2016 saw the launch of multiple new VR platforms vying for consumer, developer and enterprise attention. The Strategy Analytics report "VR Headset Platform Market Share Year End 2016" estimates that over 30 million VR headsets shipped, split between 6 major competing VR platforms in an increasingly fragmented landscape.

David MacQueen, Executive Director of Strategy Analytics' Virtual Reality Ecosystem research program, noted, "2016 certainly was a busy year in VR. Appearing alongside Google Cardboard were new platforms Google Daydream, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR and SteamVR, currently served by the HTC Vive device, although more vendors will join this platform in 2017."

Patriot, a global leader in performance memory, SSDs, gaming peripherals and flash storage solutions, today announced the new Patriot Viper V370 RGB headset, V361 LED headset and the V330 stereo headset. "We are very excited to add three newly designed headsets to our lineup this year," said Roger Shinmoto, Patriot's Vice President of Product Development. "The V330 stereo headset will offer great stereo sound quality for PC or mobile gaming enthusiasts, while the V361 and V370 RGB headsets will offer the same proven 7.1 virtual surround sound and Ultra Base Response (UBR) system our customers have come to enjoy."

The V370 and V361 7.1 virtual surround sound headsets come equipped with 40mm neodymium drivers for precise sound detection in FPS and MMO games. An added 30mm sub-driver enhances the bass and provides gamers with an immersive experience bringing every explosion, tie-fighter and gunfire to life. A red V lights the side of the V361, while the V370 comes to life with full-spectrum RGB lighting. Connecting through a gold plated USB, the V370 and V361 have downloadable software to adjust sound levels and lighting effects.

Ozone announces the RAGE Z50 series gaming headsets. The RAGE series have become one of the most popular Headsets of the history of our brand. An aggressive design with a high performance that has reached thousand of players all over the world. As a prime force, Rage needs evolution, adaptation and to take steps forward to fulfill the requirements of a new age. And this is exactly what we have done. Enjoy our unique design with new features, strong and durable materials to give you exactly what you need. A prime force, renewed.

"Rage is part of our image. It's one of the most successful series we have ever created. But we wanted to improve it to fulfill the requirements of the gamer. A higher performance with our acclaimed classic look" says Rojo Galvín , Ozone Gaming Brand Manager. "That's why we have created both series, Classic and Glow , so our fans can choose different colors and designs to suit every style" added Galvín.

Lately all Headsets in the market offer virtual sound technology. Even though this technology has evolved since its very beginning it will never be able to match with a real 5.1 sound Headset. Most of the time we love to experience Organic and pure sound when we are playing our favorite game. That's why Ozone has decided to get back to the basics and to produce a high-end headset to fulfill all gamer needs, specially pro gamers and advance players and also fans that enjoy having an amazing sound at all times.

"Rage Z90 is created for very demanding gamers; we have put all our knowledge, excitement and passion in the production process in order to make our users experience a higher sound level" says Rojo Galvín, marketing manager. "With Rage Z90 we have reached a very high level of performance, we are really proud of the final product, now we want our fans all over the world to share their feedback with us" added Galvín.

Ozone showed off its three main gaming headset lines, the RAGE Z50, the RAGE Z50 Glow, and the RAGE Z90. Available in black and white color options, the RAGE Z50 offers the most essential features for gaming, including a soundstage that's tuned to make you hear your games better, and a detachable microphone. The RAGE Z50 Glow offers all the features of the Z50, including its design, and tops it up with four additional color options, and possibly LED lighting. Leading the pack is the RAGE Z90. This 5.1-channel headset comes with a volume pod that lets you adjust volume of each individual channel, and comes with its own USB DAC if your gaming notebook lacks 5.1-channel analog output.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the release of the new Razer Hammerhead Pro V2 headset and Razer Hammerhead V2 in-ear headphones. The new Razer Hammerhead Pro V2 and Razer Hammerhead V2 both have an enhanced chassis that is CNC milled out of aircraft-grade aluminum, and flat-style cables that are ideal for mobile gaming and music use. Engineered for improved acoustic clarity and more powerful bass for which the Razer Hammerhead series is known, the in-ear headset and headphone are equipped with extra-large 10 mm dynamic drivers -- a 20 percent increase from their forerunners.

