WMR Headset prices cut in half on Amazon

[Zenbane]

If you missed the news, or have been interested in any of the Windows Mixed Reality headsets, then now is the time to buy one... from Amazon:


https://differentimpulse.com/wmr-headset-prices-cut-half-amazon/


The price cuts for Dell, HP, and Lenovo are actually more than 50%!

I have high hopes for WMR, but they still seem a ways off when compared to the current competition. As far as I can tell, the only reason to buy a WMR if you already own a high-end PCVR headset, is because you want to be ready when the Exclusive WMR Titles are released. The main franchise that is going exclusive to WMR is Halo.

It's also important to point out Microsoft is planning Mixed Reality exclusives, and it's starting out with a uniquely VR take on the Halo franchise.
https://www.windowscentral.com/htc-vive-vs-windows-mixed-reality-which-should-you-buy

Note that I'm posting this for informational purposes and constructive analysis (there's no need for console-war style rhetoric).

I'm a fan of Microsoft and I think that while the existing WMR product line is lacking, I feel that over time they will prove to be a great competitor. And this type of competition is what leads to greater innovation. I'm also a fan of the Halo franchise, but not much has been released about Halo VR aside from an (unfortunate) underwhelming demo: A Wave shooter where the Player doesn't shoot actual enemies, but "pictures of enemies."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYV0rSCiifg


Of course, it's very early on for WMR so I am going to assume that Microsoft is just trying to release anything (no matter how small) to help add software to their hardware lineup. Their overall approach to VR, however, very much matches that of Facebook-Oculus; where WMR will be able to play Steam VR titles yet also maintain Exclusives through its own Store.

I'm not sure if it's worth the $200 investment yet, but that is a price-point that is certainly enticing! My only reservation is that by the time a true full AAA Halo VR game is released, MS will be on to Generation 2 of their headsets.

EDIT:
Adding the links for the products as of January 22, 2017:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075PVLN2P
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077R65C4D
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077MF8TQ7
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0764GKZ15

[LZoltowski]

Zenbane said:

• Sub-par gaming experience (didn't launch with Steam VR Support, no quality MS Store titles, and their biggest game is a Wave shooter where you shoot pictures of monsters instead of actual monsters)

Hahaha, that made me laugh out loud! 

[hoppingbunny123]

LZoltowski said:

hoppingbunny123 said:

They should always be at the buy price because its not as good as the rift.

The WMR home is way better than the default rift home though. Walk around, play with toys etc.

Have you used HOME 2.0 yet? I love the radio controlled BLIP!

Not yet. I'm in no rush. Sounds fun though.

[LZoltowski]

I do hope Oculus has something other than Santa Cruz baking in their oven. I want an Oculus Pro .. more res, more FOV, better optics.. I wouldn't mind the cable if it meant better immersion. I will obviously buy Santa Cruz as I travel a lot and being able to take it with me and use it to make hotel rooms less lonely is going to be fabulous. 

[Anonymous]

Don't worry @LZoltowski, Oculus will have you covered next year with the CV2. We'll probably hear about it in May at F8 or Oculus Connect 5 in October. My money would be on the former rather than the latter.

[BeastyBaiter]

It's good to see those get dropped down to the $200-250 mark. It's about where they belong given the lack of included headphones, questionable displays and inferior tracking. Hopefully that price will draw more people into PCVR.

[LZoltowski]

snowdog said:

Don't worry @LZoltowski, Oculus will have you covered next year with the CV2. We'll probably hear about it in May at F8 or Oculus Connect 5 in October. My money would be on the former rather than the latter.

I hope so! Touch really changed the game for me (got a 3rd sensor for full 360 too) ... I went from barely using it to .. using it almost every day now (this includes creativity apps, as I can prototype a 3d character quickly) . I have noticed recently the quality of content has gone up too, now that the devs have become more comfortable with the medium. I know that VR still is a dark place for many devs who are hoping for instant viral games that sell in millions that steam has afforded them. But I hope they keep trying. I am really into puzzles, escape the room, kind of experiences ... FORM was fantastic but short .. Lone Echo blew my mind ... Medium and Tilt have improved my creative workflows so it's no longer a game device but a productivity tool ... man, I am excited about the next year or two!

[vannagirl]

LZoltowski said:

I do hope Oculus has something other than Santa Cruz baking in their oven.

 This question has had people banned around here lately  😛

[Digikid1]

https://www.amazon.ca/Acer-AH101-D8EY-Windows-Wireless-Controllers/dp/B075PVLN2P/ref=sr_1_1?s=videog...

Where are you grabbing your prices from?

[kojack]

MS have just announced an educational promo price cut for Hololens.
"In order to empower more students and professors with Windows Mixed
Reality, we are excited to announce the HoloLens Academic Promotion!"

Awesome, let's see how much cheaper it is... oh. It's only 10% off, so it's $2700us. Plus you have to buy at least 3 to qualify.
Well, **** that.

[Zenbane]

Digikid1 said:

https://www.amazon.ca/Acer-AH101-D8EY-Windows-Wireless-Controllers/dp/B075PVLN2P/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1516634107&sr=1-1&keywords=Windows+mixed+reality

Where are you grabbing your prices from?

Not sure what the .CA is all about there, but here are Amazon's official links:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075PVLN2P
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077R65C4D
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077MF8TQ7
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0764GKZ15

They are all rather close to hitting "out of stock" status. They will probably be gone by Friday!