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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Oculus Quest
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]]
|Platform = [[Oculus Store]]
|Platform = [[Oculus Platform]]
|Creator = [[Oculus VR]]
|Developer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Developer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Manufacturer = [[Meta Platforms]]
|Manufacturer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Announcement Date = September 2018 (OC5)
|Announcement Date = September 26, 2018 (OC5)
|Release Date = May 21, 2019
|Release Date = May 21, 2019
|End of Production = 2021
|Price = $399 (64GB), $499 (128GB)
|Price = $399 USD (64 GB), $499 USD (128 GB)
|Website = https://www.meta.com/quest/ (archived)
|Website = https://www.meta.com/
|Versions = 64GB, 128GB
|Requires = Oculus/Facebook account
|Predecessor = [[Oculus Go]]
|Predecessor = [[Oculus Go]]
|Successor = [[Meta Quest 2]]
|Successor = [[Meta Quest 2]]
|OS = Android-based
|Operating System = [[Oculus OS]] (Android-based)
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 835]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 835]]
|Memory = 4 GB
|CPU = Octa-core Kryo 280 (4× 2.45 GHz + 4× 1.9 GHz)
|Storage = 64 GB, 128 GB
|GPU = Adreno 540
|Display = 2× Pentile OLED
|HPU =
|Resolution = 1440×1600 per eye
|Storage = 64GB or 128GB
|Refresh Rate = 72 Hz
|Memory = 4GB LPDDR4X
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual OLED (PenTile)
|Subpixel Layout = PenTile Diamond
|Peak Brightness = ~100 nits
|Resolution = 1440 × 1600 per eye (2880 × 1600 combined)
|Pixel Density = ~13.5 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 72Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 93°
|Field of View = 93°
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (3 presets)
|Horizontal FoV = ~93°
|Vertical FoV = ~93°
|Average Pixel Density = ~13.5 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~13.5 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed foveated rendering
|Optics = Next-generation Fresnel lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Fresnel lenses
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (slider adjustment)
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (Oculus Insight, 4 cameras)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses spacer included)
|Passthrough = Yes (grayscale, Guardian safety)
|Tracking = 6DoF inside-out (Oculus Insight)
|Tracking Frequency = 60Hz (cameras)
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Eye Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes (software update)
|Face Tracking = No
|Passthrough = Monochrome (Guardian)
|Hand Tracking = Yes (added via update, December 2019)
|Controllers = Oculus Touch (Gen 2)
|Body Tracking = No
|Audio = Built-in speakers, 3.5mm jack
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C (Oculus Link)
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Battery = ~2-3 hours
|Update Rate = 72Hz
|Weight = ~571g
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale (up to 4000 sq ft)
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Integrated spatial speakers
|Microphone = Yes (integrated)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 4× inside-out tracking cameras
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
|Ports = USB-C, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = Yes (Oculus Link, added November 2019)
|Wireless Video = No (at launch)
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 4.2
|Power = Internal battery
|Battery Capacity = 3648mAh
|Battery Life = 2-3 hours (gaming), 3+ hours (media)
|Charge Time = ~2 hours
|Dimensions = 193mm × 105mm × 222mm
|Weight = 571g
|Material = Plastic, fabric
|Headstrap = Elastic fabric strap
|Haptics = Controller haptics
|Color = Black
|Color = Black
|Sensors = 4× tracking cameras, IMU, proximity sensor
|Input = Touch controllers, hand tracking (post-update)
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Oculus Quest''' (first generation) is a standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Oculus VR]], released on May 21, 2019 at $399. It was the first all-in-one VR system with full 6 Degrees of Freedom tracking and Touch controllers, requiring no PC, wires, or external sensors. Powered by the [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 835]] with dual OLED displays, the Quest launched with 50+ titles and later received hand tracking and [[Oculus Link]] for PC VR compatibility. Road to VR called it "The First Great Standalone VR Headset." The Quest was discontinued in 2021, succeeded by the [[Meta Quest 2]].
The '''Oculus Quest''' is the first standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] with full 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, developed by [[Oculus VR]] (now [[Reality Labs]]), announced at Oculus Connect 5 on September 26, 2018, and released on May 21, 2019. Priced at $399 for the 64GB model, the Quest revolutionized the VR industry by eliminating the need for either a gaming PC or external tracking sensors—users could simply put on the headset and immediately begin VR experiences anywhere. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, the Quest featured dual OLED displays with 1440 × 1600 resolution per eye, inside-out tracking via the "Oculus Insight" system using four cameras, and included redesigned Touch controllers. The Quest's commercial success proved that standalone VR was viable and desirable, establishing the foundation for the even more successful Quest 2 and Meta's dominance of the consumer VR market.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


