Virtual reality headsets set to take B2B channel by storm, says analyst

Entry of A-brand PC vendors into the market will drive 'strong uptake' in business market, according to Canalys

Virtual reality headsets will be a hit in verticals such as healthcare and education, Canalys has predicted, as its figures showed the emerging device category has just racked up its first million-unit quarter.

Shipments reached seven figures for the first time in Q3 as a price war among leading players such as Oculus and Sony drove a surge in consumer adoption, the market watcher said.

However, VR headsets are also set for "strong uptake" in the business market from next year as new A-brand PC entrants supporting Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality platform begin to push their products through the channel, according to Canalys analyst Jason Low.

"VR in business can be applied to many industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare and education," said Low. "As top-tier PC vendors, including HP, Lenovo, Acer, Asus and Dell launch their own VR headsets, using their distribution channel efficiencies, one can expect a strong VR uptake in business."

Canalys defines a virtual reality headset as a device with a display designed to be worn on the face that immerses the viewer in a virtual world. Its definition excludes simple viewers, such as Samsung's Gear VR and Google's Daydream View.

Oculus - one of three players alongside Sony and HTC which together account for 86 per cent of the market according to Canalys - recently slashed the price of its Rift headsets to $399 (£300).