Post by Morreion on Nov 5, 2015 8:51:23 GMT -5
Oculus Shows Off $99 Gear VR Ahead of 2016 Rift Launch (PC Mag)
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—Virtual reality is the future of media. That was the message here at the Oculus Connect conference. But while the company's eyes are clearly set on the future, it had a wealth of information to announce about upcoming projects, including a more consumer-focused Gear VR.
The new Samsung Gear VR will ship globally in November for $99. It's 22 percent lighter than the Gear VR Innovator Edition, and is intended to allow consumers to take their VR experiences on the go using their mobile devices. It works with more phones than its predecessor, including the Galaxy Note 5, S6 Edge+, S6, and S6 Edge. Samsung also promised an improved touchpad that provides greater control for movies, gaming, 360-degree video, and more.
That includes Oculus Arcade, which boasts classic games and franchises from Sega, Midway, Bandai/Namco and more, now available in 3D. In addition, there will be brand new games and IPs, featuring everything from puzzle-based exploration, space fights, and even an Adventure Time game. The Gear VR will also support Twitch and Netflix, with Vimeo, Tivo, Hulu, Lionsgate, and Twentieth Century Fox integration coming soon.
Oculus Rift
But while the Gear VR is exciting for casual and mobile gamers on the go, the device everyone is most excited about, of course, is the Oculus Rift. No pricing information was announced, but the device is set to ship in the first quarter of 2016, along with an Xbox controller—Oculus's gaming standard.
As one might expect, the Rift, in order to have its full potential unlocked, must work with an appropriately powerful machine, which is where the Oculus Ready PC Program comes in. A sticker from the program signals that a PC has been tested and works well with Oculus Rift. Manufacturers like Asus, Dell, and Alienware will offer Oculus Ready PCs for less than $1,000, the company said.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—Virtual reality is the future of media. That was the message here at the Oculus Connect conference. But while the company's eyes are clearly set on the future, it had a wealth of information to announce about upcoming projects, including a more consumer-focused Gear VR.
The new Samsung Gear VR will ship globally in November for $99. It's 22 percent lighter than the Gear VR Innovator Edition, and is intended to allow consumers to take their VR experiences on the go using their mobile devices. It works with more phones than its predecessor, including the Galaxy Note 5, S6 Edge+, S6, and S6 Edge. Samsung also promised an improved touchpad that provides greater control for movies, gaming, 360-degree video, and more.
That includes Oculus Arcade, which boasts classic games and franchises from Sega, Midway, Bandai/Namco and more, now available in 3D. In addition, there will be brand new games and IPs, featuring everything from puzzle-based exploration, space fights, and even an Adventure Time game. The Gear VR will also support Twitch and Netflix, with Vimeo, Tivo, Hulu, Lionsgate, and Twentieth Century Fox integration coming soon.
Oculus Rift
But while the Gear VR is exciting for casual and mobile gamers on the go, the device everyone is most excited about, of course, is the Oculus Rift. No pricing information was announced, but the device is set to ship in the first quarter of 2016, along with an Xbox controller—Oculus's gaming standard.
As one might expect, the Rift, in order to have its full potential unlocked, must work with an appropriately powerful machine, which is where the Oculus Ready PC Program comes in. A sticker from the program signals that a PC has been tested and works well with Oculus Rift. Manufacturers like Asus, Dell, and Alienware will offer Oculus Ready PCs for less than $1,000, the company said.
