Initial Oculus Rift Impressions After Demo

[Sim]

Check this out:

 

Edited April 5, 2013 by Sim

[Merlin]

I think the statement about making it HAVE To be 1:1 is completely false.  I put my VR 920 with my track IR and it was AWESOME.  no motion sickness what so ever. 

 

 

The VR920 has a small fov and does not block out surroundings, the Rift is whole different ball game.

[BlitzPig_EL]

Interesting video.

 

Still a ways off by the look of it, but progress is like a genie.  

 

Once you pull the cork out of the bottle, that genie is very hard to put back in there.

[StG2_Manfred]

Impressions...  .... .... .... .....

 

 

 

Nr 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nr 2

Edited April 5, 2013 by StG2_mvr1892

[71st_AH_Hooves]

both great vids.  This thing is going to take off no matter how much some people want to hate it, so might as well get on the train boyz, besides its not like they kicked your dog.  I just dont understand the vitriol of some people. 

Edited April 7, 2013 by Hooves

[AndyJWest]

both great vids.  This thing is going to take off no matter how much some people want to hate it, so might as well get on the train boyz, besides its not like they kicked your dog.  I just dont understand the vitriol of some people. 

'Vitriol'? 'Boyz'? Grow up...

[startrekmike]

both great vids.  This thing is going to take off no matter how much some people want to hate it, so might as well get on the train boyz, besides its not like they kicked your dog.  I just dont understand the vitriol of some people. 

 

 

 Well, I don't have any strong feeling about it but it has a ways to go before it would really be viable for flight simmers, that said, I hope that this does not get so heavily supported that it will force consumers to buy it just to get a complete experience, I mean, this thing is not exactly cheap and I have already spent enough for hardware.

[BlitzPig_EL]

No vitriol here.  It's just that a few of us have been around the block more than a few times, and have seen so many

"game changing new technologies" that ended up in the scrap heap of history.

 

So pardon our tepid response, but the proof is in a finished product, not a bunch of promises,

interviews, and slick promotion.

 

If it works, great, more power to them. But right now it's a prototype with too many flaws,

and leaves more questions than it answers.

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Ah yes game changing technologies........................................Remembers back to when Track IR 3 got lambasted for its faults.  Pretty sure we are starring at something a little different than something ending up in a scrap heap.  I guess I really ought to thank people like you.   For with out the "IT CANT BE DONE!!!"  Crowd, the moment when it succeeds just isn't as sweet.

Edited April 7, 2013 by Hooves

[AndyJWest]

Hooves, what you are 'pretty sure of' is irrelevant. What matters is the product, not the predictions...

 

P.S. "game changing new technologies"? Not really, unless 'new' means 20 years old: http://museum.bounce-gaming.net/vfx1.html Its all there - though this one actually had working 6DoF...

Edited April 7, 2013 by AndyJWest

[DD_bongodriver]

So Occulus should really be trying to promote their product by being very quiet? almost to the point where nobody even knows of it? considering their product depends on public awareness and enthusiasm to inspire developers to give support one would think they are going about things just right.

 

 

 

But right now it's a prototype with too many flaws

 

 

Exactly, a prototype that at least is only designed to give developers an idea of what they are working with, isn't that the point of working prototypes? they are supposed to catch flaws and problems before eventual production........beta test anyone?

[=RvE=Windmills]

I don't see myself wearing this for hours on end comfortably, no way.

[JG27_Chivas]

Better hardware/software can help alleviate some MS. but Motion Sickness will definitely be an initial problem no matter how well the resolution/latency/blur issues are addressed, but it shouldn't be a persistent problem for most people.  I remember my first ride in a CF104 dual seat Starfighter, where the test pilots would delight in getting us noobie ground crew types sick.   Most people will adapt in a relatively short period, some may not.

 

The consumer versions will eventually have high resolutions, high FOV, low latency, and low weight.  The technologies are here.  Most people should be able to adapt to the motion sickness.

[79_vRAF_Friendly_flyer]

The Oculus apparently isn't quite there yet, but when, or if, it is, it looks to me to be the ultimate in flight sim apparatus.

[Freycinet]

Why would I want to look at a 2013 computer keyboard in my virtual lap when I fly a WWII fighter? We of course need the switches and levers in the cockpit to work, so we can just reach out and use them with our virtual hands, when we're not using the essential controls bound to our joystick/hotas. A big part of simming is to learn about the historical cockpits, I should think...

