HTC Vive Latest News: Available Now For Wireless With Expensive $220 VR Add-On Kit

The HTC Vive is now available in wireless VR headset. HTC cut the Vive's wire and transformed it into a wireless VR headset, but pre-order is a must. The add-on that transforms the HTV Vive into as wireless headset costs $220.

So here is the big news, #Exclusive @htcvive is going wireless with new $220 accessory. https://t.co/euVBnnqn9U

— Will Mason - VR + AR (@WBMason) November 11, 2016

According to Engadget, the peripheral that clips unto the device was made by a company called TPCAST. In fact, it was designed under the Vive X program.

HTC had invested $100 million just in launching the program into startups and was looking to build accessories for the HTC Vive. According to the interview with the company, they said that there will be no noticeable difference when the player uses the device, implying that the new update won't turn VR experiences into a lame nightmare. HTC even promised that it will greatly improve the overall HTC Vive performance.

In the interview, China Regional President of HTC Vive Alvin W. Graylin told the publication that the company will sell a bigger battery for the wireless VR add-on in the future. At the time being, it will only come with a standard battery that lasts for an hour and a half.

Extremtech reported that pre-orders are available now for the wireless adapter on HTC Vive's Chinese website for 1,499 RMB plus shipping. While $220 seems a bit expensive, it was tough to know if that price is reasonable as the solution is the only game in town. But, there are other efforts in progress, which is also provided by Quark VR.

Players are likely to have more than one option by the end of 2017, which should stabilize pricing and features. Over the next few decades, once the technology evolves and stabilizes, we can expect to see wireless capability built-in to base headsets.

HTC currently sells a limited number of units, and players have a bigger chance of securing one if they can provide a valid HTC Vive serial number. The company expects to ship its first units in the first quarter of 2017.