The hotly anticipated Vive Deluxe Audio Strap launched just yesterday and the initial stock has already been nabbed, apparently putting the unit out of stock in both the US and EU regions. HTC has also confirmed that the upgraded headstrap isn’t compatible with the Vive pre, along with investigating some deterioration issues with the strap’s foam padding.
Update (6/8/17): HTC reached out to offer more information regarding the strap’s compatibility with the Vive Pre headset; the blog post announcing the strap’s launch clarifies that those with the Vive Pre will require a conversion kit due to a difference in the connectors that the strap attaches to. The company says Vive Pre owners getting the Deluxe Audio Strap can contact vivepresupport@htc.com to get the kit for free, which will include a new screw peg and a t6 screwdriver for installation, and be available in mid-June. The original article continues below.
Original Article (6/7/17): 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. Despite being priced at a not so cheap $100, the strap’s initial stock has sold out less than 48 hours after launch. On the official product page, the Deluxe Audio Strap appears to be sold out in all US and EU regions, though there’s still availability in some Asian territories. Amazon too lists the strap now as “Usually ships within 1 to 4 weeks.”
Following the launch of the Deluxe Audio Strap, it’s become clear that the strap is not compatible with the Vive Pre, an earlier version of the headset that went out to thousands of developers ahead of the consumer launch.
“Reverend” Kyle Riesenbeck confirmed the incompatibility with HTC, who offered to swap his Vive Pre for the consumer Vive. HTC said there’s more than 7,000 Vive Pre headsets out there, and for those people “a solution” is in the works, according to Riesenbeck.
Riesenbeck also noted an apparent issue with the foam padding on his Vive Deluxe Audio Strap which seemed to be easily deteriorating due to sweat. Via Twitter, HTC’s Shen Ye said “we are investigating and when we have something to share, we will let you know.”