Oculus Rift Devkit 2.0 now orderable

[DD_bongodriver]

Ill try and find the interview that says its featurw complete. I hope that the screen indeed is upgraded.

 

Here is the news story. About half way through they mention feature complete[media=300 x 100]

[/media]

 

Yes it's feature complete but that does not mean all its features are at the final intended level.....if you know what I mean, the reason we know that the screen is to be upgraded is because we know they have already said they want at least 90hz and the DK2 screen is 75hz.

 

here is Oculus to explain from about 2 minutes in

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4d3Wli7s6KY

 

more info here..

 

http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/19/oculus-rift-development-kit-2/

I believe I mentioned it acouple of months ago here. Yes, technically it's compatible, "morally" - as well. Now waiting for rifters to add TrackIR functions to it.

 

But DK2 has positional tracking, will BoS be able to use the DK2's own tracking?

Edited March 20, 2014 by DD_bongodriver

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 On the verge of getting one..Maybe I just get a TrackIR 5.0 for now and buy the OR when released. I need a pair of new pedals too so..

[SYN_Saintblu]

I have DK1 and got it knowing the limitations because I am just a VR fanatic.

I have ordered the DK2 because I simply could not stop myself. In relation to BoS, we don't know for certain how well we will be able to utilize it in combat in multi-player... It may or may not be good enough to be competative. That's ok by me... using it in SP is just fine.

 

I used DK1 in war thunder. FAR from perfect... but damn, very cool nonetheless.

[JG27_Chivas]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMMvF05ZT70

 

The CV1 will have a better display.   It will also be smaller, and lighter.  I can't imagine the CV1 not having a physical IPD adjustment rather than just the software adjustment in the prototypes.  Unless a wide lens can be made to work with a wider range of IPD's.  They are also working on incorporating VR sound.  Etc Etc. Against my better judgment it still didn't stop me from ordering the DK2.

Edited March 20, 2014 by JG27_Chivas

[Tektolnes]

S!

 

On the verge of getting one..Maybe I just get a TrackIR 5.0 for now and buy the OR when released. I need a pair of new pedals too so..

If you're flush with cash by all means get the OR dev2 but otherwise I'd wait. There's not a whole lot out there right now that properly supports the rift and the final consumer version is likely to be a good bit better. If they're going to improve the resolution for cv1 which seems likely it's worth waiting for that alone as resolution will be one the most important factors when it comes to using the rift with hardcore flight sims.

[=BKHZ=Furbs]

Yep, im still going to hold off for the next version, maybe 2 versions, i love the idea and cant wait to hear what people think of this version but i still dont think its ready for main stream online flight sims(for single play and other things im sure it will rock)

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Ive also watched that interview and I hope they can secure the display, Im sure its going to get a higher def screen, Im hoping for that for sure.  The fact that it is "feature complete" with no camera kinda bummed me out.    I bought mine full knowing that in a few months time Ill sell if for full price to someone who is on the fence. granted I sell it before the CV1 is out or even announced.  

[DD_bongodriver]

Ive also watched that interview and I hope they can secure the display, Im sure its going to get a higher def screen, Im hoping for that for sure.  The fact that it is "feature complete" with no camera kinda bummed me out.    I bought mine full knowing that in a few months time Ill sell if for full price to someone who is on the fence. granted I sell it before the CV1 is out or even announced.  

 

No camera?

 

p.s. hey Furbs.......thought you had died or something.

Edited March 20, 2014 by DD_bongodriver

[DD_bongodriver]

I think he's talking about a forward facing camera so the the real world can be overlaid on the virtual world.

 

I guess people are still thinking of being tied to the keyboard.

 

Perhaps it is a solution for the future, personally I'm not convinced.

 

Me neither, never liked keyboard bindings even before VR, I can think of nothing less immersive and realistic.

[Georgio]

If you're thinking about it, you soooo will...

 

I am soooo keen on this. I could never quite get into the TrackIR thing, even though I know it must be a great, immersive addition. But this, this is something else.

 

 

I hope I don't hurl.

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 A friend of mine has ordered the DK2 and will go over to his place to see how it works before I decide anything Until then something else for looking around will be enough.

[=BKHZ=Furbs]

No camera?

 

p.s. hey Furbs.......thought you had died or something.

 

LOL no...still here, just waiting, playing a bit each week, enjoying the progress but waiting for MP and QMB.

 

Hows you?

