Bigscreen's Big Move: A Price Drop, a New Design, and a Promise of Faster Shipping
In the world of virtual reality (VR), where innovation often takes center stage, Bigscreen has made a bold move that's sure to catch the attention of tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers alike. The company has announced a permanent price reduction for its Bigscreen Beyond 2 VR headset, bringing it down to $959 from its previous price of $1,019. This strategic move, coupled with the resumption of production for the Halo Mount, signals a significant shift in the company's strategy and could have far-reaching implications for the VR market.
What makes this announcement particularly intriguing is the timing. Despite inflation and rising component costs, Bigscreen has chosen to lower the price of its Beyond 2 series, which includes the Beyond 2 and the Beyond 2e with onboard eye-tracking. This decision is not just a financial move; it's a statement about the company's commitment to making high-quality VR technology more accessible. In my opinion, this move is a strategic response to the competitive landscape, where consumers are increasingly price-sensitive, and the company aims to capture a larger market share.
The price drop is not the only significant development. Bigscreen has also announced that the long-awaited Halo Mount is back in production, with shipping estimated to largely take place in October. This follows a major redesign after initial negative tester feedback and a further delay in June due to production issues. The Halo Mount, designed to better distribute the headset's weight, is a crucial accessory for the Beyond 2 series, and its return is a welcome development for users who have been eagerly awaiting its availability.
One thing that immediately stands out is the company's commitment to addressing user feedback. The initial negative feedback from testers led to a redesign, and the subsequent delay in June prompted a minor redesign of the device's 'sledge link' component. This iterative approach to product development is a refreshing change in an industry where companies often release products without sufficient testing. It shows a deep understanding of the importance of user experience and a willingness to adapt to feedback.
The price drop and the resumption of Halo Mount production are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy. Bigscreen is aiming to streamline its supply chain and improve shipping times, which is a critical factor in the fast-paced tech industry. By reducing the price and ensuring faster shipping, the company is not just attracting new customers but also retaining existing ones. This is a smart move, as it builds customer loyalty and creates a positive feedback loop.
However, the company's recent high demand and delayed freight shipment have caused 'very low inventory' of both Beyond 2 and 2e headsets. This has led to some orders shipping within the same day of placing an order, while others may take up to two weeks to ship. While this is a temporary setback, it highlights the challenges of managing supply and demand in the tech industry. The company expects to resume its regular 1-2 business day shipping by September 14th, which is a positive sign for customers who are eager to get their hands on the new hardware.
In my opinion, Bigscreen's move is a strategic response to the competitive landscape and a commitment to making high-quality VR technology more accessible. The price drop and the resumption of Halo Mount production are not just financial moves but part of a broader strategy to streamline the supply chain and improve shipping times. While there are challenges, the company's iterative approach to product development and its commitment to addressing user feedback are refreshing. As the VR market continues to evolve, Bigscreen's move is a significant development that could shape the future of the industry.
What this really suggests is that Bigscreen is not just a player in the VR market but a company that is actively shaping it. The price drop and the resumption of Halo Mount production are not just financial moves but strategic decisions that reflect the company's understanding of the market and its customers. As the VR market continues to evolve, Bigscreen's move is a significant development that could shape the future of the industry. Personally, I think this is a company to watch, as it continues to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of virtual reality.
