Oculus Rift goes wireless with TPCast add-on module

It's the biggest annoyance that separates mobile VR viewers from the otherwise superior tethered virtual reality headsets: a trail of cables that connects you to your desktop PC. The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive offer superior experiences, but that comes at the expense of wire-free freedom offered by the likes of Samsung's Gear VR.

TPCast is looking to change that. Having already revealed a wireless module for the HTC Vive, it's now turning its attentions to the Oculus Rift. Now, this isn't the first device claiming to make the Oculus Rift wireless, but given the positive track-record with the HTC Vive version, if you're looking untether your Rift we think this could be a real option.

An additional box that sits on top of your head, looped through the Rift's headband, it lets you cut the cords, beaming the HDMI visuals and USB data from your PC to the headset via a wireless connection.

Low latency

The module works at resolutions up to 2160 x 1200, and promises to deliver the onscreen action with a latency of less than 2ms. Introducing any latency at all to the VR experience can be a dangerous game, so we're keen to see how it performs for ourselves.

It's powered by a 20,000mAh battery, which should be good for a respectable 5 hours of play, and will work within a 5-metre distance from the linked computer.

No word yet on pricing, but TPCast's HTC Vive variant is currently on sale in the UK priced at £318.95. It's aiming for a launch before the end of 2017 – which should give it a good headstart over Oculus's own wireless headset, the Oculus Go.

Gerald Lynch

Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site's home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don't expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of 'Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future', published by Aurum Press.

Latest in Virtual Reality Gaming
Hitman's Agent 47 strangling someone while dressed as a sailor
‘Never say never’ – we ask Hitman developer if Project 007 is coming to VR, and learn how Hitman VR was fixed for PSVR 2
Agent 47 holding up duel pistols with a PSVR 2 headset outline over his head
I can’t believe it either, Hitman on PSVR 2 is actually, finally a great VR port of the World of Assassination trilogy – and my new favorite way to play the series
Meta Quest 3 in white with Batman: Arkham Shadow bundle on red background with don't miss text
Get a $50 gift card with this Meta Quest 3 + Batman Arkham Shadow bundle at Best Buy
A Dragonborn warrior, Tiefling rogue and Halfling mage preparing for battle next to a sign saying "Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked"
First Dungeons & Dragons VR trailer teases a beginner-friendly tabletop game – but I’m just begging for a custom game mode
Meta Quest 3S with Batman: Arkham Shadow banner behind it and red background with black TechRadar lowest price sign
Save $50 on the Meta Quest 3S with a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow
Aliens crawl out of the dark to attack Zula
Alien: Rogue Incursion review: superb survival horror with monsters I wish were more terrifying
Latest in News
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound
Google Maps on a phone being held in someone's hand
Google Maps is getting two key upgrades, for easier route planning and quicker access to Gemini AI
URL phishing
HaveIBeenPwned owner suffers phishing attack that stole his Mailchimp mailing list
Gemini on a smartphone.
Gemini 2.5 is now available for Advanced users and it seriously improves Google’s AI reasoning