[DD_bongodriver]

Not too bad, still not smoking, not enjoying a pipe any more....it broke, so now on a gay looking gadget.

[71st_AH_Hooves]

No camera?

 

p.s. hey Furbs.......thought you had died or something.

Yeah a camera on the front, to be able to see outside the rift when needed not just for keyboard access, but access to anything without "de-rifting", also serve as an augmented reality tool.  They talked of this and it has been a high attention item.  And dislike key bindings all you want.  That very message was typed on one.  So they are unfortunately a necessity.

Edited March 20, 2014 by SYN_Hooves

[HagarTheHorrible]

Palmer said that the CV will be higher res, realisticly what do you think the likely res will be ? 

 

It will be interesting to know what standard of graphics card will run the Oculus  at the required rate without compromising on graphics quality.  If the Oculus becomes the default screen hardware for flight sims it will hopefully make development easier because they are developing to just the one resolution.

 

While looking forward to the CV1 I think the real jump forward, maybe even over and above full positional tracking, will be when it also incorperates eye tracking so that  it becomes even more natural that you maybe even forget that it is a screen you're looking at.

 

The next few years could be incredibally exciting.

Edited March 20, 2014 by HagarTheHorrible

[=BKHZ=Furbs]

As long as your off the cigs Bongo.

[DD_bongodriver]

 And dislike key bindings all you want.  That very message was typed on one.  So they are unfortunately a necessity.

 

I think I can survive forum use outside of VR, not very familiar with text based flight simulations though, I think we both get what we mean though.

 

At least they have put the usb port on the unit with the idea of camera attachment.

Palmer said that the CV will be higher res, realisticly what do you think the likely res will be ? 

 

It will be interesting to know what standard of graphics card will run the Oculus  at the required rate without compromising on graphics quality.  If the Oculus becomes the default screen hardware for flight sims it will hopefully make development easier because they are developing to just the one resolution.

 

People seem to confuse the quoted figures of 75hz etc for a requirement for FPS, but in reality it is simply a screen refresh rate, the FPS is irrelevant, not sure how demanding high refresh rates are for graphics cards but I'm sure most mid range stuff will cope with the 90hz required for the 'presence' and low persistence.

Edited March 20, 2014 by DD_bongodriver

[AbortedMan]

If someone was dedicated to sims enough to buy and use a VR kit such as the Rift, but still not implementing the other human interaction devices (HOTAS, pedals, throttle quadrants, MFDs, etc) properly enough to not use the keyboard, I'd say they're doing it a bit wrong (read: horse before the carriage). I see no need to use the keyboard when flying even the most button intensive sims (like DCS) even with a simple TM Warthog HOTAS and a 2-axis throttle on the ground for radiators. Even when using it for typing, it's easily possible to find the homerow and accurately type what you need...that's why the "F" and "J" keys have that little bump on them so you don't need to ever look at your fingers, you just know by feel.

 

I hope a front facing camera is at least optional on the consumer Rift. I wouldn't need one unless some AR/VR bells and whistles called for it, but I don't see that happening any time soon...otherwise the extra cost would be a waste for me. Forward facing camera is unnecessary, IMO.

[GiConti]

Ordered myself a Devkit 2 even though the CV1 will have a higher res and faster hz screen. Mostly because the think the CV1 will be out mid to late next year.

 

Also from reading around the oled screen in the Devkit2 will be a little better than the 1080p HD prototype. I used the HD prototype at PAX last year and the screen door was very small.

Edited March 20, 2014 by GiConti

[DD_bongodriver]

CV1 is most likely to come out late this year, in fact I'm almost regretting having ordered DK2, I think the reason Oculus have strongly tried to dissuade non-developers from buying it is because they don't want everyone to be broke for the launch of CV1

Edited March 20, 2014 by DD_bongodriver

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Its not just for typing though.  Its for other things most related to other genres of games that use VR.  The same reason I was somewhat disappointing that the 6 dof solution was a camera.  That through the 360 degree VR experience right out the window.  And IMHO it was the first chink in the otherwise impenetrable dream that was VR realized.

 

One example is simply typing, while another might be finding a controller.  We've all seen the "blind man syndrome" of a VR enthusiast reaching out wondering hands for the controller they thought for sure was directly in front of them. 

 

Also, Id like it to regain some SA of the real world without having to take off the rift that I have so carefully seated in the "sweet spot" to say, find my beer. 