Oculus announced the Quest at Oculus Connect 5 in September 2018 under the codename "Santa Cruz." It represented a major evolution from the [[Oculus Go]] (3DoF) by adding full positional tracking and Touch controllers in a wireless package.<ref name="metablog">{{cite web |url=https://www.meta.com/blog/introducing-oculus-quest-our-first-6dof-all-in-one-vr-system-launching-spring-2019/ |title=Introducing Oculus Quest, Our First 6DOF All-in-One VR System, Launching Spring 2019 |publisher=Meta |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== "Project Santa Cruz" ===
The Quest began as "Project Santa Cruz," first teased at Oculus Connect 3 in October 2016. The project aimed to create a standalone headset with PC-quality tracking—something that didn't exist at the time. Early prototypes evolved significantly before the final product.


The Quest launched on May 21, 2019, the same day as the [[Oculus Rift S]]. It launched with over 50 titles including Beat Saber, Superhot VR, Robo Recall, Moss, and VRChat. Later updates added hand tracking (early 2020) and Oculus Link for PC VR connectivity.
=== Oculus VR Portfolio Strategy ===
Oculus positioned Quest within a three-tier strategy:
* '''Oculus Go''': Entry-level standalone (3DoF)
* '''Oculus Quest''': Premium standalone (6DoF)
* '''Oculus Rift S''': PC-tethered (highest fidelity)


The Quest was discontinued in 2021, with software support phased out beginning in 2023.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oculus_Quest |title=Oculus Quest |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Oculus Connect 5 Announcement ===
At OC5 in September 2018, Oculus revealed Quest alongside Rift S:
* "$399 for a complete VR system"
* Spring 2019 launch window
* Emphasis on accessibility and freedom
* "VR for everyone" messaging


== Design and Hardware ==
=== May 2019 Launch ===
Quest and Rift S launched simultaneously on May 21, 2019:
* Strong initial demand
* Frequent stock shortages
* Exceeded sales expectations
* Validated standalone VR market


=== Display ===
== Design Philosophy ==


Dual OLED displays with Pentile matrix:
=== All-in-One VR ===
Quest's core promise:
* No PC required
* No external sensors
* No cables (except charging)
* Complete VR system in the box


* Dual Pentile OLED panels
=== Accessibility Focus ===
* 1440×1600 resolution per eye
Designed for mainstream adoption:
* 72 Hz refresh rate
* Simple setup process
* 93° field of view
* Portable for different locations
* Good blacks and contrast (OLED)
* Works anywhere with enough space
* Diamond Pentile subpixel arrangement
* Lower barrier to entry than PC VR


=== Processing ===
=== "VR for Everyone" ===
Oculus's marketing emphasized:
* No technical requirements
* Family-friendly experiences
* Living room VR
* Bringing new users to VR


* [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 835]] SoC
== Display Technology ==
* 4 GB RAM
* 3 CPU cores for software
* 1 core + 4 low-power cores for tracking
* 64 GB or 128 GB storage


