Facebook unveiled its new VR headset, called Oculus Go. Users can utilize the new VR gadget without a mobile device or a PC. The social network company is expected to release the Oculus Go in early 2018 and the device will have a $199 price tag.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hit on his Facebook page and claimed that the Oculus Go device is the most accessible VR experience that the company has ever created. Facebook’s Oculus Go headset is comparable to Samsung’s Gear VR headset in terms of functionality. Oculus Go will allow its user to spin around while using the device.
Oculus Go’s exterior design appears to resemble Google’s Daydream View VR headset. Facebook designed the Oculus Go with breathable fabrics and will allow users to modify the device’s straps. Users can also wear Facebook’s new standalone VR headset even when they are wearing glasses.
Device with wide field-of-view
Facebook equipped its Oculus Go headset with an LCD display of 2,560 x 1,440-pixel resolution. The headset’s screen offers visual clarity. The Oculus Go will arrive with lenses the same as Oculus Rift’s wide field-of-view. The device will be available with a small controller. Also, the standalone device features several buttons, single trigger, as well as a circular touchpad.
According to Investor Place, the new standalone VR headset will arrive with built-in speakers, providing VR enthusiasts with integrated audio.
Audio performance is something essential with the new VR headset since the device has the capability of offering spatial sound. The Oculus Go also comes with a 3.5mm jack, allowing owners to utilize their own headphones.
Facebook will ship the new device development kits to developers next month. TechCrunch reported that Oculus VR head, Hugo Barra, stated that the new standalone VR headset is the easiest way for app developers to engage with virtual reality.
With Oculus Go being compatible with Samsung’s Gear VR headset, app developers with the latest mobile software development kit can run their applications on Facebook's new device without modification.
Project Santa Cruz
Aside from revealing the Oculus Go, the social network company also shared the development of its wireless virtual reality device, called Project Santa Cruz. According to The Verge, Facebook made it known that the prototype of the Santa Cruz appears to be similar to Oculus Rift’s consumer variant.