Oculus has announced its latest VR headset, the Oculus Rift S. The next-generation device features significant upgrades, including a high-resolution LCD and enhanced optics. New Touch controllers are also included in this model.
The Rift S, which is geared to launch this spring, will completely replace the original Oculus Rift that was launched in 2016. The Facebook-owned virtual reality company has officially announced the arrival of the Rift S during the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Unveiling the Oculus Rift S
Oculus stated that the headset “grants gamers and tech fans exclusive access to the most immersive experience that VR has to offer.” Indeed, the display panels got an upgrade to 1280×1440 resolution per panel, or 2560×1440 total, at 80 Hz. For comparison, its predecessor sported 1080×1200 px resolution.
“Improved optics and display technology deliver a sharper picture with higher pixel density for an even more immersive gaming experience,” the developer said.
The Rift S has Oculus Insight, which is the firm’s exclusive’s inside-out tracking technology. The vendor announced that five cameras are integrated into the sides, front and top of the device to track user movement more efficiently.
Oculus further explained: “Using computer vision algorithms, Oculus Insight captures, traces, and navigates physical spaces in real time”.
Upgraded Tech, Upgraded Experience
With significant upgrades and tech enhancement, Oculus is confident that this new device will level up the user’s experience. They also redesigned the Touch controllers, and Rift users can now grab, point and gesture without problems.
The controller layout has been modified so that the plastic loops are settled on the wearers’ knuckles thus making the tracking sensors more precise. An additional feature called Passthrough+, will now conveniently lets the user view the ‘real world’ environment without taking the headset off.
Rift S was designed in cooperation with Lenovo, and this partnership was forged to provide higher-resolution graphics for PC gaming. The device requires to be connected to a PC running Windows 10 for it to function. Aesthetically and design-wise the headset also had some changes, with a new halo-style strap that is situated over the user’s head, as well as a knob that can be adjusted, so that the wearer can attain maximum comfort while wearing the device.
Waiting Game
Although Oculus seems to be tight-lipped on the launching date of Rift S, fans may not have to wait for too long. The Facebook’s F8 developer conference is scheduled for April 30th, and there’s a rumor circulating that the device could launch, or at the very least receive expected release dates.