 

Is it a must?  No. Would it have been really cool?  Absolutely, I still bought one. I saw a guy place a very small webcam on his DK1, and Id like to experiment.

 

I hope that they can come up with a 360 solution in the future as well, I know they said maybe CV2 down the road.

[Jason_Williams]

Let me clarify something. We do not have a DK2 unit that was displayed at GDC. We have a previous HD unit. It works as it should and we will work to make BOS work with the DK2 or final CV1 etc. When we get a DK2 unit or a CV1 unit is not up to us.

 

Jason

[DD_bongodriver]

how does a keyboard fit into a 360 degree VR experience? if you want a full 360 deg walk around on a treadmill etc for FPS how is the keyboard going to help? I understand the 'blind man syndrome' coming from people I let try my oculus who aren't familiar with my setup, but I never get the syndrome because I know where everything is on my desk......including the keyboard with it's few keys I use for FPS stuff that I know by touch.

 

Anyway DK2 has a usb port built into it and they said it was specifically for people to try out stuff like cameras or other peripherals to experiment with, if they built a camera in then the price goes up.

 

the 6dof solution being a camera is just perfect for flight simulation or other seated VR experience, I envy those of us that have a giant empty room spare to turn it into a private holodeck, we haven't even got VR yet and already people are dissatisfied because it doesn't fit with their personal ideas...........imagine we found the cure for cancer but people complained because it didn't taste of snozberries.

[71st_AH_Hooves]

how does a keyboard fit into a 360 degree VR experience? if you want a full 360 deg walk around on a treadmill etc for FPS how is the keyboard going to help? I understand the 'blind man syndrome' coming from people I let try my oculus who aren't familiar with my setup, but I never get the syndrome because I know where everything is on my desk......including the keyboard with it's few keys I use for FPS stuff that I know by touch.

 

Anyway DK2 has a usb port built into it and they said it was specifically for people to try out stuff like cameras or other peripherals to experiment with, if they built a camera in then the price goes up.

 

the 6dof solution being a camera is just perfect for flight simulation or other seated VR experience, I envy those of us that have a giant empty room spare to turn it into a private holodeck, we haven't even got VR yet and already people are dissatisfied because it doesn't fit with their personal ideas...........imagine we found the cure for cancer but people complained because it didn't taste of snozberries.

I'm not talking about the keyboard for the 360 VR experience.  Though it does beg the question what if you needed one?? to load the game or type to another player?  having the keyboard with in a step or two would be a lot easier and convenient to find if the camera could be toggled in the Rift.

 

I think you are getting a little to focused on the FS experience. VR by its very nature isn't a seated experience.  Its the dream of being able to traverse a space that is not your own in the most realistic way possible.  And I say that for a very good reason.  One doesn't need a large expansive room to experience walking around in a space.  there are other solutions that allow locomotion without ever moving more than 2 feet.  one of them is a thumb stick, another is the virtuix omni.

 

Why is VR only for Flight Sim enthusiasts? Now granted, its great that it benefits our niche right now, but trust me we are in the minority of people looking to capitalize on what VR can do. 

 

IF we were all "satisfied"  nothing would go anywhere.  No innovation would spring, and nothing would improve.  Being disappointed drives innovative solutions.  And those of us that dont possess the skill set or time arent any less disappointed when a device gets close to what is desired and in many cases needed.  But we cant insta-add the periphrial we want. (in a non cumbersome way)  Its hoped that the designer would listen to their consumer base and add a camera or (insert largley popular idea here).

 

Trust me I'm not the only one wishing for a camera to be mounted to the Rift not by a long shot.  The price might go up yes.  But cameras really aren't that expensive. So i don't imagine it would push this into the stratosphere cost wise.   

 

And again, imagine the beer that would be spilled!!!   THE HORROR!!!

Edited March 21, 2014 by SYN_Hooves

[DD_bongodriver]

OK, I admit spilled beer is pretty terrifying, maybe the biggest oversight has been not to incorporate a double beer holder into the hat and not a camera.

[71st_AH_Hooves]

OK, I admit spilled beer is pretty terrifying, maybe the biggest oversight has been not to incorporate a double beer holder into the hat and not a camera.

HA now where getting somewhere

[DD_bongodriver]

Wait till you hear about my keyboard solution...........or rather check this out...

 

[AbortedMan]

I'm with Bongo on this one...

