Microsoft’s HoloLens augmented reality system is a looking like it will be a great tool for a particular set of tasks, such as engineering, medicine, education, and very specific kinds of gaming. HoloLens does not, however, specifically replace or really even compete with virtual reality systems, which have their own specific uses including, of course, fully immersive gaming.
Microsoft recognizes the validity of VR systems, which of course rely at some point on a PC (most likely running Windows 10) and so only increase the validity of the company’s ecosystem. With this in mind, Microsoft Stores are setting up demonstrations of the HTC Vive VR system at select locations throughout the world.
Here’s a list of April’s locations, with more to be announced in May:
Available now:
• New York, Fifth Avenue
• Bellevue, Bellevue Square Mall
• Salt Lake City, City Creek CenterComing in April:
• Sydney, Westfield Sydney in Pitt Street Mall
• Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square
• Mission Viejo, The Shop at Mission Viejo
• Lone Tree, Park Meadows Mall
• Austin, The Domain
• Huntington Station, Walt Whitman Shops
• Cincinnati, Kenwood Towne Centre
• Orlando, Mall at Millenia
• Troy, The Somerset Collection
• Dallas, North Park Center
• Tampa, International Plaza
• King of Prussia, King of Prussia Mall
If you’re looking at VR systems, HTC’s version seems compelling in a number of ways. If you have a Microsoft Store close by that’s demoing the HTC Vibe, go check it out and let us know in the comments what you think of it.
