Author: Denny

The virtual reality headset from Microsoft will be $3,000 and is being made available for pre-order.

Microsoft has now announced that the developer version of its HoloLens virtual reality headset is going to start to ship on March 30, and that it will be sold at a launch price of $3,000.

This will be occurring at a very similar time to the launch of the Oculus VR device from Facebook.

The major difference is that it will be the consumer version of the Oculus that will be released, whereas the HoloLens will be exclusively for developers. The Oculus Rift virtual reality headset will be shipping for $600. That said, while they are both meant to provide users with a VR experience, these two headsets are designed to be quite different. For example, the HoloLens is meant to allow for a more augmented reality experience, where the user will continue to see the real world surrounding him or her and will see three dimensional digital objects overtop of what is already there.

The Oculus Rift is meant to provide a more virtual reality experience compared to the HoloLens augmented reality.

The Oculus Rift has been designed to block out the view of the surrounding environment so that an entirely digital, 360 degree three dimensional universe can replace it. The Rift, however, must be tethered to a separate computer, whereas the HoloLens operates on its own, based on Windows 10.

Microsoft’s version runs with a custom-built chip that was created for use on an Intel platform. It will also provide users with the ability to record HD video that will not only include the image of the real world, but that will also allow for a digital overlay of holographs. In this way, the user’s view can be shared with other people who don’t actually have the device.

These two major players will clearly become fast rivals in the augmented and virtual reality markets, which remains in its infancy. It will be interesting to watch the progress they make as consumers first get their hands on one device and as developers start to tinker with the other.

Retailers are falling behind when it comes to engaging mobile consumers

Australian retailers are struggling to embrace mobile commerce. Episerver has released a new report that scores 20 of Australia’s major retailers in terms of their mobile offerings. These retailers have become heavily involved in the mobile space, providing consumers with the ability to shop online with their mobile devices. Consumers can also use their devices in physical stores to research and purchase products that they are interested in. While retailers have become involved in the mobile space, they are finding it difficult to effectively engage consumers in meaningful ways.

Consumers enjoy the mobile experience provided by top retailers

According to the report, The Iconic, one of Australia’s largest retailers, has the best mobile experience. Approximately 66% of consumers said that they enjoyed their shopping experience through the retailer’s mobile platform. Kogan, another retailer, came in second in terms of customer satisfaction, with 64% noting that they enjoy the retailer’s mobile efforts. While Kogan is second overall, the majority of consumers appreciate the company’s mobile website. Approximately 73% of consumers say that Kogan has the best mobile website of all retailers in the mobile field.

Australian retailers are falling behind those in other countries

While some of Australia’s top retailers have found some success in the mobile space, these companies are lagging behind those in other countries. The report shows that Australian retailers are performing 34% worse than retailers in other countries, as they are finding more success in the mobile commerce space. The mobile space has proven to be a competitive market, with consumers unwilling to use platforms that they do not enjoy.

Mobile consumers are still worried about the security of mobile payments

Mobile commerce has become a very powerful force in the retail space. In Australia, banks have been supporting mobile payments aggressively, finding some success among consumers that rely heavily on their smartphones and tablets. Consumers are somewhat wary of mobile payment platforms, however, due to security concerns. This is something that retailers have had to overcome over the past few years.