 

The time, effort, and frequency needed to find something in the real world isn't worth the extra resource and cost I imagine adding a forward facing camera would take. Simply pulling the Rift from off your face for a sec and looking through the crack suits me well enough on my current kit, and that's on the rare occasion that I've ever needed to.

 

You have to remember that not everyone will be using the Rift in a fully VR fashion. I will never find myself playing Skyrim, ArmA, or any other game while standing up/running/running in place or on a treadmill type device. When I play video games, I'm sitting down and chillin' out. If I were going to do all that running stuff, I'd go outside and do it for real...and there is a huge demographic that subscribes to the same sentiment, I'm sure.

 

For me, VR would be a strictly sim experience. No movement or forward camera needed here...git yer camera requirements outta mah headset!

[DD_bongodriver]

yep, walk before we run......or rather sit before we walk, we won't innovate if we don't let the idea develop, first step Oculus next step Holodecks.

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

From the Rift web site about the DK2 about development beyond the DK2 version for the Consumer Rift:

 

 

What’s Next? We’re deep into development on the consumer Rift. We have a lot more planned, including improvements to comfort, resolution, tracking, software, ergonomics, optics, industrial design, and the overall experience.

 

Hope it is 1440.

Edited March 21, 2014 by VR-Stick

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Have you seen the videos of all the applications people are using this for?  Robotics, medical research, etc etc, and the developers that HAVE glued a camera to the front of the thing have started making serious in roads to augmented reality.  Adding a small camera to the front of this thing.  Or Honestly 2 small cameras to get the depth, is not taking the project in some catastrophically different direction. I mean honestly, if you don't want to use the cameras just lift it off your face.  Or memorize your HOTAS ( i know I will).  But for this thing to go even bigger even faster, adding cameras is an insanely small investment for MONSTER gains in technology.  

 

And yes, 1440 res would be amazing!

 

here is an example

 

[media=300 x 100]

[/media] Edited March 21, 2014 by SYN_Hooves

[W1ndy]

The treadmills will integrate with the weight loss /exercise gazillion dollar industry.  Cant be bothered getting that power walk in ? No problem  do it in Tamriel and up your bow skills at the same time.

 

Keyboards ,  DCS sims will be hard because there are just so many functions.  Click-able cockpits might be back on the agenda.

[SOLIDKREATE]

I'm in so much trouble now, just gone and ordered mine...

 

ell, did the Misses make you sleep outside yet? Mine said I would have to live in the car if I ordered it, LOL.

[Charlo-VRde]

Watching one of the interviews with the Oculus CTO(?), I've decided to heed his warning to wait until the consumer version before buying.  Also, Zak's experience and  advice that 1080 isn't sharp enough for distance spotting of bogeys means I really should wait for a higher res version, hopefully in the CV 1. 

 

 

Hi Charlo, like you I have the CH stick, throttle and rudder pedals. I have been toying with getting the quadrant for a while but have read several reviews about them being a bitch to set up?

How did you find getting them set up and do you use the CH Control Manager? I don't and don't particularly want to.

And more importantly, does it add much to immersion?

What is the CH MFP in your sig?

 

 

Hi Pierre,

 

Greetings from a sepo!  I posted a bit about my initial struggles with the Throttle Quadrant in CH Throttle Quadrant Axis bug?, and I am glad I added it to my setup.

 

The CH MFP is their Multi Function Panel, http://www.simhq.com/_technology2/technology_105a.html , which I've enjoyed the past couple of years.  I realized recently, though, that I rely on being able to see the labels on my MFP's buttons, which won't work so well when I eventually buy the Occulus Rift Consumer version (must resist the DK2, must resist the DK2!).

 

So, now that I've moved several controls over to the Throttle Quadrant, I'm finding that having an actual lever for water and oil radiators and mixture is more immersive, and I can easily feel the differences between them because of the knobs on the levers.  Plus, my hands can pass over the levers and toggle switches to quickly count them and locate the one I want.  

 

Once I got into the Yak last weekend I also realized that since I can feel where my levers are on their axis, the wheels in the Yak cockpit don't confuse me about how open my radiators or mixture are.  

 

It turns out the Throttle Quadrant is actually pretty easy to set up without using the CH Control Manager.   I still don't fully understand how to program the detentes in the axis, but I don't really need to.  For now I use one axis' detente as my "Bail out!" control by pulling it back past the detente.

