Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly growing technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with digital content. One of the leading devices in the VR market was the Oculus Rift, a VR headset developed by Oculus VR, a division of Facebook.
In this blog post, we will explore the history and features of the Oculus Rift and examine its impact on the VR industry. Although it is discontinued, those who already have it before it was officially retired still enjoy the fun that it brings, and if you’re interested in buying Oculus Rift, the retail store could be your go-to store for it.
Oculus Rift S History
The Oculus Rift was first introduced as a Kickstarter campaign in 2012. The campaign was a huge success, raising over $2.4 million from more than 9,500 backers. The first development kit was released in 2013 and the second in 2014, both primarily aimed at developers interested in creating VR content.
In 2016, the consumer version of the Oculus Rift was released, and it quickly became one of the most popular VR headsets on the market. The Oculus Rift was praised for its high-quality display, comfortable design, and intuitive controls. The headset also included built-in headphones, which provided a more immersive audio experience.
Oculus Rift S Features
The Oculus Rift is a VR headset that allows users to experience virtual reality content. The headset includes two high-resolution displays, one for each eye, which provides a 3D image that is projected directly in front of the user’s eyes. The display resolution is 1080 x 1200 pixels per eye, which is considered one of the highest resolutions in the VR industry.
The headset also includes built-in sensors that track the user’s movements, allowing them to move around and interact with virtual environments. The sensors track the user’s head movements and adjust the virtual display accordingly, providing a more realistic and immersive experience.
In addition to the headset, the Oculus Rift also includes two handheld controllers, called Oculus Touch. The controllers allow users to interact with virtual objects and environments, providing a more natural and intuitive way to interact with VR content.
Impact
The Oculus Rift has had a significant impact on the VR industry since its release in 2016. The device has helped to popularize VR and has been a driving force in the development of VR content. Many developers have created games and applications specifically for the Oculus Rift, which has helped to increase the amount and quality of VR content available to consumers.
The Oculus Rift has also had an impact on other VR devices, as competitors have been forced to improve their devices in order to keep up with the Oculus Rift. This competition has led to advancements in VR technology and has helped to drive down the cost of VR devices, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
Why is Oculus Rift discontinued?
The Oculus Rift, as a product, is no longer available for purchase on the Oculus store, its production has been halted in favor of the newer Oculus Quest line of virtual reality headsets.
However, as technology advanced, Oculus realized that there was a growing demand for standalone VR headsets that did not require a PC or console to operate. This gave birth to a stand-alone VR headset regarded as the Meta Oculus Quest 2.
In 2019, Oculus released the Oculus Quest, a standalone VR headset that was a significant departure from the Rift. The Quest offered a wireless and portable VR experience, with its own onboard computer and sensors, which allowed users to move freely in the physical world while remaining immersed in the virtual environment.
The Oculus Quest proved to be a popular device, and in 2020, Oculus released the Quest 2, an updated and improved version of the headset. The Quest 2 is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, with a higher resolution display and improved controllers.
The success of the Quest line of headsets has led Oculus to shift its focus away from the Rift and towards standalone VR devices. While the Oculus Rift is still available for purchase through some retailers, Oculus has stopped producing new units and has shifted its resources toward the development of the Quest line.
Is Oculus Rift only for PC?
Yes, the Oculus Rift is primarily designed to be used with a PC. The Rift requires a powerful gaming PC to provide the processing power and graphics capability needed to deliver a high-quality VR experience.
To use the Oculus Rift, you need to connect it to a PC using a USB 3.0 cable and an HDMI cable. The PC needs to meet certain minimum specifications, including a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, and a minimum amount of RAM and storage space. The PC also needs to run the Oculus software, which is available for download from the Oculus website.
How much is an Oculus Rift?
The Oculus Rift is no longer available for purchase on the official Oculus website. However, it may still be available through third-party retailers or used marketplaces.
When it was available, the price of the Oculus Rift varied depending on the specific package and any ongoing promotions. At launch in 2016, the retail price for the Oculus Rift bundle, which included the headset, two touch controllers, and two sensors, was $599. In the following years, the price was reduced, with some limited-time deals offering the bundle for as low as $399.
It’s important to note that the Oculus Rift requires a powerful gaming PC to run, which can add significant additional cost to the overall setup. Additionally, some games and applications may require additional purchases or subscriptions to access.
Nowadays, Oculus primarily focuses on its newer standalone VR headsets, such as the Oculus Quest and Quest 2, which start at $299 and $399 respectively. These headsets do not require a PC and offer a more accessible and convenient VR experience for many users.
What is the Oculus Rift called now?
The Oculus Rift still retains its original name, and there has been no rebranding or renaming of the product. However, the production of the Oculus Rift has been discontinued, and the company’s focus has shifted to newer standalone VR headsets, such as the Oculus Quest and Quest 2.
While the Oculus Rift is no longer in active production, it may still be available for purchase through third-party retailers or used marketplaces. However, given that it is no longer being manufactured, it may become increasingly difficult to find new units of the Oculus Rift S for sale over time.
What’s the difference between Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest?
| Feature | Oculus Rift | Oculus Quest |
| Type | PC-tethered | Standalone |
| Display | OLED, 1080×1200 per eye | OLED, 1832×1920 per eye |
| Field of View | 110 degrees | 100 degrees |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Controllers | Oculus Touch | Oculus Touch |
| Tracking | External sensors | Inside-out tracking |
| Required PC Spec | High-end gaming PC | Not required |
| Price (as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021) | No longer available for purchase on Oculus website | Quest 2: $299 (64GB) or $399 (256GB) |
As seen in the table, the key differences between the Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest are that the Rift is a PC-tethered VR headset that requires an external sensor setup for tracking, while the Quest is a standalone VR headset with inside-out tracking. The Quest also has a higher resolution display, but a slightly smaller field of view compared to the Rift. Additionally, the Quest is more affordable and does not require a high-end gaming PC to use.
Conclusion
The Oculus Rift is a groundbreaking device that has helped to popularize virtual reality and has had a significant impact on the VR industry. The device’s high-quality display, comfortable design, and intuitive controls have made it one of the most popular VR headsets on the market. The Oculus Rift has helped to drive the development of VR content and has forced competitors to improve their devices. As VR technology continues to advance, it will be exciting to see how the Oculus Rift and other VR devices continue to shape the future of digital content.