[79_vRAF_Friendly_flyer]

I suppose building a rudimentary simpit would be in order.

[Rjel]

I would think using virtual hands to flip and twist virtual switches and knobs would be a little frustrating without any sense of feel.

[DD_bongodriver]

I would think using virtual hands to flip and twist virtual switches and knobs would be a little frustrating without any sense of feel.

 

No more than turning and burning in virtual aircraft without the sensation of acceleration forces.

[Rjel]

I can understand that. But with a joystick in my hand I can still have the tactile sensation of movement. I can't have that with virtual hands. Not yet anyway.

[DD_bongodriver]

Yes, but in the simulated environment many things are a compromise that we just learn to adapt to, I think that moving a virtual hand using the mouse should provide a sufficient tactile sensation.

[falstaff]

Until it's out there with with shipping hardware and final resolution (and APIs and drivers etc) it is very difficult to make any sort of judgement. Resolution will be one key area, and efficacy of the drivers another. Public impressions so far all seem to have all been based on iwork-in-progress hardware. The potential is certainly there, and as has been said, getting used to it will be adaptive (and of course it wont be for everyone).

 

My brother used to be a pilot and it's interesting what the various causes of motion sickness are, and how you adapt to them. Much is to do with the inner ear, and also fixed visual reference points. Even a good refence point (or fixed visible horizon) doesn't always work...the worst motion sickness I had was when he starte swinging a dual paraglider like a pendulum, then went into a spiral....he was ontop so even if I'd wanted to be sick on him, it would have been quite hard work...

 

The biggest drawback will lots of people sat in their room blinded with bits of plastic looking like complete numptons, while their wives and kids creep up behind them and take the piss ...then again, that's where semi-opaque headsets come in...Bonsoir, Monsieur Cousteau

Edited April 10, 2013 by falstaff

[AA_Engadin]

OR teardowned by the ifixit.com guys:

 

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Oculus+Rift+Teardown/13682/1

 

This development kit looks pretty easy to repair, just in case. Hope final product will keep as easy to disassemble as this one.

 

Anyway, a bit too many lenses around   make me feel dizzy already, before using them, though.

 

AA_Engadin

Edited April 10, 2013 by AA_Engadin

[BigC208]

I suppose building a rudimentary simpit would be in order.

I would say for Il2 and RoF a good hotas is enough. I don't ever touch the keyboard after I got the game started.

For DCS A10 or something of that nature you're going to run out of buttons to push. Mouse pointer clicking can

fill in. Not ideal but doable.

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Hooves, what you are 'pretty sure of' is irrelevant. What matters is the product, not the predictions...

 

P.S. "game changing new technologies"? Not really, unless 'new' means 20 years old: http://museum.bounce-gaming.net/vfx1.html Its all there - though this one actually had working 6DoF...

LOl ok I am CERTAIN we are starring at a game changer.    I just don't get your hatred of the project.  From most accounts its doing quite well with the devs who got them.   Your "FACTS" seem to be falling on their face when these people try out the product and absolutely LOVE it.  What does it cost YOU to have this project supported??  The answer NOTHING.  If you don't want one.  Dont get one, simple as that.  Unless you are just simply trying to amaze all of us with your vast knowledge of something you've never tried.   I dont get why you have to contantly say NO to a project that is both heavily sought after, and for the first time technically feasible.  Your 1995 papers dont really stand up to the new technology these guys are using, and will be using in the future ie: more trackers, higher res displays.

Edited April 11, 2013 by Hooves

[AndyJWest]

Hooves, what you are 'CERTAIN' of is irrelevant. What matters is the product. As for me 'hating' the product, you are being ridiculous. I'm mildly curious about the technology used, and somewhat bored with the endless hype being posted on forums by people who seem to have lost all capacity for critical judgement. Regarding the rift, I'm as entitled to post my opinions as you are - you don't have to read them. And I at least have bothered to look into the background history of VR technology, rather than merely repeating Oculus press releases and proclaiming the supposed 'TRUTH' based on vague assurances...

[SR-F_Winger]

Hooves: I bet  Andy is one of the first to buy one when its implemented and all the forums scream "ITS GREAT BUY IT":P

 

cheers

 

Winger

 

PS: I WILL buy it when it comes out. Promise!

[Godofskys]

Please skip to around 0:45 and look at his reaction.

 

 

I dont know about you guys, but this definatley doesnt seem like something that can flop.

