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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Oculus Rift CV1
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[Oculus]], [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[Oculus Platform]]
|Developer = [[Oculus VR]] ([[Meta Platforms]])
|Creator = [[Oculus VR]]
|Developer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Manufacturer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Manufacturer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Announcement Date = January 2016
|Announcement Date = June 11, 2015 (E3)
|Release Date = March 28, 2016
|Release Date = March 28, 2016
|End of Life = March 2019
|Price = $599 (launch), later reduced to $399
|Price = $599 USD
|Website = https://www.meta.com/ (legacy)
|Website = https://www.meta.com/
|Versions = Oculus Rift CV1
|Requires = Oculus-ready PC, Oculus account
|Predecessor = [[Oculus Rift DK2]]
|Successor = [[Oculus Rift S]]
|Successor = [[Oculus Rift S]]
|Display = OLED
|Operating System = [[Windows]]
|Resolution = 1080x1200 per eye
|Chipset = N/A (tethered PCVR)
|Combined Resolution = 2160x1200
|CPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|GPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|Field of View = 87°
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual OLED (PenTile)
|Subpixel Layout = PenTile Diamond
|Peak Brightness = ~80 nits
|Resolution = 1080 × 1200 per eye (2160 × 1200 combined)
|Pixel Density = ~11 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 110°
|Horizontal FoV = ~87°
|Vertical FoV = ~87°
|Average Pixel Density = ~11 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~11 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Hybrid Fresnel lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = 6DoF (Constellation, outside-in)
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (mechanical adjustment)
|IPD = Physical adjustment
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Audio = Integrated 3D headphones
|Passthrough = No
|Controllers = Oculus Touch (December 2016)
|Tracking = 6DoF outside-in (Constellation)
|Connectivity = HDMI + USB 3.0
|Tracking Frequency = 60Hz (cameras)
|Weight = 470g
|Base Stations = Oculus Sensor(s) required (1 included, 2+ for room-scale)
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 90Hz
|Tracking Volume = 5 ft × 5 ft (1 sensor), room-scale (2-3 sensors)
|Play Space = Standing/room-scale (with sensors)
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Integrated headphones (removable)
|Microphone = Yes (integrated)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes (via removed headphone)
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = HDMI, USB 3.0
|Ports = HDMI 1.3, USB 3.0
|Wired Video = Yes (HDMI)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = USB powered
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = ~230mm × 110mm × 170mm
|Weight = 470g (headset with audio)
|Material = Plastic, fabric
|Headstrap = Rigid plastic with velcro top
|Haptics = Oculus Touch controller haptics
|Color = Black
|Sensors = Constellation tracking LEDs, IMU, proximity sensor
|Input = Oculus Remote (included), Xbox One controller (included), Oculus Touch (separate)
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Oculus Rift CV1''' (Consumer Version 1) is a PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Oculus VR]] (now [[Meta Platforms]]), announced in January 2016 and released on March 28, 2016 at $599. The first consumer VR headset from Oculus and one of the first modern consumer VR systems, the Rift CV1 featured dual OLED displays at 1080x1200 per eye with 90Hz refresh rate, the Constellation tracking system using infrared LEDs for sub-millimeter positional tracking, and integrated 3D audio headphones. The Oculus Touch motion controllers, launched in December 2016, transformed the Rift into a full room-scale VR system.
The '''Oculus Rift CV1''' (Consumer Version 1) is the first consumer [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] released by [[Oculus VR]], announced at E3 on June 11, 2015, and released on March 28, 2016 at a price of $599. The CV1 represented the culmination of Oculus founder Palmer Luckey's Kickstarter project that had helped revive mainstream interest in VR, incorporating years of refinement from development kits DK1 and DK2. Featuring dual OLED displays at 1080 × 1200 per eye, a 90Hz refresh rate, integrated 3D audio headphones, the Constellation outside-in tracking system, and ergonomic design, the Rift CV1 launched alongside the [[HTC Vive]] as one of the two headsets that defined the first generation of high-end consumer VR. The Oculus Touch motion controllers, released separately in December 2016, transformed the Rift into a full VR system with hand presence, competing directly with the Vive's tracked controllers.


