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KingCramhole
Up and Coming
August 10, 2017
Question

Do we ever think we'll see a future version of Oculus becoming untethered?

I've thought about the main drawback of Rift (for me anyway) is that annoying cable reaching to the back of my PC. Sure, I know I can get an extension cable but like the Gear VR it would great to consider that one day we won't need to be hardwired in.

I assume the limitations currently would be powering the headset.. needing a power built-in GPU etc. But wondering if there would ever be a way to just stream it wireless like a form of wireless HDMI? Or would latency then become the big drawback?

Where else do we envision Oculus Rift CV2, CV3 and so on heading?

    12 replies

    jayhawk488108
    Inspiring
    August 10, 2017
    Tech already exists. http://www.tomshardware.com/news/sixa-rivvr-wireless-vr-system,33427.html

    I don't see it practical since it adds weight, cost, and a time limit (battery), also I'm guessing most peoples play space isn't large enough to justify it. Probably why you don't hear much about it.
    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-13/facebook-said-to-plan-200-wireless-oculus-vr-headset-for-2018
    Wireless will always come with a price. Battery life for all, underpowered for some.
    BTW, Whats a cramhole? Explain pls.

    Morgrum
    Inspiring
    August 10, 2017

    Hope it never goes untethered because I really don't want to have to worry about charging my headset every time I want to play with it.

    That and wifi or Bluetooth linking only adds one more step to give folks issues.

    WAAAGH!
    Anonymous
    August 10, 2017
    They are making a tether less device for 200$ some time late this year to early next year.
    BeastyBaiter
    Inspiring
    August 10, 2017
    Going wireless and upping the resolution are the logical next steps in PC VR hardware development. The trick will be getting the data bandwidth without introducing a ton of latency. Battery isn't a problem. If all else fails, they could just do a belt type thing and run a wire to that. The real problem with the wires is tripping on them during standing/room scale stuff.
    Morgrum
    Inspiring
    August 11, 2017
    I run my wires above my head on reels no tripping.
    WAAAGH!
    kevinw729
    kevinw729
    Inspiring
    August 11, 2017
    From the noises being made by OVR's current management - it sounds like no new update to CV1 will be expected till late 2019 (if not later). So the idea of matching the 17-Q4 launch of un-tethered VR headset systems (such as TPCast) ,looks very unlikely. And already we have seen TPCast suggest that creating a CV1 version is not a priority and they are focused on Vive systems, and a LG version.

    It would seem that the current OVR management focus is on getting their platform sorted on their core market, and that additions to the hardware (eye tracking or wireless) are not issues they consider worth developing now. But as the guys on TESTED just commented, if OVR sees the un-tethered systems selling well, they may change that view.

    There is still the big question on if the OVR "Standalone" (Santa Cruz) prototype will make an appearance as a Daydream-killer, and be released? While rumors suggest that the new "no-phone" Samsung GearVR II might not be a partnership with Oculus; then it could be a fun couple of months!
    https://vrawards.aixr.org/ "The Out-of-Home Immersive Entertainment Frontier: Expanding Interactive Boundaries in Leisure Facilities" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Home-Immersive-Entertainment-Frontier/dp/1472426959
    Morgrum
    Inspiring
    August 11, 2017
    Oh the fun to be had!
    Honestly competition will only help out folks regardless of what headset you choose.
    Mainly becauseit will push the technology faster and keep the prices down.
    WAAAGH!
    kevinw729
    kevinw729
    Inspiring
    August 11, 2017
    The phrase I think you are looking for is "A rising tide lifts all boats"!

    https://vrawards.aixr.org/ "The Out-of-Home Immersive Entertainment Frontier: Expanding Interactive Boundaries in Leisure Facilities" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Home-Immersive-Entertainment-Frontier/dp/1472426959
    KingCramholeAuthor
    Up and Coming
    August 11, 2017

    jayhawk said:


    BTW, Whats a cramhole? Explain pls.



    Thanks for that info!!

    Oh and enjoy: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cram%20hole
    KingCramholeAuthor
    Up and Coming
    August 11, 2017
    I guess based on what I'm hearing here and reading is that no true wireless solutions will be out anytime soon. While a few "wireless" options are on the horizon I assume they will be not on par with a tethered PC running the latest flagship GPU.

    I wouldn't mind a wired CV2 though with no screen door effect! That's probably my only other major complaint.
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