Oculus Rift S debut at GDC
At GDC Oculus unveiled the new Rift S that comes with a new fast-switch LCD with slightly higher resolution, insight out 6-DOF tracking and a new head mount design.
Display
Improved optics and display technology deliver a sharper picture with higher pixel density for an even more immersive gaming experience. Games on Rift have never looked better.
By Oculus
The Display with a resolution of 1,280 × 1,440 per eye it is a small improvement over the original Rift that has 1,080 × 1,200, but not high enough to match Oculus Quest launched last year with 1,440 × 1,600 per eye. Moving to LCD technology from OLED has some benefits but some drawbacks too. By using LCD, the distance between the pixels is lower, and the screen door effect not as noticeable. For the disadvantages, the LCD contrast ratio and black levels are not on the same level as OLED.
Refresh rate dropped from 90Hz to 80Hz to keep the same recommended hardware specs in line with the original Rift.
Insight Tracking
Oculus Insight captures, traces, and navigates physical spaces in real time.
By Oculus
The most significant change, in my opinion, is the inside-out tracking that features five cameras on the exterior of the headset, and it is easier to set up. |
Design and audio
Lenovo co-designed the Rift S for increased comfort, better weight distribution, and improved light blocking.
By Oculus
Oculus partnered with Lenovo to design the Rift S, and they did an excellent job comfort wise using a head strap and the visor hanging in front of your eyes similar to PlayStation VR. The headphones were replaced with an integrated audio system and equipped with an audio jack if you want to use your headphones.
I have mixed thoughts about the headset.
After seeing Oculus Quest last year, I must say that seeing VR headsets still using cables doesn’t fill right anymore.
Resolution wise Oculus Quest has a better display than the Rift S but lacks the power.
Will remain to be seen how this new Rift S will compare to the competition.