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


Oculus VR, founded in 2012 and acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $2 billion, launched the Rift CV1 on March 28, 2016, marking a pivotal moment in consumer VR history. Pre-orders began January 6, 2016 at $599. The initial launch included an Xbox Wireless gamepad, with the revolutionary Oculus Touch controllers releasing on December 6, 2016. Production concluded in March 2019, succeeded by the Oculus Rift S with inside-out tracking. The CV1 remains a landmark device that made high-quality VR accessible to consumers.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oculus_Rift_CV1 |title=Oculus Rift CV1 |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Kickstarter Origins ===
The modern VR revival:
* Palmer Luckey's prototype (2011)
* Kickstarter campaign (August 2012)
* $2.4 million raised
* DK1 shipped to backers (2013)


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Facebook Acquisition ===
March 2014 landmark:
* Facebook acquired Oculus for $2 billion
* Resources for consumer development
* Long-term VR investment
* Industry validation


=== Display ===
=== Development Kits ===
Iterative refinement:
* '''DK1 (2013)''': 7" display, 640×800/eye
* '''DK2 (2014)''': 5.7" OLED, 960×1080/eye, positional tracking
* '''Crescent Bay (2014)''': Prototype showcasing CV1 features


Dual OLED panels:
=== E3 2015 Reveal ===
Consumer version announced:
* Final design shown
* Q1 2016 ship date
* Oculus Touch previewed
* VR game lineup revealed


* '''1080x1200 per eye''' resolution
=== January 2016 Pre-orders ===
* '''2160x1200 combined'''
$599 price controversy:
* '''Dual OLED displays'''
* Higher than expected price
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
* "Ballpark $350" earlier estimate
* '''87° field of view'''
* Includes sensor, Xbox controller, Oculus Remote
* 233 million pixels per second
* Touch controllers not included
* Vibrant OLED colors
* Minimal screen door effect
* Low persistence


=== Tracking ===
=== March 28, 2016 Launch ===
Consumer VR arrives:
* One week before HTC Vive
* Component shortages caused delays
* Strong demand
* Historic moment for VR


Constellation tracking system:
== Design Philosophy ==


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== Seated/Standing Focus ===
* '''Constellation sensors''' (outside-in)
Original positioning:
* Infrared LED tracking
* Seated experiences emphasized
* Single sensor (front-facing)
* Xbox controller included
* Touch controllers optional
 
=== Ergonomic Priority ===
Comfort engineering:
* Lightweight design (470g)
* Integrated audio
* Adjustable head strap
* Extended wear consideration
 
=== "VR for Everyone" ===
Accessibility goals:
* Easy setup
* Familiar gaming controller
* Integrated audio
* Consumer-friendly design
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Dual OLED Panels ===
Custom displays:
* '''Resolution''': 1080 × 1200 per eye
* '''Total''': 2160 × 1200
* '''Panel Type''': OLED with PenTile Diamond
* '''Refresh Rate''': 90Hz
 
=== OLED Benefits ===
Display advantages:
* True black levels
* Fast pixel response
* Low persistence possible
* Good contrast ratio
 
=== Global Shutter ===
Low persistence implementation:
* Full-flash illumination
* Motion blur reduction
* Reduced smearing
* Clearer images during head movement
 
=== Screen Door Effect ===
Visible limitation:
* PenTile arrangement
* First-gen resolution
* Visible at times
* Acceptable for era
 
== Optical System ==
 
=== Hybrid Fresnel Lenses ===
Custom optical design:
* Fresnel rings for weight reduction
* Wide sweet spot
* God rays visible in high-contrast scenes
* Good edge-to-edge clarity
 
=== Field of View ===
Competitive viewing area:
* ~110° total claimed
* ~87° measured per eye
* Immersive for the era
* Matched competition
 
=== IPD Adjustment ===
Physical lens adjustment:
* '''Range''': 58-72mm
* Slider on bottom of headset
* Mechanical lens movement
* Wide user accommodation
 
== Constellation Tracking ==
 
=== Technology ===
Outside-in camera tracking:
* IR LEDs under headset fabric
* Unique blink patterns
* Tracked by Oculus Sensor(s)
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
* Near-zero latency
* 360° positional tracking
* Specific LED blink patterns
* External sensor units


