informa
1 MIN READ
News

HTC's $220 Vive add-on makes wireless VR a reality

The attachment will cost $220 when it's made available for pre-order later today, and will remove the need for a wired connection between headsets and their host PCs. 

HTC has unveiled a new peripheral designed to turn its Vive VR headset into a wireless device. 

The attachment will cost $220 when it's made available for pre-order later today, and will remove the need for a wired connection between headsets and their host PCs. 

As reported by UploadVR, the device is being made by TPCast, one of the first companies to join the Vive X accelerator initiative

The wireless add-on will be sold with a standard battery pack, which will hold enough juice for 90 minutes of play. A larger battery will be available separately at a later date. 

Crucially, the upgrade won't noticeably impact headset performance, with Alvin Graylin, China regional president of Vive, suggesting wireless users will get a "greatly improved" experience. 

It will also, of course, help Vive owners in a practical sense, as they won't have to worry about tripping over a rogue wire while they've got a headset strapped to their face. 

Graylin expects the device to be picked up by "avid" users, although it would also be of use to safety conscious event organizers and arcade owners looking to invest in the emerging tech.  

The upgrade kit will start shipping in Q1 2017, and will initially be available for pre-order on Vive's Chinese website today at 7am PT. 

There's no word yet on when, or indeed if, the upgrade will be made available in other regions.

Latest Jobs

Sucker Punch Productions

Hybrid (Bellevue, WA, USA)
11.30.23
Senior Programmer

The Pyramid Watch

Remote
11.22.23
Game Designer (RTS/MOBA)

Sucker Punch Productions

Hybrid (Bellevue, WA, USA)
11.30.23
Senior Technical Combat Designer

Digital Extremes

Remote
11.13.23
Lead AI Programmer
More Jobs   

CONNECT WITH US

Explore the
Advertise with
Follow us

Game Developer Job Board

Game Developer

@gamedevdotcom

Explore the

Game Developer Job Board

Browse open positions across the game industry or recruit new talent for your studio

Browse
Advertise with

Game Developer

Engage game professionals and drive sales using an array of Game Developer media solutions to meet your objectives.

Learn More
Follow us

@gamedevdotcom

Follow us @gamedevdotcom to stay up-to-date with the latest news & insider information about events & more