Cloud VR to Drive High Capacity, Low Latency Wireless Connectivity in VR Devices
October 25, 2017 | ABI ResearchEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Virtual Reality (VR) has been growing at a rapid rate with the continuous advancements in VR head mounted displays (HMDs), tracking systems, and controllers. Connectivity is another area where VR HMD makers are unceasingly trying to improve. Wireless connectivity is increasingly important for VR users to have better experience. ABI Research, a leader in emerging technology intelligence, forecasts that almost 84% of tethered VR HMDs will have wireless connectivity using WiGig in 2022.
The most important requirement of using a VR device is immersive experience. A wired connection between tethered VR HMD and PC’s or consoles can restrict the freedom of movement for users, which limits the level of immersion. Although mobile and standalone devices run without the need of a cable connection, processing power is limited compared to tethered VR devices. Hardware makers such as TPCast, DisplayLink and KwikVR have introduced wireless add-ons that enable wireless connectivity between tethered VR HMD and PC’s or consoles, however, wireless add-ons are a bit bulky to fit on VR HMD and are usually expensive, costing around US$300. Chipset makers including Intel, Qualcomm, and Peraso are working together with hardware makers to add wireless connectivity using WiGig in tethered VR devices.
Development of Cloud VR applications are expected to be another driver of wireless connectivity in VR HMDs. A recent announcement of HTC partnering with Dalian Television and Beijing Cyber Cloud to test cloud VR service highlights the potential of Cloud VR services. Rendering is done in cloud servers which allows users to access VR applications from anywhere. Cloud VR provides users with full mobility and potentially allows the development of slimmer VR HMDs. “However, a high data rate and low latency connectivity are required for Cloud VR applications. WiGig which can provide up to 7 Gbps connectivity will play important role to support high bandwidth applications for indoor use. High capacity, low latency 5G networks will be essential for deployment of Cloud VR applications for mobile and standalone VR devices,” notes Khin Sandi Lynn, industry analyst at ABI Research.
ABI Research forecasts that 5G connectivity will be available in VR HMD starting from 2020 and over 2.6 million VR HMDs will support 5G connectivity in 2022.
Suggested Items
For Networking, Edge, and IoT Applications: Swissbit Expands PCIe Portfolio
06/27/2024 | SwissbitStorage specialist Swissbit continues to strategically expand its PCIe offerings. The new N2000 (Gen3 PCIe) and N3000 (Gen4 PCIe) product families primarily address applications that require PCIe performance as well as a balanced ratio of low power consumption and reduced heat generation.
CSPs to Expand into Edge AI, Driving Average NB DRAM Capacity Growth by at Least 7% in 2025
06/26/2024 | TrendForceTrendForce has observed that in 2024, major CSPs such as Microsoft, Google, Meta, and AWS will continue to be the primary buyers of high-end AI servers, which are crucial for LLM and AI modeling.
Schweizer, Zollner Announce Strategic Partnership in the Field of Power Embedding
06/25/2024 | Schweizer Electronic AGTo achieve a CO2-neutral world and an All-Electric Society, where electricity is the primary energy source, innovations like high power densities, reduced losses and system cost advantages are essential.
DARPA Researchers Highlight Application Areas for Quantum Computing
06/24/2024 | DARPAAmid efforts to explore quantum computers’ transformative potential, one foundational element remains missing from the discussion about quantum:
Advanced Energy Acquires Airity Technologies
06/24/2024 | BUSINESS WIREAdvanced Energy Industries, Inc., a global leader in highly engineered, precision power conversion, measurement and control solutions, today announced the acquisition of Airity Technologies, a Redwood City, California-based provider of next-generation, high voltage power conversion products and technologies for applications in semiconductor, industrial and medical markets.