=== Room Scale ===
=== Oculus Sensor ===
USB camera:
* IR camera
* Stands on desk
* USB 3.0 connection
* One included with headset


* Minimum: 2m x 1.5m
=== Single Sensor Setup ===
* Maximum sensor distance: 5m
Front-facing tracking:
* Multi-sensor setup
* Seated experiences
* Full room-scale with Touch
* 180° coverage
* 5 ft × 5 ft volume
* Standing possible


=== IPD ===
=== Multi-Sensor Room-Scale ===
Expanded tracking:
* 2-3 sensors recommended
* 360° coverage possible
* Room-scale competitive with Vive
* "Experimental" initially, later official


* '''Physical IPD adjustment'''
== Audio System ==
* Hardware slider
* Precise eye alignment


=== Audio ===
=== Integrated Headphones ===
Built-in audio:
* Over-ear headphones
* RealSpace 3D Audio technology
* Spatial audio positioning
* Easy on/off with headset


Integrated 3D audio:
=== Audio Quality ===
High-quality sound:
* Wide frequency response
* Good bass
* Positional accuracy
* Developed with Visisonics


* '''Built-in headphones'''
=== Removable Design ===
* '''3D audio effects'''
Optional replacement:
* RealSpace 3D Audio technology (Visisonics)
* Headphones can be removed
* Positional audio
* 3.5mm jack available
* '''User-replaceable'''
* Use preferred headphones
* Immersive soundscape
* Flexibility for users


=== Build ===
=== Integrated Microphone ===
Communication ready:
* Built-in microphone
* Clear voice capture
* VR chat enabled
* Social VR support


* '''470g weight''' (~1 pound)
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Ergonomics ===
Comfort priority:
* 470g weight
* Fabric exterior
* Fabric exterior
* Well-distributed weight
* Extended comfort
=== Head Strap ===
Rigid adjustment:
* Rigid plastic arms
* Velcro top strap
* Dial adjustment on back
* Secure fit
=== Facial Interface ===
Foam padding:
* Removable foam
* VR Cover replacements available
* Breathable design
* Breathable design
* Adjustable straps
* Customizable
* Comfortable fit
 
* Premium materials
=== Cable ===
Tethered design:
* HDMI + USB combined cable
* 4 meters length
* Manageable weight
* No wireless option


=== Connectivity ===
== Input Devices ==


* '''HDMI''' video output
=== Oculus Remote ===
* '''USB 3.0''' data + sensors
Basic navigation:
* '''USB 2.0''' additional
* Included in box
* External Constellation sensors
* Simple trackpad/button design
* Multiple USB ports required
* Menu navigation
* Basic interaction


== Oculus Touch ==
=== Xbox One Controller ===
Launch bundle:
* Included with headset
* Familiar gamepad
* Game compatible
* Wireless dongle included


Motion controllers (December 2016):
=== Oculus Touch (December 2016) ===
Full hand controllers:
* $199 separately (launch)
* Released December 6, 2016
* 6DoF tracking
* Hand presence
* Capacitive touch sensors
* Individual finger tracking


* '''6DoF hand tracking'''
== Oculus Touch Controllers ==
* Constellation tracking
 
* Thumbstick per controller
=== Design ===
* Buttons and triggers
Ergonomic hand controllers:
* Hand presence sensors
* Circular tracking ring
* Ergonomic design
* Analog stick
* Room-scale enabler
* Trigger and grip
* Face buttons
* Capacitive sensors
 
=== Constellation Tracking ===
Same tracking system:
* IR LEDs in ring
* Tracked by Oculus Sensors
* 6DoF positioning
* Low latency
 
=== Hand Presence ===
Revolutionary feature:
* Hands visible in VR
* Finger gestures detected
* Pointing, thumbs up, etc.
* Natural interaction
 
=== Additional Sensor ===
Improved tracking:
* Second sensor included with Touch
* Better occlusion handling
* 360° possible
* Room-scale enabled
 
== Software Platform ==
 
=== Oculus Home ===
VR interface:
* Virtual environment
* Library management
* Store access
* Social features
 
=== Oculus Store ===
Content ecosystem:
* Curated experiences
* Exclusive titles
* Quality standards
* Regular releases
 
