The Oculus Rift S promises improved resolutions, easier setup and maximum comfort
Oculus has announced the Rift S, a follow-up to 2016’s Oculus Rift. The news broke at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, where Oculus announced its newest headset in partnership with Lenovo.
The new VR headset promises “improved optics and display technology,” as well as a higher pixel density for improved overall image quality. Sadly, we’ve not had any technical specifications just yet.
In addition, the Rift S has been redesigned to be more comfortable and easier to use; a dial on the rear now adjusts the fit of the headband, and a new 3.5mm jack allows players to use their own headphones while playing.
Perhaps most importantly, however, is that there is now only one cable to contend with. No more wrapping yourself in knots as you figure out which input goes where.
Aside from the various quality-of-life improvements, the Oculus Rift 2 also features Oculus Insight, a new inside-out tracking technology that can track real-world spaces and objects in real-time. The Rift controllers are also returning, giving users more options for unusual gesture inputs.
According to Oculus, you can get your hands on the new Oculus Rift S starting in Spring 2019 (April, May of this year).
If that’s confusing it’s because Oculus itself seems confused about the release date. The headset is supposed to launch soon but it doesn’t have a firm release date. What’s even weirder is that it’s supposed to come out on or at least near the same time that the Oculus Quest comes out. We’re going from two Oculus headsets total to two new models in a matter of months.
As a replacement for the Oculus Rift, there’s not much to dislike about the Rift S. It offers a higher resolution, easier setup and better tracking all for just a little more than the current package.
It sounds like an extremely good deal all things considered.
Here’s hoping Oculus finds the same success with S that Apple and Microsoft found with their ‘S’ products.
