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Startup 'Rivvr' is working on a wireless VR prototype usable with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive

Cut the cord.

David Craddock

December 16, 2016 2:54 PM

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Startup company Rivvr is developing a wires-free VR solution for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets.

The device, still in prototype stages, works by sending a raw HDMI signal wirelessly to a receiver PC. At this early stage, the signal range runs between 40 to 80 mbps, and the prototype adds just over half a pound of extra weight to the headset.

Tech Crunch went eyes-on with the device and described it as "liberating." Although the device is bound to experience increased latency depending on the user's connection, Tech Crunch was able to play Fruit Ninja and use Tilt Brush without a hitch.

They did encounter some signal drops that disrupted the image, but that's to be expected during nascent development.

Rivvr was derived from Sixa, a Y Combinator-backed company that sells monthly access to cloud-based computing. Rivvr's engineers hope to harness Sixa's cloud tech to wirelessly send data to VR headsets.

Mykola Minchenko, CEO of Rivvr, said the team plans to talk specifics in regard to pricing next month. Right now they're shooting for somewhere between $200 and $300, selling two models that offer approximately three hours and six hours of battery life, respectively.

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.