Oculus Rift development kits have started shipping in the last few weeks, but if like most gamers you haven’t had a chance to have a hands-on go with the Oculus Rift yourself, there’s still a way to experience it vicariously.
This video created by tested.com after the break provides you with the best detailed view and actual gameplay footage of the Oculus Rift VR headset in action. Watch the 45-minute video after the jump to see the Oculus Rift in action.
What is the Oculus Rift?
The Oculus Rift is a high field of view (FOV), low-latency, consumer-priced virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display which is currently in development by Oculus VR, who have raised $2.4 million from a successful Kickstarter campaign. The device aims to revolutionize the way we experience games and other virtual environments by providing an immersive experience that traditional screens cannot match.
“Originally the prototype used a 5.6 inch screen, but after the unexpectedly successful Kickstarter, Oculus discovered that panel wasn’t available in sufficient quantities. So they changed their design to use a new, 7 inch screen. The pixel switching time is significantly faster, reducing latency and motion blur when turning one’s head quickly.”
The Oculus Rift’s development has been closely followed by the gaming community, and its potential applications extend beyond gaming into fields such as education, training simulations, and virtual tourism. The device’s ability to create a sense of presence, where users feel like they are actually inside the virtual world, is one of its most compelling features.
Hands-On Experience with the Oculus Rift
“We have one of the first Oculus Rift development kits in house, and spend the day testing it in Team Fortress 2. Watch how this virtual reality head-mounted display works in-game with every available control setting, as Will practices rocket jumping and we discuss the promises and challenges of VR.”
In the video, the team from tested.com explores the various control settings available in Team Fortress 2, a popular multiplayer first-person shooter. They delve into the intricacies of using the Oculus Rift, including how it handles rapid movements and the overall user experience. The video provides valuable insights into the practical challenges and the immense potential of VR technology.
The Oculus Rift’s development has not been without its hurdles. Issues such as motion sickness, the need for high-performance hardware, and the challenge of creating intuitive control schemes are all areas that developers are actively working to improve. Despite these challenges, the excitement surrounding the Oculus Rift and VR technology, in general, continues to grow.
The potential applications of VR extend far beyond gaming. In education, VR can provide immersive learning experiences, allowing students to explore historical sites or conduct virtual science experiments. In the medical field, VR can be used for training surgeons or for therapeutic purposes, such as treating phobias or PTSD. The possibilities are vast, and the Oculus Rift is at the forefront of this technological revolution.
Source: Kotaku
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