=== Notable Exclusives ===
Platform-defining games:
* Lucky's Tale (launch)
* Robo Recall
* Lone Echo
* Wilson's Heart
* Edge of Nowhere
 
=== SteamVR Compatibility ===
Third-party support:
* SteamVR games playable
* OpenVR support
* Broader content access
* Community choice


== PC Requirements ==
== PC Requirements ==


=== Recommended ===
=== Recommended Specifications ===
* '''GPU''': NVIDIA GTX 960 / AMD equivalent
Oculus-ready PC:
* '''CPU''': Intel i3-6100 / AMD FX 4350
* '''GPU''': NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 290
* '''RAM''': 8 GB
* '''CPU''': Intel i5-4590 equivalent
* '''RAM''': 8GB
* '''Video''': HDMI 1.3
* '''Video''': HDMI 1.3
* '''USB''': 2x USB 3.0 + 1x USB 2.0
* '''USB''': 3× USB 3.0, 1× USB 2.0
* '''OS''': Windows 8+
 
=== Asynchronous Spacewarp ===
Performance optimization:
* Introduced late 2016
* Smooths 45fps to 90fps
* Lower spec PCs viable
* Better accessibility
 
== Price Evolution ==
 
=== Launch Price ===
March 2016:
* $599 (headset, sensor, Remote, Xbox controller)
* Touch controllers $199 separately
 
=== Price Reductions ===
Making VR accessible:
* '''March 2017''': $499 headset, $99 Touch
* '''July 2017''': $499 Rift + Touch bundle
* '''Summer 2017''': $399 temporary sale (made permanent)
* '''2018''': $349 for Rift + Touch


== Technical Specifications ==
== Competition with HTC Vive ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Oculus Rift CV1 !! HTC Vive
|-
| Price (launch) || $599 (HMD only) || $799 (full kit)
|-
| Resolution/eye || 1080×1200 || 1080×1200
|-
| Tracking || Constellation (camera) || Lighthouse (laser)
|-
| Controllers || Touch ($199 extra) || Wands (included)
|-
| Room-scale || Experimental (2+ sensors) || Native (included)
|-
| Audio || Integrated || Earbuds included
|-
| Focus || Seated/standing || Room-scale
|}
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== First-Gen Definition ===
Set consumer VR standards:
* Resolution expectations
* Tracking quality baseline
* Comfort design influence
* Content standards
 
=== Touch Innovation ===
Controller impact:
* Finger presence concept
* Ergonomic hand controller design
* Influenced Quest controllers
* Industry standard established
 
=== Market Establishment ===
VR industry foundation:
* Proved consumer VR viable
* Established content ecosystem
* Built VR gaming market
* Long-term platform investment
 
=== Discontinuation ===
March 2019:
* Production ended
* Replaced by Rift S
* Quest 2 ultimate successor
* Legacy content maintained
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 131: Line 467:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 1080x1200 per eye OLED
| Display || Dual OLED, 1080 × 1200 per eye
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| Total Resolution || 2160 × 1200
|-
|-
| FOV || 87°
| Refresh Rate || 90Hz
|-
| FOV || ~110° (claimed)
|-
|-
| Tracking || Constellation (outside-in)
| Tracking || Constellation (outside-in)
|-
|-
| IPD || Physical adjustment
| Sensors || 1 included (2-3 recommended)
|-
|-
| Audio || Integrated 3D headphones
| Audio || Integrated headphones
|-
|-
| Controllers || Touch (sold separately)
| Controllers || Xbox (included), Touch (separate)
|-
|-
| Connection || HDMI + USB 3.0
| Weight || 470g
|-
|-
| Weight || 470g
| Connection || HDMI 1.3, USB 3.0
|-
| Launch Price || $599
|-
|-
| Price || $599
| Final Price || $349 (with Touch)
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* First modern consumer VR
* OLED displays excellent
* 90Hz smooth experience
* Constellation tracking accurate
* Sub-millimeter precision
* Integrated 3D audio quality
* Touch controllers revolutionary
* Room-scale capable
* Made VR accessible
* Historical significance
'''Criticism:'''
* $599 launch price high
* External sensors required
* Multiple USB ports needed
* Touch sold separately initially
* Cable management complex
* Sensor setup required
* 87° FOV narrow
* 1080x1200 resolution limited
* Discontinued 2019
* Replaced by Rift S<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/oculus-rift-resolution-recommended-specs/ |title=Oculus Rift CV1 Specs |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Oculus VR]]
* [[Oculus Touch]]
* [[Oculus Rift S]]
* [[Oculus Rift S]]
* [[Oculus Quest]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[HTC Vive]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Palmer Luckey]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Oculus VR]]
[[Category:Oculus]]
[[Category:Meta Platforms]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:2016 in technology]]
[[Category:Discontinued]]

