Virtual reality applications in China now exceed those in the United States

Microsoft Corp said on Thursday its mixed reality headset, called HoloLens, will come to China in the first half of 2017, as the United States tech giant steps up efforts to tap into the country's software developers and into local firms' desire to achieve digital transformation.

Terry Myerson, the executive vice-president of the Windows and Devices company at Microsoft, said the firm will launch HoloLens for Chinese developers and commercial customers. He did not disclose the specific price tag, just saying it will be around $3,000, roughly the same as in other countries.