Jump to content

Oculus Go: Difference between revisions

From VR & AR Wiki
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Tag: Reverted
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
 
(4 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Oculus Go
|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]]
|Platform = [[Oculus Platform]]
|Developer = [[Oculus VR]] ([[Meta Platforms]]), [[Qualcomm]], [[Xiaomi]]
|Creator = [[Oculus VR]]
|Manufacturer = [[Xiaomi]]
|Developer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Announcement Date = October 11, 2017
|Manufacturer = [[Xiaomi]] (manufactured for Oculus)
|Announcement Date = October 11, 2017 (Oculus Connect 4)
|Release Date = May 1, 2018
|Release Date = May 1, 2018
|End of Life = 2020
|Price = $199 (32GB), $249 (64GB)
|Price = $199 (32GB) / $249 (64GB)
|Website = https://www.meta.com/ (discontinued)
|Website = https://www.meta.com/
|Versions = 32GB, 64GB
|Requires = Oculus account, smartphone for setup
|Predecessor = [[Samsung Gear VR]]
|Successor = [[Oculus Quest]]
|Successor = [[Oculus Quest]]
|Operating System = [[Oculus OS]] (Android-based)
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 821]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 821]]
|Memory = 3 GB RAM
|CPU = Quad-core Kryo (2× 2.34 GHz + 2× 1.6 GHz)
|Storage = 32 GB / 64 GB
|GPU = Adreno 530 (500 GFLOPS)
|Display = LCD
|HPU =
|Resolution = 1280x1440 per eye
|Storage = 32GB or 64GB
|Combined Resolution = 2560x1440
|Memory = 3GB LPDDR4
|Refresh Rate = 60/72 Hz
|SD Card Slot = No
|Field of View = 89°
|Display = Single 5.5" LCD
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Resolution = 1280 × 1440 per eye (2560 × 1440 combined)
|Pixel Density = ~12 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz, 72Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 101°
|Horizontal FoV = ~101°
|Vertical FoV = ~101°
|Average Pixel Density = ~12 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~12 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed foveated rendering
|Optics = Fresnel lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = 3DoF (head only)
|IPD Range = Fixed (~64mm)
|Audio = Built-in speakers
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Controller = 1x 3DoF controller
|Passthrough = No
|Battery = 2-2.5 hours
|Tracking = 3DoF (rotational only)
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz (IMU)
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = 60/72Hz
|Tracking Volume = Stationary
|Play Space = Stationary/seated
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Integrated spatial speakers
|Microphone = Yes (integrated)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
|Ports = Micro-USB, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 4.2
|Power = Internal battery
|Battery Capacity = 2600mAh
|Battery Life = 2-2.5 hours
|Charge Time = ~3 hours
|Dimensions = ~190mm × 105mm × 115mm
|Weight = 468g
|Weight = 468g
|Material = Plastic, fabric
|Headstrap = Elastic fabric straps
|Haptics = Controller haptics
|Color = Gray
|Sensors = Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor
|Input = Oculus Go Controller (3DoF)
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Oculus Go''' is a discontinued standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Oculus VR]] (now [[Meta Platforms]]) in partnership with [[Qualcomm]] and [[Xiaomi]], unveiled on October 11, 2017 and released on May 1, 2018. The first standalone VR headset from Oculus, the Go featured a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, 1280x1440 per eye LCD display with fast-switch technology reducing screen door effect, built-in spatial audio speakers, and 3DoF head tracking. At $199 for the 32GB model, the Go made VR accessible to mainstream consumers, selling over two million units by July 2019 before being discontinued in favor of the 6DoF Oculus Quest.
The '''Oculus Go''' is a discontinued standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Oculus VR]] and manufactured by [[Xiaomi]], announced at Oculus Connect 4 on October 11, 2017, and released on May 1, 2018 at a price of $199 for the 32GB model. The Go was Oculus's first standalone VR headset—requiring no PC, phone, or external sensors—designed to provide an accessible entry point to virtual reality for mainstream consumers. Featuring a 5.5-inch LCD display at 2560 × 1440 resolution, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, integrated spatial audio speakers, and a 3DoF wireless controller, the Go offered a "sweet spot" between mobile VR (Gear VR) and high-end PC VR (Rift). While limited to 3DoF (rotational) tracking that restricted users to seated and standing experiences, the Go proved that standalone VR was viable, paving the way for the 6DoF [[Oculus Quest]] that succeeded it.