Latest revision as of 03:10, 8 January 2026

Oculus Rift CV1
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR
Platform Oculus Platform
Creator Oculus VR
Developer Oculus VR
Manufacturer Oculus VR
Announcement Date June 11, 2015 (E3)
Release Date March 28, 2016
Price $599 (launch), later reduced to $399
Website https://www.meta.com/ (legacy)
Versions Oculus Rift CV1
Requires Oculus-ready PC, Oculus account
Predecessor Oculus Rift DK2
Successor Oculus Rift S
System
Operating System Windows
Chipset N/A (tethered PCVR)
CPU N/A (PC-powered)
GPU N/A (PC-powered)
Storage
Storage N/A
Memory N/A
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Dual OLED (PenTile)
Subpixel Layout PenTile Diamond
Peak Brightness ~80 nits
Resolution 1080 × 1200 per eye (2160 × 1200 combined)
Pixel Density ~11 PPD
Refresh Rate 90Hz
Persistence Low persistence
Image
Field of View 110°
Horizontal FoV ~87°
Vertical FoV ~87°
Average Pixel Density ~11 PPD
Peak Pixel Density ~11 PPD
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Hybrid Fresnel lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 58-72mm (mechanical adjustment)
Adjustable Diopter No (glasses compatible)
Passthrough No
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF outside-in (Constellation)
Tracking Frequency 60Hz (cameras)
Base Stations Oculus Sensor(s) required (1 included, 2+ for room-scale)
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking Yes
Update Rate 90Hz
Tracking Volume 5 ft × 5 ft (1 sensor), room-scale (2-3 sensors)
Play Space Standing/room-scale (with sensors)
Latency <20ms motion-to-photon
Audio
Audio Integrated headphones (removable)
Microphone Yes (integrated)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes (via removed headphone)
Camera No
Connectivity
Connectivity HDMI, USB 3.0
Ports HDMI 1.3, USB 3.0
Wired Video Yes (HDMI)
Wireless Video No
WiFi No
Bluetooth No
Power USB powered
Battery Capacity N/A
Battery Life N/A (tethered)
Charge Time N/A
Device
Dimensions ~230mm × 110mm × 170mm
Weight 470g (headset with audio)
Material Plastic, fabric
Headstrap Rigid plastic with velcro top
Haptics Oculus Touch controller haptics
Color Black
Sensors Constellation tracking LEDs, IMU, proximity sensor
Input Oculus Remote (included), Xbox One controller (included), Oculus Touch (separate)
Compliance FCC, CE

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The Oculus Rift CV1 (Consumer Version 1) is the first consumer virtual reality head-mounted display released by Oculus VR, announced at E3 on June 11, 2015, and released on March 28, 2016 at a price of $599. The CV1 represented the culmination of Oculus founder Palmer Luckey's Kickstarter project that had helped revive mainstream interest in VR, incorporating years of refinement from development kits DK1 and DK2. Featuring dual OLED displays at 1080 × 1200 per eye, a 90Hz refresh rate, integrated 3D audio headphones, the Constellation outside-in tracking system, and ergonomic design, the Rift CV1 launched alongside the HTC Vive as one of the two headsets that defined the first generation of high-end consumer VR. The Oculus Touch motion controllers, released separately in December 2016, transformed the Rift into a full VR system with hand presence, competing directly with the Vive's tracked controllers.

