Standalone VR Headset 'Oculus Go' Now Available for Purchase for $199

[MacRumors]

During the F8 Facebook Developer Conference this morning, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the launch of the Oculus Go, the latest virtual reality headset from Oculus, which is owned by Facebook.

Priced at $199, the Oculus Go is Oculus' first standalone VR headset, which Zuckerberg said represents the "first really affordable standalone virtual reality headset."

It's shipping with more than 1,000 apps, and it features the "highest quality lenses and optics" that Oculus has ever built into a VR device. Given its affordable price point, Zuckerberg says that it'll be the "easiest way to get into VR," and that the company expects this is how many people will experience virtual reality for the first time.

Design wise, the Oculus Go looks similar to the Oculus Rift. It's a VR headset that fits over the eyes and attaches to the head with adjustable straps and breathable fabrics. It is a standalone device, which means it does not require a connection to a computer or a gaming system to operate.

Oculus Go features a 5.5-inch display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution (1280 x 1140 per eye) and it runs using Qualcomm's Snapdragon 821 processor.

There are spatial audio drivers built into the headset to provide immersive sound, but it also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack to allow users to connect headphones if desired. The included controller translates natural movements into VR using a touch surface and a trigger button.

In a review, The Verge said that while the Oculus Go is not the "flashiest or most high-tech" headset on the market, it's the "best that simple mobile VR has ever been."

The Oculus Go does not feature a full motion controller or inside-outside tracking to allow users to walk around rooms sans external cameras, and it can be likened to the Samsung Gear VR but as a dedicated piece of hardware. Looking through the Oculus Go "isn't that different" than using a Gear VR, says The Verge, and the app library is similar.

The Oculus Go makes improvements to the Gear VR, but its biggest achievement is just making mobile VR content easier to access. It's a reasonably priced device that doesn't require having a specific phone, doesn't force you to clumsily lock that phone into another piece of hardware, and doesn't drain the battery that you might need for more important tasks. And as long as VR is still a labor of love, anything that reduces the "labor" factor is great news.

In other virtual reality news, Zuckerberg says Facebook is working on a new feature that would allow customers to recreate their childhood homes using computer vision and referencing old photographs. Facebook plans to work on mapping out immersive spaces and "creating a real feeling of presence.

Later this month, Oculus will also launch Oculus TV, allowing Oculus Go users to watch entertainment from services like Hulu, ESPN, Showtime, and more.

The Oculus Go can be purchased today from the Oculus website or from Amazon for $199 for 32GB of storage. 64GB of storage is available for $249.

The launch of the Oculus Go comes just days after rumors suggesting Apple is working on its own high-powered virtual and augmented reality headset that would be untethered from a smartphone or a traditional computer.

Apple's device will reportedly include 8K displays and a custom Apple-designed processor that's more powerful than anything currently available. Apple is said to be aiming to launch its AR/VR product in 2020.

Article Link: Standalone VR Headset 'Oculus Go' Now Available for Purchase for $199

 

[44267547]

I see the appeal with virtual reality for some, but I have absolutely zero desire to want to have that Apparatus strapped to my head.

 

[497902]

Oculus belongs to Facebook, just so you know and to remind you twice.

 

[kingofwale]

zuck now tracks your real life movement!

 

[Zaren]

So, it's a head-mounted Apple TV / Fire Stick?

 

[Shanesan]

VR headsets should be equipped with powerful systems attached to it to maximize the feeling of presence.

This is a cheap gimmick and run by Facebook.

 

[LordVic]

this is frustrating right now. Thereis' either the mobile based headsets like this Occulus unit, or the phone based units.

or there's over the top expensive computer ones that come full roomscale.

what I want is an "in between". a headset capable of desktop gaming, but without the additional fluff of roomscale and controllers. The games I play are sit-down in chair games with their own controllers (Steering wheel / HOTAS. The low end phone based ones have way too much lag to use with RiftCat for these games. But the high end ones (Vive/Rift) are ridiculously expensive still

where are the $299 PC based units people!?

 

[scaramoosh]

It's powerful enough, but any one who has used VR will know, without full tracking... VR sucks. This thing can handle stuff like Job Simulator or Rec Room , the surprising thing is your brain buys into that, you do not need photo realistic graphics. However after getting a Rift, I realised you need full tracking, it's what immerses you and transforms VR into something good.

 

[jayducharme]

I've said it before: VR will remain a niche product as long as people have to wear those awkwardly bulky goggles.

 

[Tech198]

I see the appeal with virtual reality for some, but I have absolutely zero desire to want to have that Apparatus strapped to my head.

lol.... better design than Microsoft's one at least.... This one would be more comfortable, but they still have to reduce them to smaller footprint like Google's Glasses size (minus the bit covering your eye)

 

[testcard]

I’ve seen more attractive diving masks.

 

[Stella]

this is frustrating right now. Thereis' either the mobile based headsets like this Occulus unit, or the phone based units.

or there's over the top expensive computer ones that come full roomscale.

what I want is an "in between". a headset capable of desktop gaming, but without the additional fluff of roomscale and controllers. The games I play are sit-down in chair games with their own controllers (Steering wheel / HOTAS. The low end phone based ones have way too much lag to use with RiftCat for these games. But the high end ones (Vive/Rift) are ridiculously expensive still

where are the $299 PC based units people!?

