This feeling is….
pretty great!
But is it still good with the new headsets?
Let’s find out.
Hey everyone!
Cas here, and today as promised, we will check out the Vive Wireless adapter again, but this
time for the HTC Vive Cosmos headsets.
Consider subscribing if you like these kinds of videos 😊 And make sure to stick around
tillj the end to support us and to know my verdict.
And now, let’s go beyond reality.
So it’s been a while since I’ve played VR wirelessly.
For those that don’t know, two years ago, TPCast came out with the first consumer wireless
mod for VR headsets.
Even though it worked, I didn’t like it much because it didn’t seem ready for consumers.
Then the Vive Wireless adapter came out too, and that was my first time I felt so heavenly
free without too much hassle.
So I started using it permanently on my HTC VIVE Pro.
However, since new headsets came out, I stopped using it as for me, it’s more important
to have a better display than being wireless.
But now, this same adapter can be used for the HTC VIVE Cosmos, which has an upgraded
display too.
So I know that some of you might wonder now if you should drop your money for this headset
just for the wireless feature?
I’ll try to answer this question in this video!
Let’s start with a quick introduction.
The Vive Wireless Adapter is this small device that you can attach to the VR headset to make
it work without wires.
Okay, not entirely without wires, there still one little cable left for the power bank.
But it will feel like a fully wireless VR experience with this.
No more tangled cables – Just heaven.
Now, to let you know where this all fits.
The VIVE Wireless Adapter came out in 2018 for the original HTC VIVE and the VIVE PRO.
This same adapter still works for the Cosmos headsets, but the power bank that came with
it does not work.
So if you already have the Vive Wireless dapter and you want to use it with your Cosmos, then
you need to buy a separate attachment kit for 49 US dollars (59 euros).
This kit does not include the wireless adapter.
But it comes with a headset cable, a head pad cushion, a new cradle, and a power bank
that suits the Cosmos.
This power bank should have a bit more power than the previous one, which is what the Cosmos
needs.
There’s also a full kit available with the wireless adapter included, which costs 348.99
US dollars (404 euros).
In this complete kit, you get not only everything the attachment kit has, but also a PCI-e WiGig
card, and a wireless link box.
Now, the Vive Wireless Adapter works with both the inside-out-tracking Cosmos and the
Cosmos Elite.
If you use the inside-out tracking Cosmos, you don’t need the base stations.
However, if you use the Elite, you do, but both version 1 and 2 work.
This is how you set it up:
The WiGig card should go in a free PCI-express slot of your motherboard.
Preferably in a 3.0 slot.
I already put in my computer here.
But after plugging in the WiGig card, you need to attach the wireless link box by screwing
it on at the back.
Then place the link box somewhere high, pointing down, preferably in the corner of your play
space.
This is where I’ve put it And then you need download & install the Vive
Wireless Software from the HTC Vive website.
This is probably the hardest part to get right, but luckily you only need to do it once.
And if you’re not comfortable opening your PC case then I recommend finding someone who
can help out.
But now let’s move on to placing the adapter on the headset.
I’ll show you how:
I would first remove the cable from the headset.
You can pull off the face cover so you can reach the cord.
Then you can also use this clip to remove the headphone that is holding the cable.
And lastly, there’s a little Velcro thing that’s holding the cable here, which you
can also remove by detaching this cushion.
Now, if you already had the wireless adapter, you have to remove the old cradle with a screwdriver
and screw on the new cradle.
Then grab the headset and attach the head pad cushion using the provided Velcro thing.
The cushion goes below it, so it feels nice and soft on your head.
The wireless adapter goes on top.
Now you can connect the cable, the side with the little triangle goes in the wireless adapter,
and the side with the circle goes into the headset.
Make sure to reattach your cable to the backside with the little Velcro holder and also with
the headphone holder.
This makes sure that the cable isn’t in the way when you’re playing.
Then just put the face cover on again, and you’re almost done.
All we need to do now is use a USB-A cable and plug it in the power bank and wireless
adapter.
Lastly, finally, you can turn on the wireless adapter by turning on the power bank, then
press the wireless adapter power button once.
There should be a blinking green light that indicates that it’s looking for a connection.
If you start the software now, it’ll automatically detect it.
Once you see the text “READY” - you’re done!
After this, all other steps are the same.
If you want to play SteamVR games, just start SteamVR, and it should all work like you are
used to.
Time for some performance tests!
I’ve tried both fast-paced games to full room-scale games where I move and turn a lot.
There may be a small tiny bit of latency, which is logical as there’s a lot of data
being transmitted wirelessly.
However, since HTC is using Intel’s WiGig technology, which is really impressive technology,
this latency is near-zero.
The good news is that while playing, this latency is not noticeable or disturbing at
all.
As long as you have found a good place for your link box, you won’t notice any differences
in tracking or image quality when compared to playing with a cord.
It’s not all perfect, of course, I mean there’s still a battery involved that can
run out in about 2 hours and charging time takes ages even though it uses USB-C. But
I tried the Anker power bank that I bought for the adapter previously, and it works as
well with the Cosmos.
That’s nice for sure as you can extend your playtime with a few hours more.
In case you are interested, I’ll link it in the description.
Then there are still some compatibility issues like certain motherboards that don’t work
well with it.
And gaming laptops won’t work either since you need a PCI-e slot.
But to answer the question…
I’m glad to say that the Vive Wireless adapter still does what it promises impressively.
So yes, if wireless VR is the most important thing for you and you don’t mind the cons
of the Cosmos headsets, like the pricing for example.
Then, this Wireless Adapter is not a bad choice.
Whether I think anyone should get the Cosmos headset just for the wireless feature – ehh
I’m not sure about that.
While I love the wireless experience, I still believe other aspects are more important,
like the display and comfort.
If money wasn’t an issue, maybe you’re like this guy, then why not.
I love that movie by the way.
But if you are serious about getting the Vive Wireless adapter, I recommend watching our
review of it as this video has more details.
it’s a pretty old video by now, but most of what I said there still stands now.
A lot of you lovely people also commented about using Virtual Desktop with the Oculus
Quest.
And while I agree that VD works fantastic, I don’t agree that it will be the same,
as the Vive Wireless Adapter is a lot more reliable and gets you a more high-quality
VR experience.
But if VD works for you, it’s a good alternative.
What’s your opinion about all this?
I am actually super curious to hear if anyone from our community is still interested in the Wireless
Adapter but also are you
still interested in the Cosmos VR headsets?
I'll read your answers hopefully below in the comments
Before we end, a big thanks to BaxornVR, our Right-Hand Patron.
Support him supporting us by checking out his YouTube channel!
But also a big thanks to all other supporters of this channel.
Seriously, guys, I really wouldn't have been able to do this without all of you.
See you again in the next video.
And as always, stay healthy and VR on!