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


Oculus unveiled the Go at Oculus Connect 4 on October 11, 2017, launching it on May 1, 2018 at F8 2018. Developed in partnership with Qualcomm for the Snapdragon 821 platform and manufactured by Xiaomi, the Go was designed to bring standalone VR to a $199 price point. The headset was compatible with the Gear VR library, providing a large launch catalog. By July 2019, over two million units had been sold. The Go was discontinued in 2020 as Oculus shifted focus to 6DoF devices like the Quest.<ref name="meta">{{cite web |url=https://www.meta.com/blog/oculus-go-available-now-our-best-vr-optics-in-our-first-standalone-vr-headset/ |title=Oculus Go Available Now |publisher=Meta |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Standalone VR Vision ===
Oculus's accessibility goals:
* Mobile VR (Gear VR) required specific phones
* PC VR required expensive computers
* Standalone headset could reach everyone
* $199 target price point


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Oculus Connect 4 Announcement ===
October 11, 2017 reveal:
* Mark Zuckerberg presentation
* "$199 for the future of VR"
* Early 2018 ship date
* Xiaomi manufacturing partnership


=== Display ===
=== Xiaomi Partnership ===
Chinese manufacturing:
* Xiaomi manufactured hardware
* "Mi VR Standalone" in China
* Quality manufacturing
* Cost efficiency


Fast-switch LCD technology:
=== May 2018 Launch ===
Global availability:
* $199 (32GB), $249 (64GB)
* Immediate shipping
* Strong initial reception
* Media consumption focus


* '''1280x1440 per eye''' resolution
=== Discontinuation ===
* '''2560x1440 total''' resolution
June 2020:
* '''Single 5.5-inch LCD''' display
* Sales ended
* '''Fast-switch LCD''' technology
* Support continued limited time
* '''60 Hz or 72 Hz''' refresh rate
* Quest 2 as successor focus
* '''89° field of view'''
* End of 3DoF era
 
== Design Philosophy ==
 
=== Accessible Standalone ===
Mass market approach:
* No phone required
* No PC required
* All-in-one device
* Sub-$200 price target
 
=== Media Focus ===
Primary use case:
* Video consumption
* Social VR
* Casual experiences
* Less gaming focus
 
=== Quality Over Features ===
Prioritized experience quality:
* Better display than Gear VR
* Integrated audio
* Comfortable design
* Trade-off: 3DoF only
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== LCD Display ===
Custom panel:
* '''Size''': 5.5 inches
* '''Resolution''': 2560 × 1440 total (1280 × 1440 per eye)
* '''Type''': Fast-switching LCD
* '''Subpixels''': RGB stripe
 
=== LCD vs OLED ===
Design choice:
* Better fill factor than OLED
* Reduced screen door effect
* Reduced screen door effect
* Dramatic visual clarity improvement
* Lower cost
* Good black levels (not true black)
 
=== Refresh Rate ===
Application-dependent:
* 60Hz: Some apps
* 72Hz: Maximum
* Developer choice
* Adequate for media
 
=== Field of View ===
Wide viewing area:
* ~101°
* Competitive for price
* Good immersion
* Fresnel lens optics
 
== Optical System ==
 
=== Fresnel Lenses ===
Standard VR optics:
* Wide field of view
* Lightweight
* Some god rays
* Good clarity
 
=== Fixed IPD ===
No adjustment:
* ~64mm fixed
* Works for most users
* Limitation for extremes
* Cost reduction
 
== Processing Power ==
 
=== Snapdragon 821 ===
Previous-generation flagship:
* '''CPU''': Quad-core Kryo
* '''GPU''': Adreno 530 (500 GFLOPS)
* '''Process''': 14nm
* 2016 flagship chip


=== Processing ===
=== Performance ===
Capable for content:
* Good for video playback
* Adequate for casual games
* Fixed foveated rendering used
* Thermal management considered


* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon 821]]'''
=== Memory ===
* '''3 GB RAM'''
* '''RAM''': 3GB LPDDR4
* '''32 GB or 64 GB''' storage
* '''Storage''': 32GB or 64GB
* No expandable storage
* No expandable storage
* Optimized for standalone VR


=== Tracking ===
== Tracking System ==


3DoF head tracking:
=== 3DoF Limitation ===
Rotational only:
* Pitch, yaw, roll tracked
* No positional tracking
* Seated/standing experiences
* Not room-scale capable


* '''3 degrees of freedom'''
=== IMU Sensors ===
* '''Head rotation only'''
Internal tracking:
* No positional tracking
* Accelerometer
* Gyroscope
* 1000Hz polling rate
* Smooth rotation tracking
 
=== Use Case Implications ===
Experience design:
* Cockpit games
* 360° video viewing
* Social environments
* No walking around
 
== Oculus Go Controller ==
 
=== 3DoF Controller ===
Wireless handheld:
* Orientation tracking
* Orientation tracking
* Seated/stationary experiences
* Laser pointer interface
* 3DoF (no position)
* Arm model estimation
 
