Oculus Rift S

The Oculus Rift S is a PC VR headset with a high-resolution screen, a large number of Virtual Reality titles and high-quality spatial tracking. It is possible to walk freely in space thanks to the inside-out 6DoF tracking. This also applies to the registration of the VR controllers that also offer spatial registration. The Rift S software is easy to install as long as the computer meets the minimum requirements. There are various sales channels of VR software with which a large number of titles are available, both games and productivity software. In addition, it is possible to develop custom apps for business applications.

When we place the Oculus Rift vs Rift S, we immediately notice that the external trackers are no longer needed. This is because the new system uses five cameras to scan the environment. This promotes freedom of movement compared to the previous model. It is also easier to use the Rift S at multiple locations, scanning the environment is a one-time process. When we place the headsets next to each other, it is also noticeable that the image resolution has been improved for a sharper image. The new edition will also receive longer support from Oculus than the old model.

The Oculus Rift S is a PC VR headset, which works as an accessory for a suitable PC or laptop. The combination of high-quality screen, comfortable design and accurate tracking makes this VR headset ideal for serious gamers who like to play high-end PC games. In addition, you can also buy the Rift S for business applications, because the Windows platform offers plenty of opportunities to use productivity apps. In addition, custom apps can also be developed. The included VR controllers lend themselves to complex virtual simulations, the inside-out tracking offers a lot of freedom of movement. When optimal image quality and a high-end user experience are important, the headset scores very well.

You connect the headset to your smartphone via the app. Download the app here for Android and here for iPhone.

Connect your device to the computer with a suitable USB cable and make sure that developer mode is enabled on your device (s).

For Oculus Quest, go to (https://developer.oculus.com/documentation/native/android/mobile-device-setup/) and scroll down to Enable Developer Mode.
For Oculus Go, go to (https://developer.oculus.com/documentation/native/android/mobile-device-setup/) and scroll down to Enable Developer Mode.
For Pico, go to https://pico-interactive.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/36000059445-how-to-set-headset-to-developer-mode-.
For Android, it is best to search your device name and “Enable Developer Mode” in Google.

Extract the downloaded file and double-click appforcer.bat to install the file. When the open window shows success, you can close the window.

There are two VR glasses that are partly comparable; the HTC Vive and the Valve Index.

HTC Vive
The direct competitor of the Rift is without a doubt the HTC Vive. When introduced in 2016, HTC immediately made some improvements such as room-scale VR and real virtual reality controllers. The standard Vive can best be compared to the headset from Oculus, with the big difference that the Vive needs separate tracking boxes, which is no longer the case with the new S. HTC has some more luxurious models for business use, which can offer advantages within a professional environment.

Valve Index
The Index of Valve is about twice as expensive, you get far superior controllers in return. The Knuckle controllers are able to register ten fingers apart from each other, although there are not many applications that use this yet. As with the HTC Vive, the Valve Index also needs external trackers, which can be a disadvantage with changing setups.

There is currently a choice of one model with an Oculus Rift. With three clearly different VR glasses, Facebook currently offers a good line-up that will score particularly well among end consumers. Professional use is certainly possible, although it is wise to work with a specialized partner for this.

The first version is no longer available, you can only buy the Oculus Rift S. Because the cheaper Go and Quest offer some unique features, we will also briefly describe those models.

Rift
The original Rift with trackers and VR controllers is still not really outdated. There are even some specifications that are superior to the new version. Nevertheless, the inside-out tracking in the “S” model is an important step forward.

Rift S
You can currently buy the Rift S with improved lenses, a wider viewing angle and inside-out tracking. It is possible that the VR controllers end up in a “blind spot” due to the new tracking system. In terms of price / quality ratio, the Rift S scores very well as a PC VR headset.

Quest
These VR glasses are wireless, have the same inside-out tracking and VR controllers as the PC headset. Only the built-in processor does not match a powerful PC or laptop. The great freedom of movement makes the Quest a very interesting alternative, also because you are no longer dependent on an external computer.

Go
For 360 video, the Go is just as interesting with an excellent screen, built-in processor and simple operation. The low price makes this device very suitable for VR cinema experiences in large groups. Movement in space is missing on this device, and that is a significant limitation.

Oculus VR started as a very successful Kickstarter project and quickly grew into a phenomenon in the technology sector. Finally, the possibilities were available to make virtual reality glasses that could display a convincing virtual environment. The early years were promising but sometimes turbulent, such as the takeover by Facebook and later the dismissal of founder Palmer Luckey. With currently three VR glasses from this brand and numerous competitors, the question arises; is buying an Oculus Rift the best choice, or are there more suitable alternatives on the market?

In brief
The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset that was not suitable for a room-scale experience at launch. It was possible to move limited, the system was not suitable for walking. Another limitation was the standard Xbox controller which made navigating the virtual world a bit awkward. Shortly after the introduction of the HTC Vive, which immediately offered these features, Oculus also made some significant improvements to the original product. Roomscale tracking has been added, as have VR controllers that have greatly enhanced interaction with the virtual environment. After a facelift, the price also fell sharply, with which this VR headset for use with PC affordably offered an attractive introduction in virtual reality. Buying the Oculus Rift in the original version is no longer possible because the Rift S was introduced in 2019.