History and Development

Kickstarter Origins

The modern VR revival:

  • Palmer Luckey's prototype (2011)
  • Kickstarter campaign (August 2012)
  • $2.4 million raised
  • DK1 shipped to backers (2013)

Facebook Acquisition

March 2014 landmark:

  • Facebook acquired Oculus for $2 billion
  • Resources for consumer development
  • Long-term VR investment
  • Industry validation

Development Kits

Iterative refinement:

  • DK1 (2013): 7" display, 640×800/eye
  • DK2 (2014): 5.7" OLED, 960×1080/eye, positional tracking
  • Crescent Bay (2014): Prototype showcasing CV1 features

E3 2015 Reveal

Consumer version announced:

  • Final design shown
  • Q1 2016 ship date
  • Oculus Touch previewed
  • VR game lineup revealed

January 2016 Pre-orders

$599 price controversy:

  • Higher than expected price
  • "Ballpark $350" earlier estimate
  • Includes sensor, Xbox controller, Oculus Remote
  • Touch controllers not included

March 28, 2016 Launch

Consumer VR arrives:

  • One week before HTC Vive
  • Component shortages caused delays
  • Strong demand
  • Historic moment for VR

Design Philosophy

Seated/Standing Focus

Original positioning:

  • Seated experiences emphasized
  • Single sensor (front-facing)
  • Xbox controller included
  • Touch controllers optional

Ergonomic Priority

Comfort engineering:

  • Lightweight design (470g)
  • Integrated audio
  • Adjustable head strap
  • Extended wear consideration

"VR for Everyone"

Accessibility goals:

  • Easy setup
  • Familiar gaming controller
  • Integrated audio
  • Consumer-friendly design

Display Technology

Dual OLED Panels

Custom displays:

  • Resolution: 1080 × 1200 per eye
  • Total: 2160 × 1200
  • Panel Type: OLED with PenTile Diamond
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz

OLED Benefits

Display advantages:

  • True black levels
  • Fast pixel response
  • Low persistence possible
  • Good contrast ratio

Global Shutter

Low persistence implementation:

  • Full-flash illumination
  • Motion blur reduction
  • Reduced smearing
  • Clearer images during head movement

Screen Door Effect

Visible limitation:

  • PenTile arrangement
  • First-gen resolution
  • Visible at times
  • Acceptable for era

Optical System

Hybrid Fresnel Lenses

Custom optical design:

  • Fresnel rings for weight reduction
  • Wide sweet spot
  • God rays visible in high-contrast scenes
  • Good edge-to-edge clarity

Field of View

Competitive viewing area:

  • ~110° total claimed
  • ~87° measured per eye
  • Immersive for the era
  • Matched competition

IPD Adjustment

Physical lens adjustment:

  • Range: 58-72mm
  • Slider on bottom of headset
  • Mechanical lens movement
  • Wide user accommodation

Constellation Tracking

Technology

Outside-in camera tracking:

  • IR LEDs under headset fabric
  • Unique blink patterns
  • Tracked by Oculus Sensor(s)
  • Sub-millimeter accuracy

Oculus Sensor

USB camera:

  • IR camera
  • Stands on desk
  • USB 3.0 connection
  • One included with headset

Single Sensor Setup

Front-facing tracking:

  • Seated experiences
  • 180° coverage
  • 5 ft × 5 ft volume
  • Standing possible

Multi-Sensor Room-Scale

Expanded tracking:

  • 2-3 sensors recommended
  • 360° coverage possible
  • Room-scale competitive with Vive
  • "Experimental" initially, later official

Audio System

Integrated Headphones

Built-in audio:

  • Over-ear headphones
  • RealSpace 3D Audio technology
  • Spatial audio positioning
  • Easy on/off with headset

Audio Quality

High-quality sound:

  • Wide frequency response
  • Good bass
  • Positional accuracy
  • Developed with Visisonics

Removable Design

Optional replacement:

  • Headphones can be removed
  • 3.5mm jack available
  • Use preferred headphones
  • Flexibility for users

Integrated Microphone

Communication ready:

  • Built-in microphone
  • Clear voice capture
  • VR chat enabled
  • Social VR support

Physical Design

Ergonomics

Comfort priority:

  • 470g weight
  • Fabric exterior
  • Well-distributed weight
  • Extended comfort

Head Strap

Rigid adjustment:

  • Rigid plastic arms
  • Velcro top strap
  • Dial adjustment on back
  • Secure fit

Facial Interface

Foam padding:

  • Removable foam
  • VR Cover replacements available
  • Breathable design
  • Customizable

