You need to try the HTC Vive — here’s where you can do it

We’ve hammered out many words about why the HTC Vive is great, and honored it with our Editor’s Choice award. But we’d understand if you’re still not sure what this VR thing is all about. It’s an experience that’s unlike anything most people have ever tried, so it’s hard to grasp by simply reading of it. You really have to try it for yourself. HTC is aware of this, so it’s rolled out a demo program in select cities across the globe. Here’s where you can try the VR revolution before throwing down $800 to become a part of it.

The map

HTC has three Vive demo partners — Gamestop, Microsoft, and Micro Center. While you can read more about each below, and see a full list of demo locations, we’ve summarized the locations on Google Maps, so you can find the location nearest you.

As you can see, by far the most locations are in North America. There are a few in Canada and the UK, as well as one in Australia. There are also some locations in China, but we elected not to add them — we’re not confident in our translation of the addresses.

Gamestop

Select Gamestop stores started Vive demos on April 16. The demos are held with the help of in-store staff every weekend, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Gamestop has partnered with CyberPowerPC to provide the hardware for the demo stations. Most of the stations are on either the west or east coast, though there’s a couple in the Midwest.

Here’s the full list.

Microsoft Stores

After a small initial roll-out, Microsoft quickly expanded the Vive demo program. Today, more than 30 Microsoft stores across the country are showing the Vive on Alienware Area 51 gaming rigs. Microsoft says free demos last 10 minutes or so, and that customers must either be 18 years old, or 13 years old and have the permission of a parent or guardian.

Microsoft is the only demo partner with locations outside the United States. It has several in Canada, and one in Sydney, Australia.

Here’s the full list.

Micro Center

Well-known electronics retailer Micro Center has set up Vive demo stations at a handful of \stores, and plans to roll out the demo program to almost a dozen in the coming months. The demos take place between noon and 9 p.m. between Thursday and Sunday.

Here’s the full list.

United Kingdom

In addition to the major partners above, HTC has five demo locations in the United Kingdom. Three are at Curry’s PC World stores, one is at an Overclocker’s U.K. location, and one is at Scan Computers. These are all listed on the Google Map above.

Other events

HTC is augmenting these retail demo locations with an ongoing demo tour that’s hitting all the major video game and technology conferences. The upcoming events to be graced with the Vive include E3, Vidcon, and the San Diego Comic Con.

from Planet GS via John Jason Fallows on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2318xlz
Matt Smith