The Oculus Rift S, released in 2019, has been a staple in the PC-based virtual reality (VR) market. As one of the most popular and widely used headsets, it has provided users with an immersive and interactive experience. However, with the rapid advancement of technology and the ever-changing landscape of the VR industry, the question on everyone’s mind is: is the Rift S being replaced?
The Evolution Of Oculus And The Rift Series
To understand the potential replacement of the Rift S, it’s essential to look at the evolution of Oculus and the Rift series. Oculus, acquired by Facebook in 2014, has been at the forefront of VR innovation. The company released its first headset, the Oculus Rift, in 2016, which revolutionized the VR industry. The Rift was followed by the Rift S, which offered improved graphics, a higher resolution, and a more comfortable design.
Since the release of the Rift S, Oculus has expanded its product line to include the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2, standalone headsets that don’t require a PC to operate. The Quest series has been incredibly successful, offering users a more affordable and accessible way to experience VR.
The Rise Of Standalone Headsets
The success of the Quest series has led to a shift in focus for Oculus. The company has been investing heavily in standalone headsets, which offer users a more convenient and portable VR experience. The Quest 2, released in 2020, has been a massive hit, with many considering it to be one of the best VR headsets on the market.
The rise of standalone headsets has led to speculation that Oculus may be moving away from PC-based headsets like the Rift S. While the Rift S is still a popular choice among PC gamers, the Quest series has become the flagship product line for Oculus.
Is The Rift S Being Replaced?
So, is the Rift S being replaced? The answer is not a simple yes or no. While Oculus has not officially announced a replacement for the Rift S, there have been rumors and leaks suggesting that a new PC-based headset is in development.
In 2020, Oculus filed a patent for a new headset that features improved graphics and a more advanced tracking system. The patent suggests that the new headset could be a replacement for the Rift S, but Oculus has not confirmed any details.
Oculus’ Focus On The Quest Series
Oculus’ focus on the Quest series has led to speculation that the company may be abandoning the Rift series. However, in an interview with UploadVR, Oculus’ CEO, Andrew Bosworth, stated that the company is still committed to PC-based VR and that the Rift series is not being discontinued.
Bosworth emphasized that the Quest series is designed to be a more accessible and affordable way to experience VR, while the Rift series is geared towards more advanced users who require higher-end graphics and more complex experiences.
What’s Next For Oculus And The Rift Series?
So, what’s next for Oculus and the Rift series? While there is no official word on a replacement for the Rift S, it’s clear that Oculus is committed to continuing to innovate and improve its VR technology.
In the short term, Oculus is likely to continue to support the Rift S with software updates and new content. The company has also announced plans to release new games and experiences for the Rift S, which will help to extend the life of the headset.
In the long term, Oculus is likely to release a new PC-based headset that features improved graphics and more advanced technology. The new headset could potentially be a replacement for the Rift S, but it’s also possible that it could be a new product line that targets a different segment of the market.
Speculation And Rumors
There have been several rumors and leaks suggesting that Oculus is working on a new PC-based headset. Some of the rumored features include:
- Improved graphics and resolution
- Advanced tracking system
- Increased field of view
- Improved comfort and design
While these rumors are unconfirmed, they suggest that Oculus is committed to continuing to innovate and improve its VR technology.
Conclusion
The Rift S has been a staple in the PC-based VR market, but with the rapid advancement of technology and the ever-changing landscape of the VR industry, it’s clear that Oculus is looking to the future. While there is no official word on a replacement for the Rift S, it’s likely that Oculus will continue to innovate and improve its VR technology.
As the VR industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what’s next for Oculus and the Rift series. One thing is certain, however: Oculus is committed to providing users with the best possible VR experience, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
| Headset | Release Date | Resolution | Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oculus Rift | 2016 | 1080 x 1200 per eye | NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 |
| Oculus Rift S | 2019 | 1832 x 1920 per eye | NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480 |
| Oculus Quest | 2019 | 1832 x 1920 per eye | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| Oculus Quest 2 | 2020 | 1832 x 1920 per eye | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
Note: The specifications listed in the table are subject to change and may not reflect the current specifications of the headsets.
Is The Oculus Rift S Being Discontinued?
The Oculus Rift S is indeed being replaced, but it’s not being discontinued just yet. As of now, the Rift S is still available for purchase on the Oculus website and other online retailers. However, Oculus has announced that it will be phasing out the Rift S in favor of its newer headsets.
It’s worth noting that the Rift S will likely continue to receive support and updates for the foreseeable future, even after it’s been phased out. Oculus has a history of supporting its older headsets for a long time, so Rift S owners don’t have to worry about their headset becoming obsolete anytime soon.
What’s Replacing The Oculus Rift S?
The Oculus Rift S is being replaced by the Oculus Quest 2, which is a more advanced and feature-rich headset. The Quest 2 offers improved graphics, a higher resolution, and a more comfortable design. It also has a more comprehensive content library, including a wide range of games and experiences.
The Quest 2 is also a more versatile headset, as it can be used both as a PC-based headset and as a standalone device. This means that users can play games and experiences on their PC, or they can use the headset on its own without the need for a computer.
Will The Oculus Rift S Still Receive Updates?
Yes, the Oculus Rift S will still receive updates and support, even after it’s been phased out. Oculus has a history of supporting its older headsets for a long time, and the Rift S is no exception. Users can expect to receive regular updates, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
It’s worth noting that the frequency and scope of updates may decrease over time, as Oculus focuses more on its newer headsets. However, the Rift S will likely continue to receive updates for at least a year or two after it’s been phased out.
Can I Still Buy The Oculus Rift S?
Yes, the Oculus Rift S is still available for purchase on the Oculus website and other online retailers. However, availability may be limited, and prices may vary depending on the retailer and location. Users who are interested in purchasing a Rift S should act quickly, as stock is likely to dwindle as the headset is phased out.
It’s also worth noting that the Rift S may be available at discounted prices, as retailers clear out their inventory. This could be a good opportunity for users who are looking for a more affordable VR headset.
What Are The Main Differences Between The Rift S And Quest 2?
The main differences between the Rift S and Quest 2 are the graphics capabilities, resolution, and design. The Quest 2 has improved graphics and a higher resolution, making it a more immersive and engaging experience. The Quest 2 also has a more comfortable design, with improved ergonomics and a more balanced weight distribution.
Another key difference is the content library. The Quest 2 has a more comprehensive library of games and experiences, including many exclusive titles. The Quest 2 also has more advanced features, such as hand tracking and spatial audio.
Is The Oculus Quest 2 A Worthy Upgrade From The Rift S?
Whether or not the Oculus Quest 2 is a worthy upgrade from the Rift S depends on individual preferences and needs. If you’re looking for improved graphics, a higher resolution, and a more comfortable design, then the Quest 2 may be a good choice. However, if you’re happy with your Rift S and don’t need the latest and greatest features, then you may not need to upgrade.
It’s also worth considering the cost. The Quest 2 is generally more expensive than the Rift S, especially if you’re looking for the higher-end model with more storage. However, the Quest 2 is a more advanced headset, and the extra cost may be worth it for users who want the best possible VR experience.
What’s Next For Oculus’ Flagship Headset?
Oculus has not officially announced its next flagship headset, but rumors suggest that it may be working on a new high-end headset with advanced features and capabilities. This headset may include improved graphics, a higher resolution, and more advanced tracking technology.
It’s also possible that Oculus may focus more on standalone headsets, like the Quest 2, rather than PC-based headsets like the Rift S. This would allow users to play games and experiences without the need for a computer, making VR more accessible and convenient.