The world of premium virtual reality experiences has a painful limitation – space. Users are limited in their moves by the cables connecting their VR headset to the PC. At least, this is how things used to be until the announcement by HTC Vive on August 21. The innovative VR company has created the first wireless adapter for VR devices and offers it for pre-order starting with the beginning of September.
Engaging VR games, such as Seeking Dawn should be experienced in an open area, allowing players to move around and pair the holographic actions with real-life movement. Thus, the announcement of the HTC Vive adapter was met with enthusiasm by Multiverse Entertainment, the developers of Seeking Dawn. The company’s founder and CEO, Freeman Fan, stated that: “Wireless represents the true promise of VR and Seeking Dawn. Our gameplay in Seeking Dawn capitalizes on the freedom of wireless, and we can’t wait to showcase how wireless changes the expectations around VR content.”
The adapter developed by HTC Vive will completely change virtual reality experiences, especially for consumers who are unhappy with the way in which they can explore and interact with high definition virtual environments. The wireless adapter will offer them a movement range of up to 6 meters (almost 20ft) and a 150-degree field of vision.
To develop this innovative device, HTC Vive turned to advanced technologies developed by top level companies, such as Intel and DisplayLink. The wireless adapter operates within the 60 Ghz band using the WiGig specification developed by Intel. This wireless frequency band ensures the absence of all interferences with other wireless devices.
Also, the adapter uses the XR codec developed by DisplayLink, offering high performance, low latency and a long battery life, in the range of hours. The wireless adapter will be delivered with one proprietary HTC QC 3.0 PowerBank and an additional one can be purchased on the Vive website.
Speaking of this recent innovation for tetherless virtual reality experiences, the GM Americas of HTC Vive Daniel O’Brien said:
The HTC Vive wireless adapter can be set up within minutes. The user needs to install a PCI-e card and attach a sensor from the PC to broadcast to and from the Vive headset. The adapter works with Vive and Vive Pro devices. However, Vive Pro owners will need to purchase an additional compatibility kit, containing a connection cable, foam padding and an attachment device.
The device will be available for pre-order starting with September 5 at the retail price of $299, while the Vive Pro compatibility kit will cost $60. Customers who purchase the HTC Vive wireless adapter will also receive a 2-month trial for Viveport Subscription, thus being able to access over 500 VR games, including Seeking Dawn.
In the United States, the HTC Vive wireless adapter can be pre-ordered via Amazon, Best Buy, NewEgg, Microsoft and Vive.com. The adapter will be launched worldwide on September 24.
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