rEvolve: Kopfband für die HTC Vive selbst drucken

Der Komfort bei einer VR-Brille ist wichtig und das herkömmliche Kopfband der HTC Vive sorgt nicht für eine optimale Verteilung des Gewichtes der VR-Brille. HTC hat dieses Problem auch selbst erkannt und mit dem Deluxe Audio Strap eine Lösung ins Rennen geschickt, welche die Vive mit einem ähnlichen Halterungssystem wie die Oculus Rift ausstattet. Doch der Audio Strap ist mit 120 Euro sicherlich kein Schnäppchen und zudem fehlt auch dieser Lösung eine Klappfunktion, wie wir sie von den Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brillen kennen. Wer einen 3D-Drucker besitzt, der kann sich nun günstig die eigene Halterung rEvolve drucken, welche komfortabler als die bisherigen Lösungen für die Vive sein soll.

HTC Vive Kopfband rEvolve selbst drucken

SynergyWiz  bringt mit rEvolve nun eine Idee ins Netz, die ursprünglich via Kickstarter ins Leben gerufen wurde. Bei der damaligen Kampagne konnte man die rEvolve-Halterung „bestellen“ und seit einigen Monaten werden wohl auch die Unterstützer bereits mit dem Produkt beliefert. Damit jedoch alle Menschen in den Genuss des Kopfbandes kommen können, zumindest alle mit Zugriff auf einen 3D-Drucker, stellt das Team nun die einzelnen Teile kostenlos als Datei zum Download bereit.

Zum Zusammenbauen der Brille werden jedoch noch Federn, Polster und Klettverschluss benötigt. Wenn ihr diese Teile nicht einzeln im Internet bestellen wollt, könnt ihr auch alles zusammen im Set bei SynergyWiz für 25 US-Dollar bestellen.

Wer keine Lust auf eine selbstgedruckte Variante hat, der findet bei SynergyWiz auch weiterhin das ursprüngliche Kopfband für knapp 200 US-Dollar.

 

Der Beitrag rEvolve: Kopfband für die HTC Vive selbst drucken zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

Print your Own HTC Vive Headstrap

Comfort is an important consideration is you plan to spend a lot of time immersed in virtual reality (VR). Some VR devices, including the HTC Vive, have suffered criticism for its offered level of comfort. SynergyWiz is offering a potential solution by offering a way to 3D print your own HTC Vive comfort headstrap.

When you are spending hours with two screens and sophisticated electronics strapped to your face, it is vital to get the comfort, fit and balance right, or suffer potential consequences such as muscle spasms, headaches and eye strain. While HTC Vive offers its own comfort strap in the form of the Deluxe Audio Strap, which comes with built-in headphones, some might object to the $99.99 (USD) price tag.

This is where SynergyWiz and its product, the rEvolve, comes in. Originally launched via Kickstarter early in 2017, the rEvolve was created to be a lower-cost solution to provide better for an comfort to HTC Vive users. The company raised over six times its initial Kickstarter funding goal, and has been shipping rEvolve units to backers for several months.

Now SynergyWiz has gone a step further and made the raw files for 3D printing the rEvolve strap available to all, along with a video showing users how to assemble the unit once 3D printing is complete. The video is available to view below.

John Toner, CEO of SynergyWiz stated, “We believe VR as a platform needs all the support it can get during this initial growth period. The more people that experience quality comfortable convenient virtual reality the faster the industry will move forward to the holodeck experiences we all want. In addition to making comfortable and convenient VR more ubiquitous, releasing these files will allow others to further enhance the rEvolve’s design for the Vive and other HMDs/platforms. With the end goal of improving head mounted displays in general moving forward.”

The files are available to download from the Thingiverse website. For users who are unable to source the springs and padding required, SynergyWiz are selling them for $25 on its website.

VRFocus will continue to report on new innovations in the VR industry.

HTC’s Black Friday Sale Gets You a Free Audio Strap with Vive Purchase, Free ‘Fallout 4 VR’ Code

HTC recently announced they’ll be sweetening the pot this Black Friday for potential Vive-owners located in North America by throwing a free Deluxe Audio Strap your way when you purchase an HTC Vive. The deal also includes the previous offer of a free Fallout 4 VR pre-order, bringing the overall savings to $160.