Cable

Tethered design:

  • HDMI + USB combined cable
  • 4 meters length
  • Manageable weight
  • No wireless option

Input Devices

Oculus Remote

Basic navigation:

  • Included in box
  • Simple trackpad/button design
  • Menu navigation
  • Basic interaction

Xbox One Controller

Launch bundle:

  • Included with headset
  • Familiar gamepad
  • Game compatible
  • Wireless dongle included

Oculus Touch (December 2016)

Full hand controllers:

  • $199 separately (launch)
  • Released December 6, 2016
  • 6DoF tracking
  • Hand presence
  • Capacitive touch sensors
  • Individual finger tracking

Oculus Touch Controllers

Design

Ergonomic hand controllers:

  • Circular tracking ring
  • Analog stick
  • Trigger and grip
  • Face buttons
  • Capacitive sensors

Constellation Tracking

Same tracking system:

  • IR LEDs in ring
  • Tracked by Oculus Sensors
  • 6DoF positioning
  • Low latency

Hand Presence

Revolutionary feature:

  • Hands visible in VR
  • Finger gestures detected
  • Pointing, thumbs up, etc.
  • Natural interaction

Additional Sensor

Improved tracking:

  • Second sensor included with Touch
  • Better occlusion handling
  • 360° possible
  • Room-scale enabled

Software Platform

Oculus Home

VR interface:

  • Virtual environment
  • Library management
  • Store access
  • Social features

Oculus Store

Content ecosystem:

  • Curated experiences
  • Exclusive titles
  • Quality standards
  • Regular releases

Notable Exclusives

Platform-defining games:

  • Lucky's Tale (launch)
  • Robo Recall
  • Lone Echo
  • Wilson's Heart
  • Edge of Nowhere

SteamVR Compatibility

Third-party support:

  • SteamVR games playable
  • OpenVR support
  • Broader content access
  • Community choice

PC Requirements

Recommended Specifications

Oculus-ready PC:

  • GPU: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 290
  • CPU: Intel i5-4590 equivalent
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Video: HDMI 1.3
  • USB: 3× USB 3.0, 1× USB 2.0

Asynchronous Spacewarp

Performance optimization:

  • Introduced late 2016
  • Smooths 45fps to 90fps
  • Lower spec PCs viable
  • Better accessibility

Price Evolution

Launch Price

March 2016:

  • $599 (headset, sensor, Remote, Xbox controller)
  • Touch controllers $199 separately

Price Reductions

Making VR accessible:

  • March 2017: $499 headset, $99 Touch
  • July 2017: $499 Rift + Touch bundle
  • Summer 2017: $399 temporary sale (made permanent)
  • 2018: $349 for Rift + Touch

Competition with HTC Vive

Feature Oculus Rift CV1 HTC Vive
Price (launch) $599 (HMD only) $799 (full kit)
Resolution/eye 1080×1200 1080×1200
Tracking Constellation (camera) Lighthouse (laser)
Controllers Touch ($199 extra) Wands (included)
Room-scale Experimental (2+ sensors) Native (included)
Audio Integrated Earbuds included
Focus Seated/standing Room-scale

Legacy

First-Gen Definition

Set consumer VR standards:

  • Resolution expectations
  • Tracking quality baseline
  • Comfort design influence
  • Content standards

Touch Innovation

Controller impact:

  • Finger presence concept
  • Ergonomic hand controller design
  • Influenced Quest controllers
  • Industry standard established

Market Establishment

VR industry foundation:

  • Proved consumer VR viable
  • Established content ecosystem
  • Built VR gaming market
  • Long-term platform investment

Discontinuation

March 2019:

  • Production ended
  • Replaced by Rift S
  • Quest 2 ultimate successor
  • Legacy content maintained

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display Dual OLED, 1080 × 1200 per eye
Total Resolution 2160 × 1200
Refresh Rate 90Hz
FOV ~110° (claimed)
Tracking Constellation (outside-in)
Sensors 1 included (2-3 recommended)
Audio Integrated headphones
Controllers Xbox (included), Touch (separate)
Weight 470g
Connection HDMI 1.3, USB 3.0
Launch Price $599
Final Price $349 (with Touch)

See Also

References

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