=== Tracking ===
=== Dual OLED Panels ===
Two OLED displays:
* '''Resolution''': 1440 × 1600 per eye
* '''Total''': 2880 × 1600
* '''Panel Type''': OLED with PenTile subpixels
* '''Refresh Rate''': 72Hz


'''Oculus Insight''' inside-out tracking:
=== OLED Benefits ===
Advantages over LCD:
* True black levels
* Better contrast ratio
* Good color saturation
* Per-pixel illumination


* 4 wide-angle cameras
=== PenTile Trade-offs ===
* 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF)
Diamond PenTile arrangement:
* No external sensors required
* More visible screen door effect
* Real-time environment mapping
* Lower effective resolution
* Sub-millimeter precision
* But OLED benefits outweighed


=== Controllers ===
=== Refresh Rate ===
* 72Hz locked
* Lower than Rift's 90Hz
* Compromise for mobile processing


Second-generation Oculus Touch:
== Optical System ==


* Two fully tracked controllers
=== Next-Generation Fresnel Lenses ===
* Analog thumbsticks
Improved from Oculus Go:
* Triggers and grip buttons
* Better sweet spot
* Face buttons (A, B, X, Y)
* Reduced god rays
* Tracking rings (visible to cameras)
* Good edge clarity
* Accurate hand replication


=== Build ===
=== Field of View ===
* ~93° total
* Adequate for immersion
* Similar to other 2019 headsets


* ~571g weight
=== IPD Adjustment ===
* Fabric covering
Hardware slider:
* Adjustable straps
* '''Range''': 58-72mm
* IPD adjustment (58-72mm, 3 presets)
* Physical lens movement
* Side-mounted headphone jack
* Wide user accommodation


=== Audio ===
== Processing Power ==


* Built-in speakers
=== Snapdragon 835 ===
* 3.5mm audio jack for headphones
Mobile processor from 2017:
* Positional audio support
* '''CPU''': Octa-core Kryo 280
* '''GPU''': Adreno 540
* '''Process''': 10nm
* Originally a flagship phone chip


== Key Features ==
=== Performance Considerations ===
Mobile vs. PC trade-offs:
* Lower graphical fidelity than PC VR
* Optimized game ports required
* Battery constraints
* Thermal management


=== Standalone VR ===
=== Memory ===
* '''RAM''': 4GB LPDDR4X
* '''Storage''': 64GB or 128GB


No PC, wires, or external sensors:
== Tracking System ==
* All-in-one VR experience
* Wireless freedom
* Quick setup
* Portable


=== Guardian System ===
=== Oculus Insight ===
Revolutionary inside-out tracking:
* Four wide-angle cameras
* Computer vision algorithms
* Real-time position calculation
* 6DoF tracking


Safety boundary feature:
=== Camera Placement ===
* Draw play area boundary
Four cameras positioned for:
* Passthrough+ shows real world when crossing
* Wide tracking coverage
* Prevents collisions
* Controller tracking
* Stationary and room-scale modes
* Room mapping
* Guardian boundary detection


=== Hand Tracking ===
=== Room Memory ===
Advanced features:
* Remember up to 5 different rooms
* Automatic Guardian recall
* Large play space support (up to 4000 sq ft claimed)
* Quick setup in known spaces


Added via software update (early 2020):
=== Tracking Quality ===
* Machine learning-based tracking
Generally excellent for standalone:
* No additional hardware required
* Reliable room-scale
* Gesture recognition
* Good controller tracking
* Controller-free interaction
* Some dead zones at extremes
* Impressive for the technology


=== Oculus Link ===
== Controllers ==


PC VR connectivity (announced OC6, 2019):
=== Second-Generation Touch ===
* USB-C connection to PC
Redesigned from CV1 Touch:
* Access Rift-compatible content
* Tracking ring moved to top (for camera visibility)
* Play PC VR games on Quest
* Same button layout
* Hybrid standalone/PC VR device
* Comfortable grip
* Haptic feedback
* AA battery power