The Razer Hammerhead Pro V2 comes with three quick-action control buttons on the in-line microphone, which is fully-compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Three ear tip sizes and an optional bi-flange attachment provide superior sound isolation, as well as customizable comfort for increased versatility. An included splitter cable allows it to be connected to devices with dedicated audio and microphone jacks.

HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced its award-winning Cloud II and forthcoming Cloud Revolver headsets are the first audio devices to gain Discord certification. Discord, the fastest rising voice and text chat app for gamers, offers free, secure and low-latency service for multi-player desktop and mobile gaming. They have 5 million users with over 1 million new people trying it out each month and recently raised $20 million (USD) in venture capital through an investment led by Greylock Partners.

Discord works with top audio manufacturers to ensure that gamers have an excellent experience when communicating among friends, teammates and fellow players. HyperX Cloud II and Cloud Revolver headsets are certified by Discord to have clear and crisp voice quality along with excellent sound. No audible echoes, background noises or vocal distortion were detected. To achieve certification, the microphone on the Cloud Revolver and Cloud II headsets were subjected to various tests including an acoustical comparison vs. a reference sound signature from Discord, rigorous game play among the top five games and constructive audio feedback from the user community.

Corsair, a leader in high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the immediate availability of the Corsair VOID Surround and Corsair VOID Wireless RGB White headsets, further expanding its range of multi-award winning gaming headsets. Offering universal compatibility for PC, PS4 and Xbox One, VOID Surround opens up its legendary gaming audio and supreme comfort for any platform, while the white version of the VOID Wireless RGB headset adds a striking, clean look to complement its 40 ft. wireless range and all-day battery life.

The VOID Surround Hybrid Stereo Gaming Headset brings Corsair's most advanced gaming headset to the widest range of devices yet. VOID Surround's mobile-compatible 3.5mm connector offers instant connectivity to virtually any audio source, as well as full headset capability with Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One (requires Xbox One Wireless Controller with a 3.5mm port or Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter). The 3.5mm jack also enables use on smartphones, tablets and handheld gaming devices. For connection to a PC, VOID Surround includes a USB 7.1 Dolby headphone adapter, unlocking genuine Dolby Surround for deadly accurate positional audio, as well as a fully customizable EQ in the Corsair CUE (Corsair Utility Engine) software.

The conquest of new worlds, all-powerful enemies, great battles and wild chases - ambitious gamers are daily confronted with the toughest challenges. With the P533 stereo gaming headset they get the right equipment. Like the player itself the gaming headset must show performance at the highest level. The perfect fit is determining because you easily forget the time while gaming. However burning ears and uncomfortable pressure can bring you back to reality faster than favored.

In contrast the P533 headset with its soft foam ear cushions and the equally padded and light headband keeps you comfortable for even the longest sessions. Nothing stands in the way for non-stop gaming. To really bring the action on the screen to life best audio quality is just as well under obligation. The lifelike stereo sound of the P533 catapults the gamer with a slam into the middle of the virtual world and makes it even more perceptible and spectacular. But even at the most hectic multiplayer combats, you can rely on the absolute precision of the integrated boom microphone. The sound volume can be directly adjusted through the headphone.

GIGABYTE, the world's leading premium hardware brand, today announced the availability of the FORCE H7 and H5, two high-end gaming headsets integrating superior comfort and acoustic performance to deliver rich, clear and premium sound that pushes immersive gaming experience to a new level.

Featuring true 5.1 Surround Sound, the FORCE H7 boasts a total of 8 speaker drivers to bring out the finest audio quality available in today's popular game titles for creating a true-to-life gaming environment. The gold-plated dual subwoofer drivers are added to the mix to allow gamers to get blown away by the rumble of gunfire and explosions. The embedded USB sound card ensures the surround sound is pure and interference-free, while the audio equalizer enables gamers to customize audio settings based on individual preferences.