The price of the Oculus PC unit is actually pretty good, CA$529.99. You'll need a third sensor for reliable room scale tracking, which is another $79 - but thats optional. You can get away with 2, but I found tracking a bit jittery in a few places.

Where is the $299 unit? Probably can't be done yet.

I'm loving my Oculus. Excellent value for money, IMO.

 

[LordVic]

I've said it before: VR will remain a niche product as long as people have to wear those awkwardly bulky goggles.

There's no real alternative. the point of the "goggles" isn't JUST the display, ti's also to block out external light sources and does create a more imersive experience.

it really comes down to how unobtrusive the headset can be. lightest weight and easiest comfort.

 

[LordVic]

The price of the Oculus PC unit is actually pretty good, CA$529.99. You'll need a third sensor for reliable room scale tracking, which is another $79 - but thats optional.

Where is the $299 unit? Probably can't be done yet.

yeah, that $530 is better than original price of $1200+. But still outside of what i'm willing to spend. I don't want/need any of that room scale stuff. I just want the headset.

I play mostly Elite Dangerous. in VR it's one of the most immersive experiences gaming I have ever had

I've tried playing it using my GearVR and RiftCat. it works, but I get head issues with it after about 20 minutes due to the wireless lag. I just want a simple headset, wired that'll let me play Projekt Cars or Elite Dangerous.

 

[scaramoosh]

The price of the Oculus PC unit is actually pretty good, CA$529.99. You'll need a third sensor for reliable room scale tracking, which is another $79 - but thats optional.

Where is the $299 unit? Probably can't be done yet.

Yeh and this GO headset actually is an improvement over the Rift, slightly higher res, slightly more pixel dense and it's not pentile which is great. So if you watch video it'll be better than a Rift... but still I wouldn't want to as it's still not good enough.

 

[Stella]

I play mostly Elite Dangerous. in VR it's one of the most immersive experiences gaming I have ever had

Elite Dangerous is amazing in VR. I've never play it without VR now.

 

[afreemanmd]

Yes I might have been interested, but not if owned by Facebook- privacy concerns.

 

[scaramoosh]

yeah, that $530 is better than original price of $1200+. But still outside of what i'm willing to spend. I don't want/need any of that room scale stuff. I just want the headset.

I play mostly Elite Dangerous. in VR it's one of the most immersive experiences gaming I have ever had

I've tried playing it using my GearVR and RiftCat. it works, but I get head issues with it after about 20 minutes due to the wireless lag. I just want a simple headset, wired that'll let me play Projekt Cars or Elite Dangerous.

I'd disagree, Roomscale is what makes VR, without it I'd rather just play games looking at a TV. The immersion comes with feeling like you're there, you just cannot get that without Roomscale.

 

[Stella]

Yeh and this GO headset actually is an improvement over the Rift, slightly higher res, slightly more pixel dense and it's not pentile which is great. So if you watch video it'll be better than a Rift... but still I wouldn't want to as it's still not good enough.

But its a standalone unit, you can't attach it to a PC - so for me, this Go headset is a no go.

If you need a standalone unit, it could be for you.

Next year, Rift 2 will be coming out. Hopefully with a far higher resolution.

 

[dabocx]

this is frustrating right now. Thereis' either the mobile based headsets like this Occulus unit, or the phone based units.

or there's over the top expensive computer ones that come full roomscale.

what I want is an "in between". a headset capable of desktop gaming, but without the additional fluff of roomscale and controllers. The games I play are sit-down in chair games with their own controllers (Steering wheel / HOTAS. The low end phone based ones have way too much lag to use with RiftCat for these games. But the high end ones (Vive/Rift) are ridiculously expensive still

where are the $299 PC based units people!?

There are a few units from Dell/Lenovo/HP that can be bought for 200-300 when on sale.

Some come bundled with windows desktops and are resold on eBay. The higher end OLED Samsung odyssey is the one I want but its still 400 at best.

 

[adamjackson]

Doesn't require a connection to a computer. how do you input information into it? I don't see a keyboard. Is it only for watching streaming TV? What does it do?

 

[dabocx]

Doesn't require a connection to a computer. how do you input information into it? I don't see a keyboard. Is it only for watching streaming TV? What does it do?

It has built in WI-FI, there is a store with games and apps. Watching videos and playing games are probably the main selling point.

 

[Stella]

Doesn't require a connection to a computer. how do you input information into it? I don't see a keyboard. Is it only for watching streaming TV? What does it do?

Its a standalone unit - hence the onboard RAM. No computer required.

There's a remote you can use. The desktop VR environment has a virtual keyboard so wouldn't be surprised if the GO has a virtual keyboard too.

 

[TouchMint.com]

I’m guessing this does not play pc type games at all? You can only choose from the available apps they have included?

 

[mikecorp]

aliexpress has it for 50,-