Wires are the scourge of all VR owners. It just spoils the whole VR experience. Fear not … you can now add a wirless adapter for your HTC Vive.
The promise of cordless, wireless, true freedom-of-movement VR gaming has been somewhat of an elusive unicorn, but HTC have finally taken one of the larger steps in that quest. After more than a year showing of the untethering wireless tech for the Vive headset, HTC has now begun shipping of the add-on. It’s going for $299 – whether or not that price is justified in the current state of VR, and adding to the base headset’s pricing, is something that is reserved for each prospective buyers’ judgment. There are two months of Viveport added in the mix, though – that does virtually lower the entry pricing.
The adapter has a range of 6 meters, which should be enough for freedom-defining VR experiences – up to two hours in length at a time, of course. The data stream has been developed around Intel’s WiGig tech, alongside DisplayLink’s IP. Vive Pro owners, however, are being left in the cold already, in a move that will surely bring headaches to HTC – takers of the top-tier headset will have to splurge an additional $60 for a compatibility enabler for the new Vive Wireless Adapter. Ouch?
Source: HTC, via Tom’s Hardware and TPU
