VR to drive computer sales
Virtual reality (VR) and mixed/augmented reality technology are expected to prompt users and businesses to upgrade their computers, providing an avenue of growth for the saturated local computer market.
Dell, HP, Lenovo and Acer all plan to introduce VR-ready computer devices and headsets in Thailand. Dell is also scheduled to debut Thailand’s first VR e-sports competition.
“Dell foresees VR adoption in Thailand doubling this year as VR-ready devices and VR content hits the market,” said Anothai Wettayakorn, vice-president of Dell EMC Indochina.
VR devices will provide Thai users with new experiences and are expected to increase the customer base of e-sports games, which Dell expects to become mainstream this year, he said.
In addition to gaming, VR can also play a role in healthcare, design and training, Mr Anothai said.
Thailand ranks 20th among e-sports markets globally, with total game revenue of US$597 million (19.1 billion baht) a year and 18.3 million gamers, 1.3 million of whom are e-sports enthusiasts, according to a NewZoo market research report.
Dell has introduced more VR-ready products to work with its gaming portfolio, which includes the Inspiron Notebook 7000 and high-end Alienware gaming machines, Mr Anothai said.
The company plans to open an Alienware retail shop at CentralWorld soon.
Mr Anothai estimates this year that half the local computer market for units priced above 30,000 baht will be gaming PCs.
Globally, spending on VR technology is projected to reach $45 billion by 2025.
Lenovo is scheduled to launch VR- and AR-ready machines in the second quarter this year. Its first self-contained VR headset, Lenovo Mirage Solo, will let users experience VR without connecting the device to a computer or smartphone.
Nitipat Praweenwongwuthi, marketing director of Acer Computer Co, said that by the end of this month Acer will introduce its mixed reality headset in Thailand. The device will retail for 15,000 baht and is intended for the mass market.
HP is introducing VR-ready computers like its Z VR Backpack, which users can carry around easily, as well as VR computers to be used in medical school classrooms to simulate human organs.
To build the VR market, Dell joined with HTC, the maker of the VR headset Vive, and Intel, one of the world’s biggest computer chip makers, to organise what Dell dubbed the country’s first VR e-sports competition over the weekend.