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

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.