== Launch Titles ==
=== Controller Tracking ===
Via headset cameras:
* Line-of-sight tracking
* Works well in most positions
* Some occlusion at body-close positions
* Good enough for most games


50+ titles at launch including:
== Hand Tracking ==
 
=== December 2019 Update ===
Hand tracking added post-launch:
* No controllers required
* Gesture-based input
* Menu navigation
* Limited game support initially
 
=== Significance ===
Demonstrated Quest's software evolution:
* Major feature via firmware update
* Continued improvement potential
* Platform longevity
 
== Oculus Link ==
 
=== November 2019 Update ===
PC VR connectivity added:
* USB-C cable to PC
* Access Rift library
* Best of both worlds
* Unexpected feature addition
 
=== Impact ===
Transformed Quest's value:
* Standalone AND PC VR capable
* Eliminated need for separate PC headset
* Major competitive advantage
 
== Guardian System ==
 
=== Safety Boundaries ===
Room-scale safety:
* Draw play space boundaries
* Visual warnings when approaching
* Passthrough view at boundary
* Essential for room-scale VR
 
=== Passthrough ===
Grayscale camera view:
* See real world through cameras
* Triggered at Guardian boundary
* Safety feature
* Low resolution at the time
 
== Audio System ==
 
=== Integrated Speakers ===
Built-in audio:
* Positioned near ears
* Open design
* Spatial audio support
* Adequate quality
 
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
Headphone option:
* Better audio privacy
* Higher quality possible
 
== Battery and Power ==
 
=== Internal Battery ===
* '''Capacity''': 3648mAh
* '''Gaming''': 2-3 hours
* '''Media''': 3+ hours
* '''Charging''': ~2 hours via USB-C
 
== Software Platform ==
 
=== Quest Store ===
Dedicated software library:
* Curated quality games
* Quest-optimized ports
* Exclusive titles
* Growing ecosystem
 
=== Notable Launch Titles ===
* Beat Saber
* Beat Saber
* Superhot VR
* Superhot VR
* Robo Recall
* Robo Recall
* Moss
* Vader Immortal
* VRChat
* Job Simulator
* Creed: Rise to Glory


== Comparison with Quest 2 ==
=== App Lab (later) ===
* Experimental distribution
* Lower barrier for developers
* Early access content
 
== Commercial Success ==
 
=== Market Impact ===
Quest proved standalone VR viable:
* Strong sales (estimates: several million units)
* Expanded VR market
* Brought new users to VR
* Validated Oculus's strategy
 
=== Industry Influence ===
Shifted industry direction:
* Other manufacturers followed standalone trend
* PC VR growth slowed
* Quest established the standard
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== Quest 2 Foundation ===
Quest 2 built directly on Quest 1:
* Same architecture, improved specs
* Same store ecosystem
* Continued software support
* Evolution not revolution
 
