Virtual reality still has many problems convincing consumers that it's worth investing in. The combination of expensive hardware and almost nonexistent software presents a weak case, but Oculus is already working to improve the situation. Recent data suggests the development of a new wireless virtual reality headset that eliminates the need for a smartphone or computer, with a price around $200.
Price Cuts for the Rift
The Oculus Rift cut its price twice in 2017. Thanks to a special promotion lasting six weeks, those interested in the VR headset can get it along with Touch controllers for just $399, 50% less than the same pack was worth at launch. Almost automatically, the discount sparked rumors of sales problems (the most pessimistic estimates indicate fewer than 100,000 units). At the same time, we should note that the Rift has been on the market for 16 months, and lower hardware manufacturing costs are to be expected, but the reduction has been a bit more abrupt than calculated. Most fans continue to press on the software issue. Large-scale titles can be counted on one hand, and the simulation genre is the most favored so far (with Elite: Dangerous and EVE: Valkyrie leading the way). If the “premium” of the Rift and Vive doesn't live up to expectations, maybe it's time for new hardware.
A Wireless, Standalone Headset
And that's what the latest available information points to. Oculus is working on a wireless, standalone VR headset, without linked smartphones or high-end computers. In other words, the headset sits halfway between the Samsung Gear VR and the Rift. Like the Gear VR, this new headset will track the direction the user looks, and ignore the rest of the movements within the virtual space, as well as hand tracking. The platform would be based on a Snapdragon SoC, with processing power superior to what the Gear VR can offer with a smartphone today. Qualcomm decided not to comment, and many interpret that silence as confirmation of its involvement.
A Price That Could Change Everything
Still, the most interesting point about the development of this VR headset is its price. The data talks about $200, a number that could accelerate VR adoption, despite the risk of cannibalization to which the Rift would be exposed. The Oculus Connect conference is still scheduled for October 11 and 12. The new headset will likely be presented to the public there, with a full launch expected next year.
Source: Bloomberg
