HTC has revealed a new accessory that will allow its Vive VR headset to be used wirelessly. Here’s what we know so far.
TPCast, a startup that’s part of the firm’s Vive X accelerator programme, has developed the device, which clips on to the Vive headset and negates the need for it to be physically tethered.
Related: HTC Vive review
The add-on doesn’t have a name as far as we’re aware, with HTC simply referring to it the Vive ‘upgrade kit’ or ‘wireless kit’.
Announcing the new product, HTC’s Alvin W Graylin told UploadVR that there was “no noticeable difference” in latency when using the wireless accessory, and claimed the battery can currently deliver up to an hour and a half of power.
We’re slightly sceptical about the latency claim, having gone hands-on with a British wireless VR headset, the MVR Ascend. While the Ascend we tried was very much a prototype and promising in many respects, it looked like it faced an uphill struggle when it came to performance.
The HTC Vive wireless upgrade kit is now up for pre-order in the firm’s native China pegged at 1,499 Yuan – roughly £175 before tax.
It’s available via HTC’s Chinese Vive website, with an expected shipping date of Q1 2017.
There’s no talk of global rollout as yet, though international shipping is available, should you be able to navigate the firm’s Chinese website and cough up the necessary extra loot.
Stay tuned, as we’ll update this article with any additional information as and when it becomes available.
Watch: HTC Vive vs Oculus Rift
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