=== Quest Platform ===
Established "Quest" as primary VR platform:
* Name recognition
* Developer ecosystem
* User expectations
* Market dominance foundation
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Feature !! Quest 1 !! Quest 2
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Dual OLED, 1440 × 1600 per eye
|-
| Total Resolution || 2880 × 1600
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72Hz
|-
| FOV || ~93°
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 835
|-
| Memory || 4GB RAM
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 835 || '''XR2'''
| Storage || 64GB / 128GB
|-
|-
| RAM || 4 GB || '''6 GB'''
| Tracking || Oculus Insight (4 cameras)
|-
|-
| Display || OLED || LCD
| Hand Tracking || Yes (added December 2019)
|-
|-
| Resolution || 1440×1600/eye || '''1832×1920/eye'''
| PC VR || Oculus Link (added November 2019)
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72 Hz || '''90/120 Hz'''
| Battery || 2-3 hours gaming
|-
|-
| Weight || 571g || '''503g'''
| Weight || 571g
|-
|-
| Price || $399 (64 GB) || '''$299'''
| Price || $399 / $499
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* "The First Great Standalone VR Headset" - Road to VR
* True 6DoF without PC or wires
* Simple setup—works anywhere
* OLED displays with deep blacks
* Touch controllers excellent
* Hand tracking added via update
* Oculus Link adds PC VR capability
* Strong launch library
* Revolutionary for VR adoption
'''Criticism:'''
* Snapdragon 835 limited graphics
* 72 Hz only (no higher refresh)
* Front-heavy weight distribution
* Limited storage (64/128 GB)
* Facebook account required (later)
* Short product lifespan (discontinued 2021)
* Battery life 2-3 hours
* IPD limited to 3 presets<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/oculus-quest-review-the-first-great-standalone-vr-headset/ |title=Oculus Quest Review – The First Great Standalone VR Headset |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/oculus-quest-specs-price-release-date/ |title=Oculus Quest Specs, Price, Release Date And Everything Else We Know |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Oculus VR]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Oculus Go]]
* [[Oculus Rift S]]
* [[Oculus Rift S]]
* [[Oculus Link]]
* [[Standalone VR]]
* [[Inside-Out Tracking]]
* [[Oculus Insight]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Standalone VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Oculus VR]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Meta Platforms]]
[[Category:Oculus]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:Discontinued VR Headsets]]

Latest revision as of 03:10, 8 January 2026

Oculus Quest
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone VR
Platform Oculus Platform
Creator Oculus VR
Developer Oculus VR
Manufacturer Oculus VR
Announcement Date September 26, 2018 (OC5)
Release Date May 21, 2019
Price $399 (64GB), $499 (128GB)
Website https://www.meta.com/quest/ (archived)
Versions 64GB, 128GB
Requires Oculus/Facebook account
Predecessor Oculus Go
Successor Meta Quest 2
System
Operating System Oculus OS (Android-based)
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
CPU Octa-core Kryo 280 (4× 2.45 GHz + 4× 1.9 GHz)
GPU Adreno 540
Storage
Storage 64GB or 128GB
Memory 4GB LPDDR4X
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Dual OLED (PenTile)
Subpixel Layout PenTile Diamond
Peak Brightness ~100 nits
Resolution 1440 × 1600 per eye (2880 × 1600 combined)
Pixel Density ~13.5 PPD
Refresh Rate 72Hz
Persistence Low persistence
Image
Field of View 93°
Horizontal FoV ~93°
Vertical FoV ~93°
Average Pixel Density ~13.5 PPD
Peak Pixel Density ~13.5 PPD
Foveated Rendering Fixed foveated rendering
Optics
Optics Next-generation Fresnel lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 58-72mm (slider adjustment)
Adjustable Diopter No (glasses spacer included)
Passthrough Yes (grayscale, Guardian safety)
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF inside-out (Oculus Insight)
Tracking Frequency 60Hz (cameras)
Base Stations None required
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking Yes (added via update, December 2019)
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking Yes
Update Rate 72Hz
Tracking Volume Room-scale (up to 4000 sq ft)
Play Space Roomscale
Latency <20ms motion-to-photon
Audio
Audio Integrated spatial speakers
Microphone Yes (integrated)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera 4× inside-out tracking cameras
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
Ports USB-C, 3.5mm audio
Wired Video Yes (Oculus Link, added November 2019)
Wireless Video No (at launch)
WiFi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.2
Power Internal battery
Battery Capacity 3648mAh
Battery Life 2-3 hours (gaming), 3+ hours (media)
Charge Time ~2 hours
Device
Dimensions 193mm × 105mm × 222mm
Weight 571g
Material Plastic, fabric
Headstrap Elastic fabric strap
Haptics Controller haptics
Color Black
Sensors 4× tracking cameras, IMU, proximity sensor
Input Touch controllers, hand tracking (post-update)
Compliance FCC, CE

Property "Operating System" (as page type) with input value "Oculus OS]] (Android-based)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "Latency" (as page type) with input value "" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.


