The HTC Vive’s biggest weakness is the need to be tethered to a computer. However, that is about the change thanks to a company by the name of TPCAST. The Chinese manufacturer has debuted a wireless transmitter upgrade kit that turns the Vive into a completely cordless design.
The peripheral attaches directly to the Vive headset, and connects to the computer wirelessly. Naturally, it also packs a battery back to keep everything running while disconnected from other cables. For now, TPCAST is selling the upgrade kit with a battery capable of lasting about an hour and a half; although it says that there are plans to ship an extended battery as well.
Interestingly, this upgrade kit will be sold through the Vive’s Chinese site; and does not appear in any other region.This is because HTC is selling a very limited number of these upgrade kits, with a preference for those who can provide a valid Vive serial number.
Some PC manufacturers like MSI have been experimenting with ways of untethering the Vive to get the most out of it; but it looks like HTC might just have ended up doing the job itself. Of course, this upgrade kit comes from a third party manufacturer who was part of the Vive X Accelerator programme.
The HTC Vive upgrade kit will be sold for 1,499 RMB (about RM970) from 11pm today.
[Source: PRnewswire]