[AndyJWest]

Forte VFX1 Promotional Video (1995)

 

[DD_bongodriver]

Yep, Andy's video proves how close we are to finally having a practical VR solution.

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Hooves, what you are 'CERTAIN' of is irrelevant. What matters is the product. As for me 'hating' the product, you are being ridiculous. I'm mildly curious about the technology used, and somewhat bored with the endless hype being posted on forums by people who seem to have lost all capacity for critical judgement. Regarding the rift, I'm as entitled to post my opinions as you are - you don't have to read them. And I at least have bothered to look into the background history of VR technology, rather than merely repeating Oculus press releases and proclaiming the supposed 'TRUTH' based on vague assurances...

While you have been reading I have been actually experimenting.  And I can tell you even with the not so great solutions the conclusions of your research are dated.  i own or have tried nearly every VR device that has come out in the last 15 years.  The reason I am excited and repeat the hype is because IT IS TRUE.  I know EXACTLY the issues that have plagued the past iterations of VR and the RIFT addresses every single one of them.   So keep reading.  I'm sure in 10 years you'll read just how important the OR was in the VR scene.

 

  Furthermore, as I think yo know Flight sims are out of the gate the best platform for VR.  So to not develop for the OR (even in its current state) I think would be a mistake.  As the OR has already planned for significant upgrades in panel and tracking.  Unfortunately my order number is rather high so I wont be sharing any videos PROVING what you READ is flat wrong,  for some time, but lucky for me many others are posting their vids all over youtube.  So have a look there.  

 

  The only reason i would say postpone development would be that it pushes the release date back (significantly) or pushes some other feature off the table.  But serious consideration should be paid to this device.

Edited April 12, 2013 by Hooves

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Forte VFX1 Promotional Video (1995)

once again, 1995............................................ Playing a game that ran at 10 fps, on displays that couldn't do 110 FOV,   And the difference is That is a paid advertiser, not a user.  Just look at the user reactions of the OR. You remind me of the belief that people had when cars first came out.  "If you stick your head into the wind at 60mph your face will rip off!!!"  Nope it will just be windy, and your yes might water, until you put on goggles that is.  <---------technology.

Edited April 12, 2013 by Hooves

[FlatSpinMan]

Summary

 

It'll be great!

It'll never work!

It might be great.

It might not.

Potato!

Pot-ah-to!

 

Let's call the whole thing off.

[Merlin]

It's still VR. Meet the new VR, same as the old VR. Completely isolating yourself from the real world isn't going to be everybody's cup of tea. If a mass market was certain then it wouldn't have required a grassroots kickstarter by hobbyists to get it rolling, Sony and Microsoft would be all over it already with their own versions. 

[AA_Engadin]

'Ambilight' hacked OR    already! Even at this beta stage! And with a diving mask!    But, on a second thought, isn't this what the development kit is intended for?

 

 

BTW it looks like a good idea, given our peripheric vision is pretty blurry and we are not supposed to move our eyeballs left or right when we are wearing it, but our head.   It can add for inmersion pretty well.

 

Hope Phillips won't sue this guy for patent infringement.

 

AA_Engadin

Edited April 13, 2013 by AA_Engadin

[smink1701]

I couldnt agree more

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Hey all, here is the first in cockpit footage I can find for the Oculus, yes it is a helicopter, but we are getting closer!!

 

[JG27_Chivas]

http://www.penny-arcade.com/report/article/we-spend-the-weekend-with-the-oculus-dev-kit-and-answer-your-questions

[79_vRAF_Friendly_flyer]

Hey all, here is the first in cockpit footage I can find for the Oculus, yes it is a helicopter, but we are getting closer!!

 

 

I put my palm between my eyes and put my face right up to the screen. Trying to focus was impossible, but hey, stereo vision! My head hurts but it bloody works! With some sort of lenses to adjust viewing distance, this could be in intense experience!

[flyingblind]

Hillarious. Actually, try using a piece of A4 card instead of your palm, it works quite well after your eyes settle down a bit and at least they are a reasonable focal distance from the screen.

[DD_bongodriver]

I'm going to sound like raaaid here but I find a very useful technique for viewing these videos is to go cross-eyed in order to overlap the images, you then are looking at what seems to be 3 viewing ports and the centre one is in 3d, if you get it right your eyes actually relax to the point you feel no more strain from crossing them and are even able to scan around the image, make sure you have the video on full screen.