The Oculus Quest is the first standalone virtual reality head-mounted display with full 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, developed by Oculus VR (now Reality Labs), announced at Oculus Connect 5 on September 26, 2018, and released on May 21, 2019. Priced at $399 for the 64GB model, the Quest revolutionized the VR industry by eliminating the need for either a gaming PC or external tracking sensors—users could simply put on the headset and immediately begin VR experiences anywhere. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, the Quest featured dual OLED displays with 1440 × 1600 resolution per eye, inside-out tracking via the "Oculus Insight" system using four cameras, and included redesigned Touch controllers. The Quest's commercial success proved that standalone VR was viable and desirable, establishing the foundation for the even more successful Quest 2 and Meta's dominance of the consumer VR market.

History and Development

"Project Santa Cruz"

The Quest began as "Project Santa Cruz," first teased at Oculus Connect 3 in October 2016. The project aimed to create a standalone headset with PC-quality tracking—something that didn't exist at the time. Early prototypes evolved significantly before the final product.

Oculus VR Portfolio Strategy

Oculus positioned Quest within a three-tier strategy:

  • Oculus Go: Entry-level standalone (3DoF)
  • Oculus Quest: Premium standalone (6DoF)
  • Oculus Rift S: PC-tethered (highest fidelity)

Oculus Connect 5 Announcement

At OC5 in September 2018, Oculus revealed Quest alongside Rift S:

  • "$399 for a complete VR system"
  • Spring 2019 launch window
  • Emphasis on accessibility and freedom
  • "VR for everyone" messaging

May 2019 Launch

Quest and Rift S launched simultaneously on May 21, 2019:

  • Strong initial demand
  • Frequent stock shortages
  • Exceeded sales expectations
  • Validated standalone VR market

Design Philosophy

All-in-One VR

Quest's core promise:

  • No PC required
  • No external sensors
  • No cables (except charging)
  • Complete VR system in the box

Accessibility Focus

Designed for mainstream adoption:

  • Simple setup process
  • Portable for different locations
  • Works anywhere with enough space
  • Lower barrier to entry than PC VR

"VR for Everyone"

Oculus's marketing emphasized:

  • No technical requirements
  • Family-friendly experiences
  • Living room VR
  • Bringing new users to VR

Display Technology

Dual OLED Panels

Two OLED displays:

  • Resolution: 1440 × 1600 per eye
  • Total: 2880 × 1600
  • Panel Type: OLED with PenTile subpixels
  • Refresh Rate: 72Hz

OLED Benefits

Advantages over LCD:

  • True black levels
  • Better contrast ratio
  • Good color saturation
  • Per-pixel illumination

PenTile Trade-offs

Diamond PenTile arrangement:

  • More visible screen door effect
  • Lower effective resolution
  • But OLED benefits outweighed

Refresh Rate

  • 72Hz locked
  • Lower than Rift's 90Hz
  • Compromise for mobile processing

Optical System

Next-Generation Fresnel Lenses

Improved from Oculus Go:

  • Better sweet spot
  • Reduced god rays
  • Good edge clarity

Field of View

  • ~93° total
  • Adequate for immersion
  • Similar to other 2019 headsets

IPD Adjustment

Hardware slider:

  • Range: 58-72mm
  • Physical lens movement
  • Wide user accommodation

Processing Power

Snapdragon 835

Mobile processor from 2017:

  • CPU: Octa-core Kryo 280
  • GPU: Adreno 540
  • Process: 10nm
  • Originally a flagship phone chip

Performance Considerations

Mobile vs. PC trade-offs:

  • Lower graphical fidelity than PC VR
  • Optimized game ports required
  • Battery constraints
  • Thermal management

Memory

  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
  • Storage: 64GB or 128GB

Tracking System

Oculus Insight

Revolutionary inside-out tracking:

