Bigscreen's Big Move: Lowering Prices, Resuming Production, and the Future of VR
The world of virtual reality (VR) is abuzz with Bigscreen's recent announcements, marking a significant shift in the industry. The company has taken a bold step by permanently reducing the price of its Beyond 2 PC VR headset to $959, a substantial drop from its previous price of $1,019. This move comes despite the challenges posed by inflation and rising component costs, showcasing Bigscreen's commitment to making high-quality VR more accessible.
A Price Drop and a New Look
The price reduction is a strategic move, especially considering the initial price point of $1,019. By offering the Beyond 2 at $959, Bigscreen is not only making a significant saving for consumers but also positioning itself as a competitive player in the market. This move is particularly interesting given the initial requirement for users to submit iPhone facial scans for a custom facial interface, a process that was later simplified with the introduction of the Universal-Fit Cushion. This cushion, available in both soft and firm varieties, ensures a comfortable and customizable fit for a wide range of users.
Resuming Production and the Halo Mount
Bigscreen's announcement about the Halo Mount is equally exciting. The company has resumed production after a major redesign following initial negative tester feedback and a delay in June due to production issues. The Halo Mount, designed to better distribute the headset's weight, is now expected to ship in large volumes in October, with the company aiming to clear the preorder backlog by November. This is a significant milestone, as it addresses a critical issue with the initial design, ensuring a more comfortable and secure fit for users.
Specs and Features
The Bigscreen Beyond 2 boasts impressive specifications, including a 116° diagonal field of view, a lightweight design of 107 grams, and adjustable IPD ranging from 48mm to 75mm. The headset offers a resolution of 2,560 × 2,560 per-eye and a refresh rate of 90Hz or 75Hz. It supports 6DOF tracking with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 Base Stations and includes onboard eye-tracking on the Beyond 2e model. Full-body tracking is compatible with SteamVR trackers, and the headset is compatible with SteamVR controllers.
Inventory and Shipping Challenges
However, the company is currently facing challenges with inventory management due to high demand and delayed freight shipments. This has resulted in very low inventory levels, causing some orders to ship within the same day, while others may take up to two weeks. Bigscreen expects to resume regular shipping by September 14th, ensuring a more consistent and timely delivery experience for its customers.
Conclusion: A Step Towards the Future
Bigscreen's actions demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing industry challenges and consumer needs. By lowering prices, resuming production, and improving specifications, the company is not just surviving but thriving in a competitive market. This move is a significant step towards making high-quality VR more accessible and user-friendly, potentially shaping the future of the industry and setting a precedent for other VR manufacturers to follow.
