Virtual Reality is the next big thing, according to just about everybody in the industry other than Microsoft. Valve has bet big on the tech, adding a VR SDK to Steam, and throwing its name behind the HTC-developed Vive headset. It’s set for release later this year. Sony’s got its Project Morpheus coming, which we’ll probably see early next year. But what about the guys who kick-started the new VR craze, Oculus? When will we see them actually release a consumer device? Probably not this year.
In a Facebook earnings call (via Gamasutra), Oculus’ Rift was just glossed over by Facebook boss Tom Zuckerberg, which was a little odd. Judging from what CFO David Wehner’s said though, it’s unlikely you’ll see any sort of large scale shipment this year.
“So we have not announced any specific plans for shipment volumes in 2015 related to Oculus’” he said. “Just note that Oculus is very much in the development stage, so it’s early to be talking about large shipment volumes, and our expense guidance reflects any volumes that we might do in 2015.”
From reports of those who’ve used the Vive, it’s a mature technology that not only competes with the current Rift, but in many ways betters it. With Valve and HTC’s Vive set for release in time for the holidays this year, it’s starting to look like Oculus may be blowing their momentum away. Of course, that’s if Valve manages to get it out on schedule.
What do you think? Will Valve beat Oculus to the VR punch – or does the Facebook-owned startup have something exciting hidden up its virtual sleeves?
[interaction id=”5538a026a39598ff056532d2″]Last Updated: April 23, 2015
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 23, 2015 at 10:41
Right now everyone who’s voted agrees with me that it’s a gimmick!
FutureScience2012 .
April 24, 2015 at 06:32
And that’s what people thought about the automobile, radio and TV. Facebook, Valve and Sony wouldn’t be spending billions on VR if they thought it was just going to be a gimmick.
Splooshypooh
April 23, 2015 at 10:44
Microsoft have the best idea of this headset wearing thing… If THEY cant get it to work properly, I’ll stop caring about this crap
Greg Lanciotti
April 26, 2015 at 21:21
nah, vr is much better
WitWolfy
April 23, 2015 at 10:45
The pic is Project Morpheus though…
Admiral Chief asked for this
April 23, 2015 at 10:46
Gaben!
Geoffrey Tim
April 23, 2015 at 10:48
Why no votes for the virtual boy? 🙁
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 23, 2015 at 10:51
Because nobody likes Rince.
Admiral Chief asked for this
April 23, 2015 at 10:57
XD
Loftus
April 23, 2015 at 10:49
O NO !!! The horror!!! No VR porn…i mean VR games and educational stuff..yeah that’s what i ment, for us this year.
Splooshypooh
April 23, 2015 at 11:06
So much great idea! But porn in games has always been awkward… I mean, i have no idea what you’re talking about?
Ricardo Harvey
April 23, 2015 at 10:53
I think its important that the first release is done right, if not then the market will see it as a gimmick. Based on what every person that has used the rift has written it doesnt sound like a gimmick.
PoisonedBelial
April 23, 2015 at 11:11
I AM BREAD in VR!!!
Oh, the lols…
Joe Black
April 23, 2015 at 11:27
I’ve been getting an oculus rift = Xerox, vs Valve=apple/microsoft vibe for a while.
20twelve
April 23, 2015 at 11:29
Morpheus 4 Lyffe….
Deceased
April 23, 2015 at 14:50
Praise be to Mighty Lord Gaben!!!