  • Four wide-angle cameras
  • Computer vision algorithms
  • Real-time position calculation
  • 6DoF tracking

Camera Placement

Four cameras positioned for:

  • Wide tracking coverage
  • Controller tracking
  • Room mapping
  • Guardian boundary detection

Room Memory

Advanced features:

  • Remember up to 5 different rooms
  • Automatic Guardian recall
  • Large play space support (up to 4000 sq ft claimed)
  • Quick setup in known spaces

Tracking Quality

Generally excellent for standalone:

  • Reliable room-scale
  • Good controller tracking
  • Some dead zones at extremes
  • Impressive for the technology

Controllers

Second-Generation Touch

Redesigned from CV1 Touch:

  • Tracking ring moved to top (for camera visibility)
  • Same button layout
  • Comfortable grip
  • Haptic feedback
  • AA battery power

Controller Tracking

Via headset cameras:

  • Line-of-sight tracking
  • Works well in most positions
  • Some occlusion at body-close positions
  • Good enough for most games

Hand Tracking

December 2019 Update

Hand tracking added post-launch:

  • No controllers required
  • Gesture-based input
  • Menu navigation
  • Limited game support initially

Significance

Demonstrated Quest's software evolution:

  • Major feature via firmware update
  • Continued improvement potential
  • Platform longevity

Oculus Link

November 2019 Update

PC VR connectivity added:

  • USB-C cable to PC
  • Access Rift library
  • Best of both worlds
  • Unexpected feature addition

Impact

Transformed Quest's value:

  • Standalone AND PC VR capable
  • Eliminated need for separate PC headset
  • Major competitive advantage

Guardian System

Safety Boundaries

Room-scale safety:

  • Draw play space boundaries
  • Visual warnings when approaching
  • Passthrough view at boundary
  • Essential for room-scale VR

Passthrough

Grayscale camera view:

  • See real world through cameras
  • Triggered at Guardian boundary
  • Safety feature
  • Low resolution at the time

Audio System

Integrated Speakers

Built-in audio:

  • Positioned near ears
  • Open design
  • Spatial audio support
  • Adequate quality

3.5mm Jack

Headphone option:

  • Better audio privacy
  • Higher quality possible

Battery and Power

Internal Battery

  • Capacity: 3648mAh
  • Gaming: 2-3 hours
  • Media: 3+ hours
  • Charging: ~2 hours via USB-C

Software Platform

Quest Store

Dedicated software library:

  • Curated quality games
  • Quest-optimized ports
  • Exclusive titles
  • Growing ecosystem

Notable Launch Titles

  • Beat Saber
  • Superhot VR
  • Robo Recall
  • Vader Immortal

App Lab (later)

  • Experimental distribution
  • Lower barrier for developers
  • Early access content

Commercial Success

Market Impact

Quest proved standalone VR viable:

  • Strong sales (estimates: several million units)
  • Expanded VR market
  • Brought new users to VR
  • Validated Oculus's strategy

Industry Influence

Shifted industry direction:

  • Other manufacturers followed standalone trend
  • PC VR growth slowed
  • Quest established the standard

Legacy

Quest 2 Foundation

Quest 2 built directly on Quest 1:

  • Same architecture, improved specs
  • Same store ecosystem
  • Continued software support
  • Evolution not revolution

Quest Platform

Established "Quest" as primary VR platform:

  • Name recognition
  • Developer ecosystem
  • User expectations
  • Market dominance foundation

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display Dual OLED, 1440 × 1600 per eye
Total Resolution 2880 × 1600
Refresh Rate 72Hz
FOV ~93°
Processor Snapdragon 835
Memory 4GB RAM
Storage 64GB / 128GB
Tracking Oculus Insight (4 cameras)
Hand Tracking Yes (added December 2019)
PC VR Oculus Link (added November 2019)
Battery 2-3 hours gaming
Weight 571g
Price $399 / $499

See Also

References

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