A smaller and more affordable alternative to the HTC Vive Tracker?
Tundra Labs, a company that manufactures chips and other SteamVR development kits, is currently working on developing a smaller and cost-effective version of the popular HTC Vive tracker. A Kickstarter campaign to finance the project and gather feedback has been launched as of January 2021. Information on the product's development is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
What do we know about the Tundra Tracker?
The Tundra Tracker is in direct competition with the Vive tracker. These trackers are additional sensors that can be attached to real-world objects, such as your arms, legs, and feet - but also, for instance, a tennis racket or VR gun. The trackers connect via a direct link with HTC Vive base stations.
Luka Beno, founder of Tundra Labs, states that the Tundra Tracker is approximately 60% smaller, uses 50% less power, weighs 50% less, and has twice the battery life - compared to the current HTC Vive Tracker 2.0. Tundra also states that they can offer the Tundra Tracker at a lower price than the Vive tracker.
Easy to attach
The Tundra Tracker can also be combined with current HTC Vive accessories, such as HTC Trackers and controllers. The Valve Index can also be connected to the Tundra Tracker dongle without any problems. In fact, all accessories that work in combination with SteamVR can be combined with this technology.
The tracker is shaped in such a way that it can be easily attached to various surfaces, such as shoes and around the wrists. Due to its smaller size and slanted sides, the Tundra Tracker is almost as comfortable to wear on the arms as a wristwatch.
Tundra Tracker Kickstarter campaign
The Tundra Tracker is currently in full development. The first enthusiasts can financially support the project through Kickstarter. Tundra also calls on potential users to share any feedback they have on the product - to create a product that the VR community fully supports.
Development Edition
In addition to the Tundra Tracker for consumers and the multi-port dongle, Luka Beno indicates that the Kickstarter will also offer a 'Development Edition' tracker that includes an expansion connector. This development kit can be used, among other things, by companies involved in product development of, for example, haptic guns and gloves.
When is the Tundra Tracker available?
The final release of the Tundra Tracker is unknown at the time of writing. However, it is known that the product is in the development phase - and it seems that the Tundra Tracker is going to be a serious player in the field of VR tracking.
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