Last year, Corsair captured the imagination of gamers with innovative RGB multicolor lighting that transformed PC gaming keyboards and mice. Today at Gamescom, Corsair raises the bar higher with new RGB gaming peripherals: the STRAFE RGB mechanical keyboards, Scimitar RGB MMO/MOBA mouse, and flagship VOID gaming headsets. Corsair is also unveiling the ultra-quiet STRAFE RGB Silent, the world's first keyboard with Cherry MX RGB Silent gaming switches. To complement the launch of these new products, an enhanced version of the Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) software is available, enabling cascading rainbows, dynamic ripples, and other multicolor lighting effects to operate in tandem across all Corsair RGB keyboards, mice, and headsets.

Today Corsair unleashes two new mechanical gaming keyboard models with RGB lighting: STRAFE RGB and STRAFE RGB Silent. The STRAFE RGB Silent gaming keyboard is the world's first with Cherry MX Silent switches which deliver the speed and precision of linear mechanical switches with significantly quieter actuation. The new switches combined with the noise-suppressing architecture of the keyboard chassis, make the pro-level STRAFE RGB Silent 30% quieter than other mechanical gaming keyboards. The STRAFE RGB keyboard comes in versions with Cherry MX Red or Brown switches.

Summer is finally here and everybody is enjoying the sun. To enable people to have their favourite sounds with them while being outside, Californian hardware producer AMP is offering two mobile and extremely portable products: Pulse and Pulse Lite. The wireless design is giving their users maximum freedom of movement - no more messed up cables while running or working in the garden! The high-end AMP Pulse as well as the ultra compact AMP Pulse Lite will make audiophiles rejoice and provide them with the perfect sound for starting into the summer season.

The AMP Pulse is able to match highest expectations thanks to its precise sound. The specially developed high-class driver unit enables the headset to reproduce heights and mids perfectly clear while still providing a strong base. Its ergonomically designed ear cups will not only be very comfortable to wear but also ensure the dampening of unwanted outside noise to deliver the best possible audio experience. A powerful 335 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery provides a capacity of eight hours of music playback.

EASARS, a global leading E-sports peripherals supplier is announcing four new gaming headsets for the global market, the Tornado, the Sparkle, the Trap, and the Vortex. EASARS is a German brand with an R&D center in Frankfurt, Germany. The designer's team is led by Soeren Uherek (a former BMW car designer), who boasts rich experience and an ability to grasp current global designing trends.

EASARS is a brand for Gamers. "Key to victory" is the motto that expresses their passion to create smart solutions for gamers who always want more. In today's knowledge-driven world, intelligence is defined by the ability to win. So, through a richer personalized experience, convenience and smart functional solutions, EASARS delivers its customers to their achievements. As a professional e-sports product designer, EASARS supplies superior auditory equipment to accompany gamers to their pinnacles of victory.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced today the shipping of the first products in its range of licensed audio headsets for Xbox One under the TRITTON gaming audio brand. Previously announced at E3 2014, the range of headsets has been specifically tuned to the needs of the gamer. Headsets now available include:

• TRITTON Kama Stereo Gaming Headset: A fully featured stereo headset featuring audio controls and precision-balanced 40mm speakers. Kama is also compatible with MP3 players and a wide variety of audio devices.
• TRITTON Kunai Stereo Gaming Headset: Designed for extreme comfort and extended gaming sessions, the Kunai comes to Xbox One with superior stereo audio, high-quality build and an eye-catching design. Kunai is also compatible with MP3 players and a wide variety of audio devices.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT/ TSX: MCZ) announced today a new range of licensed audio headsets for Xbox One under the TRITTON gaming audio brand. Each headset in the range has been designed to deliver exceptional audio quality specifically tuned to the needs of the gamer. Headsets launching include:

• TRITTON Kunai Stereo Gaming Headset: Designed for extreme comfort and extended gaming sessions, Kunai comes to Xbox One with superior stereo audio, high-quality build and an eye-catching design. Kunai is also compatible with MP3 players and a wide variety of audio devices.
• TRITTON Kama Stereo Gaming Headset: A fully featured stereo headset featuring in-line audio controls and precision-balanced 40mm speakers. Kama is also compatible with MP3 players and a wide variety of audio devices.
• TRITTON Kaiken Mono Chat Headset: An ideal upgrade to the communicator found in pack, Kaiken can be worn on the left or right ear and features in-line controls for volume and chat.

