Virtual Reality Headset Sales Hit 1 Million

[HiFlyer 9,358]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/paullamkin/2017/11/30/virtual-reality-headset-sales-hit-1-million/#3f8a02c42b61

The virtual reality revolution continues at a pace, with shipments topping 1 million in a quarter for the first time. For Q3 2017, industry analyst Canalys states that Sony led the way with 490,000 shipments of its PlayStation VR headset, followed by Facebook’s Oculus Rift device with 210,00 shipments and HTC’s Vive headset in third place with 160,000 shipments.

That combined 860,000 makes up 86 percent of the market, with other (often smartphone powered headsets) such as Samsung’s Gear VR and Google’s Daydream range making up the rest.

Previously, shipment estimates has HTC ahead of the Rift but recent price cuts – you can get Oculus’ headset for less than $400 now – have seen a surge in popularity for the headset that effectively kick-started the new wave of virtual reality technology.

"VR adoption in the consumer segment is highly dependent on price, and Oculus’ strategy of lowering prices has definitely helped drive adoption," said Canalys Research Analyst Vincent Thielke. Incumbents and new players entering the market are targeting similar price points. "Hugo Barra is betting on his next product, the $199 Oculus Go standalone headset, to reach more users next year. The Go will excite first-time users, but driving adoption beyond social media will be a challenge."

A major new player not featuring yet in the VR shipment tables is Microsoft. The tech giant’s Windows Mixed Reality platform is now live, with multiple brands lined up to launch headsets in the coming months with both consumer and enterprise headsets expected.

"VR in business can be applied to many industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare and education," said Canalys Analyst Jason Low. "As top-tier PC vendors, including HP, Lenovo, Acer, Asus and Dell, launch their own VR headsets, using their distribution channel efficiencies, one can expect a strong VR uptake in business."

Back in September, International Data Corporation forecast that huge growth is expected in the next few years for VR. It states that the headset market will hit 13.7 million shipments this year, growing to a staggering 81.2 million units by 2021; a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 56.1 percent.

IDC predicts that VR headsets will make up more than 90 percent of the market until 2019, but between 2020 and 2021 AR headsets will experience exponential growth, grabbing a quarter of the market by the end of that period.

 

[MikeT707 1,181]

Good to see adoption continue to grow. As it does, innovation will improve. Looking forward to the day when the form factor is half the thickness, as well as the weight, and much higher resolution.