 

I do use the CH Control Manager mainly so I can avoid having to re-program all my controls in BoS whenever they release an update that wipes out prior controls.  

 

Granted, they've only done that once so far, but since BoS is still in alpha state, I fully expect them to have to do it again, especially since we know they'll have more inputs to add for different armaments.  

 

So, you won't need to use the CH Control Manager unless you want to try to get fancy.  I think the Throttle Quadrant is very worth the $100 or so I paid for it, but I'm fortunate to be married to a wife who makes twice as much money as I do and who doesn't mind me indulging my hobby.  :^)

 

Charlo

[pilotpierre]

Hi Charlo,

               many thanks for your response, I just ordered one from Amazon.

 

I mainly want it for the Pe2 (for throttle, mixtures and prop pitch controls). I will still use the pro throttle for the fighters throttle. With the 6 buttons (plus the pro throttle and Combat stick hats and buttons, I should just about be able to do away with the keyboard (in readiness for the OR).

 

Where in LA are you? I was there in '67 and '70 with the Navy, again with the family in '80 and 2011 for my sons wedding (second time around) to an American woman in Venice Beach.

 

Remember - resist the DK2.

 

Thanks again for your response.

 

See you in the skies over Stalingrad sometime soon.

 

Just love the Yak, but I still think the LaaG is the most enjoyable to fly, even without trim.

 

Best regards

 

Pete

 

PS Resist the DK2

[HagarTheHorrible]

Personally I think the DK2 is a mistake.  If the number of people on these forums thinking about ordering the DK2 s anything to go by then it is being seen as passable consumer grade.  That, I think, will clog up and delay production of the CV1 as the OR team have their hands full trying to fulfil demand and lets not forget demand , even for the very limited DK1 far outstripped what they had thought.  If the production run is limited in scale then developers will be fighting along with everyone else for access to the hardware so potential development is stunted.  I also think that many of those people who buy it will then try to flog it when the CV1 becomes available, or just before, meaning there will be a glut of less than optimum devices floating about possibly damaging the reputation, brand and therefore adoption of VR.

 

I just can't see the OR shipping without at least one camera, if not two, on the device. Given the negligible weight and cost of mobile phone cameras it seems a no brainer.  They may not have any specific use at this exact moment in time but it won't be long before all sorts of programs, augmented reality for example, do incredible things with them.  It will be interesting to see what is made of the usb port on the front of the DK2, I fully expect to see cameras attached to it and some pretty cool stuff being developed and shown.

[Charlo-VRde]

Hi Charlo,

               many thanks for your response, I just ordered one from Amazon.

 

I mainly want it for the Pe2 (for throttle, mixtures and prop pitch controls). I will still use the pro throttle for the fighters throttle. With the 6 buttons (plus the pro throttle and Combat stick hats and buttons, I should just about be able to do away with the keyboard (in readiness for the OR).

 

Where in LA are you? I was there in '67 and '70 with the Navy, again with the family in '80 and 2011 for my sons wedding (second time around) to an American woman in Venice Beach.

 

Remember - resist the DK2.

 

Thanks again for your response.

 

See you in the skies over Stalingrad sometime soon.

 

Just love the Yak, but I still think the LaaG is the most enjoyable to fly, even without trim.

 

Best regards

 

Pete

 

PS Resist the DK2

I'm glad you ordered the Throttle Quadrant, I think you'll like it. Looks like your thinking the same way as me. It also makes CEM more enjoyable.

 

I live just north of LAX, and from my backyard I can see commercial jets on final approach in the distance. Venice Beach is not far from me, and I end up there 3 or 4 times every year.

 

I was here in '67, too, but only a 1 year old then. My dad had just gotten out of the US Navy as a radio operator.

 

Charlo

[Lusekofte]

Too me this got two sides, firstly I am happy so many here want to buy it, but secondly. This is going to be a item that evolve so fast from dev kit to something else much better.

For once I will not be among the first one to have it, I think this is on the embryo stage and the next step is a screen that can easily flip up for orientation. 

I don't know, something tells me this is a great idea , but this game need a year more to get real interesting and I am sure This too going to be far better in a year

[BigPickle]

looks like wearing large headphones while using oc might be a problem

[DD_bongodriver]

ell, did the Misses make you sleep outside yet? Mine said I would have to live in the car if I ordered it, LOL.

 

 

She still doesn't know, I'm too scared to tell her.........I'm going to see if I can get away with it.