Turtle Beach, the leading audio brand in the video games industry, today announced new gaming headsets designed for the popular PlayStation4 console. The new headsets, which will be available in stores in the Fall of 2014, will be on display at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles at Booth #1447 in the South Hall from June 10 to 12. Turtle Beach is the gaming audio brand of Turtle Beach Corporation. "Turtle Beach is taking audio for the PlayStation4 to a new level," said Juergen Stark, Chief Executive Officer at Turtle Beach Corporation. "With features like DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound, active noise cancellation, and our new Tournament Audio Controller, it is a whole new game for PlayStation console owners."

The all new Ear Force Elite 800 sets a new standard for premium wireless gaming headsets. Compatible with the PlayStation4 and PlayStation3, the Elite 800 utilizes DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound and active noise cancellation to create an incredible, immersive audio experience. Both are firsts for console gaming headsets. A completely reimagined preset system allows surround sound modes to be finely tuned for different types of games, movies and music. For example, the game surround sound mode offers presets that have been acoustically tuned for first person shooter, racing, and sports games. Presets can be customized and managed using a new mobile app. Use Bluetooth to connect a mobile device for phone calls, music and more.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced today a new range of licensed audio headsets for Xbox One under the TRITTON gaming audio brand, expected to start shipping summer 2014. "We're excited to announce our upcoming range of headsets for the Xbox One platform," said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. "Over 45% of our sales are derived from gaming headsets, and we believe the addition of Xbox One headsets will make a significant contribution to our return to growth and profitability in fiscal 2015."

Turtle Beach, the leading audio brand in the games industry, today announced that the new Titanfall Atlas gaming headsets will be available at retail beginning on March 5, in time for the release of the highly-anticipated game on March 11. The Ear Force Titanfall Atlas (U.S. MSRP $149.95) is the first headset to market that features out-of-the-box cross-platform compatibility with Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC and mobile platforms.

Turtle Beach's new line of officially-licensed Xbox One headsets, the XO FOUR and XO SEVEN, will also begin appearing in stores on March 5. Turtle Beach is the gaming audio brand of Parametric Sound Corporation.

Today, SteelSeries, the leading global innovator of gaming peripherals and leading sponsor of global eSports, announced the availability of the 5Hv3 and 3Hv2 Gaming Headsets. Delivering tournament-grade audio, the new headsets feature custom-engineered soundscapes and the newest generation of SteelSeries audio drivers designed specifically to enhance audio performance and sound details. The H-Series can be recognized by its industrial design, solidly constructed for best-in-class durability.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the launch of the Razer Hammerhead series of in-ear headsets, two all-new audio solutions for mobile gaming and music. The Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets offer incredible durability and fantastic audio quality from their 9 mm neodymium drivers, making them excellent choices for music listening on the go. The headsets come in two versions - the Razer Hammerhead and the Razer Hammerhead Pro, with the latter sporting an omni-directional microphone with an in-line remote for phone-call control, perfect for convenient voice communication.

Both in-ear headsets are machined out of aircraft-grade aluminum, promising extreme durability, while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable form factor. With a matte, brushed surface finish, these in-ear monitors look as good as they sound. With interchangeable ear-tips included in three sizes and optional bi-flange attachments, the Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets offer ultimate sound isolation. "With numerous mobile PC gaming systems emerging, peripherals that offer both great performance and portability on-the-go are what make the experience complete," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. "The Razer Hammerhead and Hammerhead Pro's unrivalled durability and deep bass tones are fantastic for any gamer or music listener with an active lifestyle."

