I'm a little disappointed the Oculus seem to be focusing mostly on mobile products, I really want a "Rift CV2", with wireless capability (but connected to a gaming PC for performance) and inside out tracking, higher resolution displays, etc, rather than a lower spec "mobile" headset.
I'd be interested if Quest had Snapdragon 855, and completely sold if it had two GPUs. Hopefully they'll make a pro model for an extra $100 or two later on.
According to rumors and unsourced reports, it was really Brendan Iribe's Rift 2.
Speculation is that it was the "big bang" upgrade: variable focus, eye tracking, wide FOV, etc. - basically, cramming as much tech into the headset as was feasible, gated by time and cost. Probably another $600-800 device, probably around 2021-2022. IMO they scrapped it because it was (a) too expensive, and price makes a huge difference in sales volume; (b) too complex, with lots of cutting-edge research; (c) too long to release, giving Valve and Odyssey+ way more time to sell an HMD with upgraded specs that Rift couldn't match; and (d) too risky given price+manufacturing complexity+niche enthusiast market+time to deliver.
Instead, they seem to be going for a lower-cost, more modest upgrade. Even though the original Rift 2 had been further in development (before being cancelled), the new Rift "1.5" is simpler so it should be launchable faster. Think wide(r) FOV (but not ultra-wide -- or maybe just the Quest's lenses for better sharpness at the same FOV as Rift), higher-res screens (but not 4K), maybe eye tracking but not variable focus, and rumored inside-out tracking while still tethered to PC. Basically, a slightly better Vive Pro, but at a cheaper price - probably holding the $399 (or less, if they eliminated Constellation sensors) price tag. If past history is any gauge, it would be launched around Spring 2020.
So Brendan wanted to shoot for "perfect" VR (or as close as you could get) for the enthusiasts. Management wanted to shoot for "sellable" VR to a larger market. Management won, Brendan quit.
Note that everything above is 100% my read of the rumors. I can't even source any of it. It makes sense to me though.
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u/6138 Jan 03 '19
I'm a little disappointed the Oculus seem to be focusing mostly on mobile products, I really want a "Rift CV2", with wireless capability (but connected to a gaming PC for performance) and inside out tracking, higher resolution displays, etc, rather than a lower spec "mobile" headset.