The Deluxe Audio Strap is a massive improvement over the headset’s stock elastic strap, offering both integrated audio and an improved fit that better distributes the weight of the headset across the head. Even at the price of $100, the Deluxe Audio Strap is definitely worth it to improve the Vive’s less-than-awesome comfort factor. Check out our review here.

photo courtesy HTC

For $600, you’ll get the Vive system (headset, basestations, controllers, etc.), a Deluxe Audio Strap, Google Tilt Brush, a redemption code for Fallout 4 VR ($60 value), and a free trial to Viveport Subscription. Remember: Fallout 4 VR launches on December 12, 2017, so the redemption code won’t be active until then.

The sale is going on between Friday, November 24th at 12:00am ET (your time here) through Monday, November 27th at 11:59pm PT (your time here), and will be offered online and in all retail locations where Vive is sold in North America, meaning you can pop down to Fry’s, the Microsoft Store, or Micro Center and get the deal too. You can see where Vive is sold near you here.

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Bethesda Talks 'Fallout 4 VR', New Gameplay Footage Revealed

HTC says the $600 bundle is for North American markets only, but more details on European markets will be announced shortly.

The company is also offering Black Friday deals on Viveport, their digital marketplace. The sale includes discounted pre-paid subscription packages for Viveport Subscription and discounts on titles from Vive Studios. The Viveport deals will start on Wednesday Nov 22nd and end on Monday Nov 27th.

Viveport Subscription offers you the ability to download up to 5 apps each month from a curated selection of games. The normal going rate is a flat monthly fee of $7, but the sale reduces that by up to 63% off, with a 6-month subscription costing $30 – or a total of 60 apps. Check out the deal here for more info during the sale.

The company is also putting up to 75% off Vive Studios titles, including games like Virtual Sports, Arcade Saga, Remembering Pearl Harbor, Front Defense, Jams Studio, Amazon Odyssey and True Scale. You’l find the deals on Viveport when the sale starts of the 22nd.


We’ll be bringing a more comprehensive article closer to Black Friday detailing the best deals in VR, so check back with us soon.

The post HTC’s Black Friday Sale Gets You a Free Audio Strap with Vive Purchase, Free ‘Fallout 4 VR’ Code appeared first on Road to VR.

HTC Vive Announce Black Friday Deals

The sales bonanza of Black Friday is coming up fast, with many people planning to take advantage of deals to purchase gifts in anticipation of Christmas, or pick up a little treat for themselves. For virtual reality (VR) users, a host of deals are being made available, including a set from HTC Vive.

For those who have not yet invested in an VR system, HTC Vive are hoping to tempt in new users with a special offer that will give customers who purchase a HTC Vive between Friday 24th November and Monday 27th November a free Deluxe Audio Strap in addition to the current Fallout 4 VR bundle.

This bundle will contain a HTC Vive headset, tracked motion controllers, tracking stations and set-up software as well as the Deluxe Audio Strap, a copy of Google Tilt Brush, a redemption code for Fallout 4 VR and a free trial of Viveport Subscription, priced at $599 (USD). The bundle will be available both online and in retail stores, though the offer is only available in North America.

Fallout4VR-PR-092917-VB-landscape

The Deluxe Audio Strap has integrated headphones, additional comfort padding and an easy adjustment dial to provide extra comfort when wearing the HTC Vive headset, and is normally priced at $99.99.

Viveport will also be offering discounts on its pre-paid subscription packages, which allows subscribers to download up to five pieces of VR content every month. Discounted packages are as follows:

  • 3 Month Subscription – $12.99 (35% Discount)

  • 6 Month Subscription – $19.99 (50% Discount)

  • 12 Month Subscription – $29.99 (63% Discount)

In addition, many other titles will be available with big discounts when purchased via Viveport, including titles such as Virtual Sports, Arcade Saga, Front Defense, Remembering Pearl Harbor, Amazon Odyssey and True Scale. Viveport Deals will begin on Wednesday 22nd November and and on Monday 27th November.

VRFocus will continue to bring you news on discounts and deals for VR hardware and software.