ASTRO Gaming, a division of Skullcandy, Inc. (Nasdaq: SKUL), and creators of premium video gaming equipment for professional and hardcore gamers, today announced a major update to two more of brand's most innovative and best-selling products with the 2013 PC Editions of the ASTRO A30 Cross-Gaming Headset and the ASTRO A40 Pro-Gaming Headset. The PC Editions of the ASTRO A30 and ASTRO A40 are standalone headsets designed for use while gaming on a PC, Mac or mobile phone. ASTRO Gaming also announced significant permanent price reductions for both of the new 2013 PC Edition products: the ASTRO A30 Cross Gaming Headset will drop from $129.99 to $99.99; while the ASTRO A40 Pro-Gaming Headset will be reduced from $199.99 to $149.99.

The 2013 PC Editions of the ASTRO A30 and ASTRO A40 Headsets feature an update to the company's highly popular Quick Disconnect Cabling System as well as re-tuned drivers and enclosures that make the audiophile-grade headsets the most accurate and detailed ASTRO Gaming has ever produced, with improved low-end response and less distortion at peak volume.

Turtle Beach, U.S. based pioneer and market-leader in gaming headsets, is showcasing its new high-end wireless and SEVEN Series wired gaming headsets during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 1 - Booth #20618, from January 8 to 11, 2013. The new line-up reinforces Turtle Beach's commitment to portability - headsets that are designed to work across consoles, PCs and mobile devices - and represents a strategic expansion in the PC and mobile categories. All of Turtle Beach's gaming headsets feature the sound quality and comfort that have made the company No. 1 in the industry.

Elecom Japan announced two new lines of foldable gaming headsets, the 3.5 mm plug-compatible HS-HP20 series, and USB-compatible HS-HP20U series. The two are available in four color options, including black (HS-HP20xBK), blue (HS-HP20xBU), red (HS-HP20xRD), white (HS-HP20xWH). The basic design is common between both models, featuring 40 mm stereo headphone drivers, 32-ohm impedance, 100 mW maximum input, and 20 to 20,000 Hz frequency response; and a microphone that's suspended on a hinged flexible arm, with poly-directional pickup, 2.2-ohm impedance, 100 to 10,000 Hz frequency response, and -46 ± 3 db SNR. The headset can be folded along three joints. Slated for mid-November, the HS-HP20 is expected to be priced at 2,940 JPY (US $37.3), while the HS-HP20U is expected to go for 3,360 JPY (US $42.6).

Genius is an international leading company in computer peripherals launched the Genius HS-410F, is an easy to carry, lightweight, foldable headset with a convenient in-line volume control and rich audio quality. The lightweight soft leather ear pads stay comfortable even after long hours of use. The 3-way foldable structure is designed for easy storage. For online chatting, HS-410F has a convenient in-line microphone and a volume control without using your PC. The in-style ear tattoo pattern design makes you stand out from the crowd. Genius HS-410F also comes in two distinct colors Black or Yellow.

From the workplace to home life and everywhere in between, Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) knows that one of the biggest risks to the performance of electronic devices is exposure to moisture - including rain, humidity, sweat and accidental spills. Plantronics, along with P2i, the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology, today announced an exclusive partnership where P2i's nano-coating technology will be used on select Plantronics devices causing liquid to simply bead up and run off the headset instead of permeating electrical components potentially leading to corrosion damage.

The invisible P2i coating, originally designed to treat soldiers' uniforms as protection from environmental and chemical hazards, has a thickness equivalent to one thousandth of a human hair and does not change the look or feel of the Plantronics product. Its ultra-thin size means it also does not affect electrical conductivity, so the entire product, inside and out, can be treated. Coating every surface of the product adds significant protection against damage from moisture. The new award-winning Voyager Legend and BackBeat GO headsets, including the soon to be released white BackBeat GO headset, include P2i's nano-coating.