The Oculus Rift is pioneering the VR future of gaming, but we still have no idea when the retail version is going to reach shelves. I hoped that the Oculus Connect event that took place this weekend would have the answer to that. Oculus VR did announce a new version of the Rift at the conference, but it’s still not the one customers should be looking for.
It is, however, a massive step forward. I had the chance to try the new DK2 Rift two weeks ago and still found many issues with it. The positional tracking was limited, I still had to wear other cabled headphones for sound and the thing was immensely heavy. It’s almost like Oculus read my mind though, because these are these features they’ve tackled in their third prototype, Crescent Bay.
I now understand why Oculus keeps telling consumers not to by these prototypes just yet. Crescent Bay is a massive leap forward from the DK2. The new Rift now offers 360-degree head tracking, as well as more robust positional tracking using the camera system in the DK2. Crescent Bay is also much lighter and – taking queues from Sony’s Morpheus – includes its own audio solution. That’s at least one less cable to get wrapped in if you choose to use the Rift standing up.
Some early impressions of Crescent Bay indicate that the Rift is now achieving levels of immersion that the previous two prototypes couldn’t reach. After using the DK2 (and getting extremely sick again) I’m excited to give this a go. Oculus is edging closer and closer to retail with these new features, but I still feel like there’s something major still to come.
Although, I’m hoping the retail Rift does come sometime next year.
Last Updated: September 22, 2014
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 22, 2014 at 13:39
You know what the OR needs? Smell-O-Vision! Scent is a powerful sense. Just imagine playing a game with the OR that includes a little nose attachment that releases scents based on the game play. VR IMMERSION FTW! You can store the scent-fluid in some kind of container attached to the OR. Like this early prototype…
RinceThis
September 22, 2014 at 14:30
I’d buy one!
Jedi Consular Kromas
September 22, 2014 at 13:39
I don’t care how bulky the damn thing is as long as it puts a Lightsaber in my hands and lets me run around (welll stand around technically) and let my inner Jedi have fun then that is all I care about.
PS. This post is meant for you EA.
PPS: Bomb,911 etc etc. Now you pesky government officials can you please direct EA to this post.
Thanks
Admiral Chief 0
September 22, 2014 at 14:08
XDXDXDXD
Gerhard Davids
September 22, 2014 at 13:39
I watched the oculus live stream. It was awesome to see where they are and where they are going. The tech they are playing with and the ideas that are still in development.
Ross Woofels Mason
September 22, 2014 at 14:22
I had a chance to try out the DK2 as well and it was a bitch for anyone in glasses, despite them giving you different lens to try etc still couldnt get it entirely right.
The headset was uncomfortable as sin too, but the VR it’self was pretty impressive. Would’nt mind trying this version out, looks a hell of a lot better.
RinceThis
September 22, 2014 at 14:36
… GIMMICK! RUNS
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 22, 2014 at 14:44
You take that back this instant! Why, it has a boob-fondling game – nothing virtual about that reality!