Guide: How to Replace Vive Headstrap and Attach HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap

Since the announcement at CES for both Vive trackers and Deluxe audio strap you may have decided to get one on the 6th of June. With adjustable headphones and a dial to at the back to easily adjust your head, this will make the HTC Vive headset a lot more comfortable, but perhaps also easier to wear for long hours in virtual reality (VR). VRFocus has put this little guide together on how to take off the old strap and put on your new Deluxe audio strap.

Taking off the old strap

  1. Detach the standard strap and buckle by rotating the buckle downward. You’ll hear a click when the buckle is released.
  2. Push open the compartment cover to access the connector slots on the headset.
  3. Carefully pull the tab until the HDMI cable is unplugged, and then unplug the power cable and USB cable as well as the audio cable.                                                                  
  4. Take out the 3-in-1 cable, audio cable and HTC compartment cover out of the Velcro straps.

Make sure that nothing else is attached to the cables and do not lose the audio cable! Now that you have safely removed all of the cables it’s time to put on the Deluxe audio strap.

Attaching Deluxe Audio Strap

  1. Press the buckles of Vive Deluxe Audio Strap to the connectors on the headset using the palms of your hands until you hear a click to fix them in place.                     
  2. Insert the 3-in-1 cable and the strap’s audio cable into the compartment cover’s cable hole (not into the hole on the Vive logo).
  3. Connect the cables to its corresponding slots in the headset’s compartment.
  4. Align the ridge on the HTC compartment cover with the tabs on the compartment, and then push the cover until it snaps in place.                                              
  5. Fix the 3-in-1 cable in place on the clip on the right side of the strap.
  6. Attach the sticky back of the velcro cable tie (comes with the box) underneath the cushion (right side). Loop the cable tie around the 3-in-1 cable, and then fasten it in place.
  7. Insert the strap’s velcro band to the compartment cover’s band lock, and then secure it in place.

Adjust dial, velcro band or headphones till they’re comfortable and enjoy VR! If things get confusing, there’s always the video down below to help guide you on where to find things and where to put them. If you want to purchase a Deluxe audio strap you can do it on Vive’s website.

Vive Deluxe Audio Straps Back in Stock on Monday, Vive Pre Adapter Kit Available With Promo Code

The Vive Deluxe Audio Strap is a more ergonomic strap with integrated headphones for the HTC Vive, and when it launched last month, it was only on sale for less than 48 hours until stocks ran dry in the EU and US. Now the company says not only will it be back in stock for US/UK/EU customers on July 10th, but that a special adapter for the Vive Pre will also be available for free with purchase.

In our review of the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap, we found the improved headstrap makes a major difference in comfort and usability of the headset. Proving to be popular despite the $100/£100/€120 price tag, many territories ran out of stock in only a few days. The strap is still available for purchase in Australia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.

HTC Vive Pre, photo courtesy HTC

The Vive Pre was the company’s last developer kit, but it’s essentially the same hardware that shipped out to customers when the consumer edition of the headset officially launched in April of last year, save a few minor differences—but because of the Vive Pre’s slightly different mounting mechanism, the HTC-built aftermarket strap simply won’t fit out of the box.

HTC is providing the free upgrade kit that will let Pre-customers use the Audio Strap. The company says limited quantities are available, and only when purchasing a new Deluxe Audio Strap directly from Vive.com. To get an adapter, simply apply the following promo code when checking out with your new strap: txjvuovh3

Sale of the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap starts Monday July 10th at 10 AM Pacific Time (click for your time zone).

Although full instructions and all the parts you need will be provided to safetly attach the strap to the Vive Pre, the company cautions users to follow the setup guide carefully, because as a developer kit, Vive Pre is not covered under warranty and any damage is on the owner.

The post Vive Deluxe Audio Straps Back in Stock on Monday, Vive Pre Adapter Kit Available With Promo Code appeared first on Road to VR.

HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap erscheint am 06.06.2017

Mit dem Deluxe Audio Strap bringt HTC ein VR-Zubehör für die HTC Vive auf den Markt, welches die VR-Brille um direkt verbundene Kopfhörer und eine komfortablere Halterung erweitert. Gestern konnte der Deluxe Audio Strap schon auf Ebay über Alternate bestellt werden, doch dabei handelte es sich um einen Fehler von Alternate.

HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap erscheint am 06.06.2017

Wie Alternate per Mail bestätigt hat, kann der Deluxe Audio Strap nicht wie angezeigt innerhalb der nächsten Tage ausgeliefert werden. Laut Alternate sei der vorgeschriebene Termin für die Veröffentlichung der 06.06.2017 und an diesem Datum möchte das Unternehmen auch die Bestellungen ausliefern. Der Preis für den Audio Strap lag bei ca. 120 Euro. Das neue VR-Zubehör ist auch weiterhin beim Versandhändler gelistet, aber aktuell wird öffentlich noch kein Lieferdatum angezeigt.

Neben dem Deluxe Audio Strap wird in diesem Jahr auch der HTC Vive Tracker von HTC erscheinen, der fast jedes Objekt zu einem möglichen Controller für Virtual Reality Inhalte machen soll. Wann der Vive Tracker auch in Deutschland bestellt werden kann, ist jedoch weiterhin ungewiss. Während die ersten Chargen in den USA bereits vergriffen sind, warten wir in Deutschland noch immer auf eine Möglichkeit der Vorbestellung, obwohl stets versprochen wird, dass es bald soweit sei.

Der Beitrag HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap erscheint am 06.06.2017 zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap Receives Official Release Date

One of the big announcements at CES 2017 came from HTC Vive in the form of the Vive Tracker and Vive Deluxe Audio Strap. While the Vive Tracker has now become available to purchase, news on the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap has been a little lacking. Today that changes with HTC Vive announcing the launch date for the new device.

The Vive Deluxe Audio Strap will see a global launch on 6th June 2017. As previously announced the product will retail for $99.99 USD/ €119.99 EUR, £99.99 GBP, ¥799.00 at Vive.com and Vive retailers.

Vive_Deluxe_Audio_Strap_Side

Some of the key benefits include a much tidier cable layout, integrated audio and a quick fasten and release system. There’s also more padding for a comfier fit. The HTC Vive blog notes: “The Deluxe Audio Strap’s integrated on-ear earphones offer both height and angle adjustments to best fit your ears and are quick and easy to raise and lower when someone wants your attention outside of VR.”

“For developers and businesses, the Vive Business Edition (Vive BE) bundles every new purchase with the Deluxe Audio Strap.  For those that have ordered the BE since Feb 27, orders will begin shipping later in June.”

Pre-orders for the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap should be going live at some point today. For further HTC Vive updates, keep reading VRFocus.

HTC Announce Pricing of Vive Tracker and Vive Deluxe Audio Strap

HTC have announced the availability and price point of their HTC Vive add-ons the Vive Tracker and Vive Deluxe Audio Strap. The company have also announced that there will be new financing options available in North America, and China through JD.com.

Vive Tracker IMG 1 - Flat

The Vive Tracker allows for real-world objects to be incorporated into the virtual reality (VR) experience. It will be available in two phases, a developer version by March 27th, and a general consumer version is expected later in the year.

CloudGate Studio is one of the early adopters of the Vive Tracker and will be demonstrating the use of multiple trackers to create full-body VR experience. This technology will be available for demonstration with CloudGate Studio’s game Island 359 at GDC from March 1st in Valve’s booth.

The Deluxe Audio Strap is set to go on pre-order on May 2nd and is expected to be available in June. The new audio strap combines integrated audio with extra comfort features to make things more comfortable during long sessions. There is also a new sizing dial to switch between single or multiple users.

Vive Deluxe Audio Strap - Solo 2

Both products will be available for a RRP of $99.99 (USD). However HTC have announced that new financing options will now be available for North America and China as follows:

For North America:

0% Financing for 6 months for a total monthly cost of $138.00 (plus tax and shipping) 0% Financing for 12 months for a total monthly cost of $66.58 (plus tax and shipping) 7.99% Financing for 24 months for a total monthly cost of $40.13 (plus tax and shipping)

For China:

0% Financing for 3 months for a total monthly cost of ¥2,296 (tax and shipping included) 0% Financing for 6 months for a total monthly cost of ¥1,148 (tax and shipping included) 0% Financing for 12 months for a total monthly cost of ¥574 (tax and shipping included)

As always, VRFocus will keep you updated with further information on the Vive Tracker and Deluxe Audio Strap and other HTC Vive products.