The Rift S makes a number of improvements to the original design such as inside-out tracking. No more external tracking boxes are needed, which significantly increases mobility. The optics have also been improved, as have a number of other details. Most of the modifications come from the cheaper models; the Go and the Quest. Unfortunately, there are also some downgrades such as a lower refresh rate at 80 Hz instead of 90 Hz and the pupil distance is no longer adjustable. On balance, the “S” version does offer more benefits for most users.

The Oculus Rift S is the renewed version of the original Rift that came on the market in 2016. A number of adjustments have been made of which the ‘inside-out’ tracking is the most striking. No more external boxes are needed to register the movement of these VR glasses, in addition, an intelligent camera system on the headset ensures that rooms are accurately registered. Furthermore, the new Rift S is backwards compatible with the titles that were also available for the previous model. This immediately provides a wide range of games and applications to choose from.

About Oculus
In 2012 Oculus VR started with a Kickstarter campaign where it quickly became one of the biggest successes on this platform. In 2014, the startup was bought by Facebook, which led to a wide line of VR glasses in 2019. The Rift S appeared on the market in May 2019 and replaced the old version as the only PC Virtual Reality headset in the current line-up.

Technical specifications

PC accessory VR headset
LCD Display
1280 × 1440 resolution per eye
80Hz refresh rate
Inside-out tracking
Built-in speakers
Adjustable lenses
Movement over 6 axes
2x VR controller

What makes the Rift S special?
PC accessory: This Virtual Reality headset needs a PC or gaming laptop to use. That seems to be a limitation, but that means a greater choice for the customer. With a large PC you do not have to invest anything extra, or you can suffice with a new graphics card. There are therefore more options to tailor the functionality to the wishes and budget of the user.
Full spatial experience: 6DoF stands for six axes of freedom of movement. In practice, that means walking freely in space, which makes games and presentations very realistic. Thanks to the new Insight tracking system, it is no longer necessary to place tracking boxes, you are also warned when you come to a wall.
Better screen resolution: Although the screen resolution has not increased enormously compared to the previous version, the screendoor raster effect has been greatly reduced. The lenses have been improved as well as the color reproduction.
Two VR controllers: The two ergonomic VR controllers that are already included as standard let you make precise hand movements in the virtual space. The haptic feedback function lets you “feel” the virtual environment.
Own App Store with exclusive titles: For owners of other VR glasses, this is an eyesore, because Facebook spends a lot of money on exclusive titles that cannot (officially) be played on other headsets.
Windows operating system: If you own a Windows 10 computer that meets the minimum system requirements, you can start using this product immediately. So you don’t have to learn to work with a custom operating system.
Second generation product: The first Rift was groundbreaking, but it was accompanied by teething problems. This successor is a fully-fledged product for which you do not need any technical expertise to use.
Limitations to take into account
Although the resolution is better compared to the previous model, the cheaper Oculus Go has a screen with even more pixels. In practice, this is amply compensated for by the hardware in a PC or gaming laptop. Another notable difference from the old Rift is the lower refresh rate at 80Hz, the previous edition had 90Hz. This too will hardly be noticeable in practice, and is probably a result of the new Insight tracking. Although no tracking modules are needed anymore, you are still attached to a computer, after all it is a PC accessory. That partially limits freedom of movement, although there are special backpacks for gaming laptops that allow you to walk in all directions.

VR for business use
The previous Oculus Rift was already a well-known appearance at fairs and events, which will only increase with this version. Tracking boxes are no longer necessary, which makes setup much easier, the see-through camera provides extra safety during a presentation. Because the system works on Windows 10, it is relatively easy for a software developer to build custom applications. You can transfer the image from the headset directly to an external screen, which in addition to educational applications is also ideal for drawing an audience to an exhibition stand.

Conclusion
The Rift S is not the successor to the popular Virtual Reality headset from 2016, but an upgrade from the previous version. Except for a few details, the S does offer some interesting improvements. This product is a slick and complete system, which you can not always say from the previous model. If the previous edition was mainly suitable for hobbyists and early adapters because of the sometimes somewhat clumsy user experience, the S edition is a fully-fledged product that is suitable for both consumers and business users.

The recommended system requirements for the Oculus Rift S are:

Video Card: Nvidia GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480
Processor: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
RAM: More than 8GB RAM
Operating System: Windows 10
Connections: 1 USB 3.0

The minimum system requirements for the Oculus Rift S are:
Video Card: Nvidia GTX 1050ti / AMD Radeon RX470
Processor: Intel i3-6100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
RAM: More than 8GB RAM
Operating System: Windows 10
Connections: 1 USB 3.0

The Oculus Rift S is a PC-VR headset. As a result, the Rift S only works in combination with a VR Ready laptop or desktop. In addition, you need an account for the Oculus Store to download games. To create an account or log in click here.

You will find all the information in this video.