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Facebook ( FB ) is closer to engaging in a virtual reality battle with the announcement that PCs optimized for its Oculus Rift headset are around the corner. Virtual reality gear was a star of the CES consumer electronics game show in Las Vegas last month, with at least three VR systems coming this year. The Oculus Rift will be joined by the Vive from China-based HTC, which also needs a souped-up PC, along with Sony ( SNE ) PlayStation VR goggles, which work with the PlayStation 4 game console. Oculus, which Facebook acquired for $2.1 billion in cash and stock almost a year ago, announced that orders for PCs optimized for the Oculus Rift headset begin Feb. 16. The initial batch of PCs will be in limited quantities and ship in April. Facebook has priced its Oculus Rift headset at $599. Oculus-ready PCs will cost roughly $1,100 to $1,600. Makers include Alienware, Asus and Dell. Also in the game is Alphabet ( GOOGL ), which is working on VR eyewear through its Google Glass platform. Alphabet already offers a virtual-reality experience through its Cardboard VR headset, designed mainly as a companion for YouTube videos. Apple ( AAPL ) is getting its VR game on through the acquisition of companies in the virtual reality space, the most recent being Flyby Media, an image recognition company used by Alphabet. Apple has not yet announced a VR device. Apple has also filed a patent for a head-mounted display apparatus. Microsoft ( MSFT ) also is pursuing virtual reality with its HoloLens headset. Microsoft HoloLens enables holographic computing that can be used for things like creating movie creatures to designing cars. In some cases, the new devices will be pure virtual reality. The Facebook Rift, for example, immerses viewers into a new world. Others fit the category of augmented reality, where computer-generated images are superimposed on the real world, such as with Microsoft’s HoloLens or Google Glass. Consulting firm Deloitte says VR hardware sales will reach about $700 million this year, with another $300 million in software sales. Analysts estimate Facebook’s VR headsets revenue this year at roughly $350 million to $400 million. RELATED: Alibaba Invests Big In Magic Leap, A Move Beyond Virtual Reality Scalper1 News
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