To celebrate Vive Day (the anniversary of Vive’s Release), HTC released Viveport Video 3.0, a library of 2D, 180 and 360 degree videos that can be played in a native virtual reality (VR) environment. New in the 3.0 update is “more high quality streaming contents” and select premium content for users with a Viveport Infinity membership.
“Immersive VR video experiences are an exciting and captivating way for users to connect with the things that interest them the most,” said Rikard Steiber, President of Viveport. “Through Viveport Video, we’re enabling the developer community to finally be able to monetize their premium video content and share these experiences with a large audience.”
Powered by the Vusr Publisher from developer Secret Location (the same studio that adapted Philip K. Dick’s “The Great C”) , Viveport Video is now available as a free download on Viveport and Steam. New users can try a two-week free trial of Viveport Infinity, Viveport’s unlimited subscription service, and access the exclusive premium content on Viveport Video in addition to over 600 VR apps and games. A monthly subscription costs $12.99 per month, and an annual subscription costs $99.99 per year.
“With Viveport Video, we can now easily share our immersive video content with users of all major VR platforms to further reach into our global fanbase,” said Rob Bloom, McLaren Group Digital Director. “We’re looking forward to connecting with new and existing fans as they experience McLaren Racing through the lens of VR video experiences, bringing fans virtually into our world.”
In addition, HTC is further promoting Vive Day by gifting Infinity members free copies of Virtual Sports, Front Defense, Arcade Saga, Knockout League, and AWAKE: Episode One. In addition, through April 7th, Viveport is also offering up to 90% off select games and apps for all customers while new purchases of VIVE or VIVE Pro headsets through April 8th comes with a 12-month Viveport Infinity membership.
In the wake of announcements from Valve and Oculus about their new headsets, HTC seems to be doubling-down on providing their user base enhanced offerings for their service. HTC is smartly offering support for Viveport on Oculus (in the near future) and Steam, meaning that Infinity subscribers can use whichever headsets they prefer and still provide revenue for HTC.
