped over its plans to work with the UK tech channel.
The Rift will cost £499 and is now available for pre-order. It’s due to launch on March 28th, as announced last week during CES (Oculus’ founder later said the price tag was ‘obscenely cheap’ for what it is).
PCR reached out to Oculus to find out if it plans to work with tech retailers and distributors in selling the Rift.
For now, it seems as if the Rift will be sold direct to consumers, though Oculus did say it intends to work with the channel at some point.
An Oculus spokesperson told PCR: "Initially Oculus will sell from its website (as it’s doing now with pre-orders), but plans to ultimately sell into the channel.
"We are not yet revealing when that will occur and with which partners that will occur. Sorry I can’t be more helpful at this time."
Is your PC ready for the Oculus Rift? Find out here
PCR understands that HTC will be working "more closely" with the channel with its HTC Vive virtual reality headset, which is available to pre-order from February 29th and should launch around April time.
Additionally, Samsung currently sells its Gear VR device (which is powered by Oculus) direct to consumers and via distribution/retail partners. At the moment, it’s with JLP, SES, eStore, and O2 is launching shortly. In terms of distribution, it’s currently partnered with Tech Data and Exertis.
The PlayStation VR headset is due this year, as is the developer version of Microsoft’s HoloLens (which will cost $3,000). Channel plans for those devices have not yet been confirmed.