=== Controller Design ===
Ergonomic input:
* Trackpad (clickable)
* Trigger
* Back button
* Home button
 
=== Battery ===
AA battery powered:
* Single AA battery
* Long battery life
* Easy replacement
* No charging needed


=== Audio ===
== Audio System ==


Integrated spatial audio:
=== Integrated Speakers ===
Built-in spatial audio:
* Open-ear speakers
* Spatial positioning
* No headphones needed
* Convenient


* '''Built-in speakers'''
=== Audio Quality ===
* Spatial audio
Good for price:
* No headphones required
* Clear sound
* '''3.5mm audio jack'''
* Directional audio
* Private listening option
* Others can hear (not private)
* Immersive sound design
* 3.5mm jack for headphones


=== Build ===
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
Private listening option:
* Use own headphones
* Better audio quality
* Privacy when needed


Lightweight comfortable design:
== Physical Design ==


* '''468g weight'''
=== All-in-One ===
* Fabric facial interface
Self-contained:
* Soft and breathable
* All hardware integrated
* All-in-one design
* No cables to PC/phone
* No wires to PC
* Portable
* No phone required
* Simple setup
 
=== Comfort ===
Lightweight design:
* 468g total
* Elastic head straps
* Elastic head straps
* Foam face interface
* Extended comfort
=== Fabric Exterior ===
Premium feel:
* Mesh fabric top
* Soft touch materials
* Quality appearance
* Good build quality


=== Controller ===
== Battery ==


3DoF orientation controller:
=== Internal Battery ===
Mobile power:
* '''Capacity''': 2600mAh
* '''Gaming''': ~2 hours
* '''Video''': ~2.5 hours
* '''Charging''': ~3 hours (Micro-USB)


* '''Single 3DoF controller'''
== Software Platform ==
* Orientation tracking
 
* Single trigger
=== Oculus Store ===
* Trackpad
Content ecosystem:
* Back button
* Shared with Gear VR
* Menu button
* 1000+ apps at launch
* Ergonomic design
* Games and experiences
* Same inputs as Gear VR
* Media applications
 
=== Notable Content ===
Popular applications:
* Netflix VR
* Hulu VR
* YouTube VR
* Oculus Rooms (social)
* Oculus Venues (events)
 
=== Media Focus ===
Primary use:
* 360° video
* Virtual cinema
* Social experiences
* Casual games
 
== Xiaomi Mi VR Standalone ==
 
=== Chinese Variant ===
Regional version:
* Same hardware
* Mi VR branding
* Chinese content store
* May 31, 2018 release
 
=== Partnership Model ===
Shared manufacturing:
* Xiaomi production
* Oculus design
* Regional variants
* Cost efficiency
 
== Commercial Reception ==
 
=== Initial Success ===
Positive launch:
* Strong sales
* Media praise
* Accessibility lauded
* Value recognized
 
=== Market Position ===
Sweet spot identified:
* Between Gear VR and Rift
* Mainstream price
* Quality experience
* Easy setup
 
=== Limitations Noted ===
Reviewer critiques:
* 3DoF restrictive
* No positional tracking
* Gaming limited
* Quest anticipated
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== Standalone Proof ===
Validated concept:
* Standalone VR viable
* $199 price achievable
* No-PC VR desirable
* Market existed


=== Battery ===
=== Quest Foundation ===
Direct successor learning:
* Go proved standalone demand
* Quest added 6DoF
* Same platform evolution
* Content ecosystem continued


* '''2 hours''' gaming
=== 3DoF Obsolescence ===
* '''2.5 hours''' video watching
End of an era:
* USB charging
* 6DoF became standard
* No fast charging
* 3DoF insufficient for VR
* Media consumption niche
* Gaming required 6DoF


== Gear VR Compatibility ==
== Comparison with Gear VR ==


* '''Compatible with Gear VR software'''
{| class="wikitable"
* Large launch library
|-
* Familiar content ecosystem
! Feature !! Oculus Go !! Samsung Gear VR
* Samsung partnership ecosystem
|-
| Requires || Nothing || Samsung Galaxy phone
|-
| Price || $199-$249 || $99 + phone
|-
| Display || Built-in LCD || Phone display
|-
| Tracking || 3DoF (custom IMU) || 3DoF (custom IMU)
|-
| Audio || Integrated speakers || Phone audio
|-
| Controller || Included || Included (2017+)
|}


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 124: Line 421:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 1280x1440 per eye LCD
| Display || 5.5" LCD, 1280 × 1440 per eye
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60/72 Hz
| Total Resolution || 2560 × 1440
|-
|-
| FOV || 89°
| Refresh Rate || 60/72Hz
|-
| FOV || ~101°
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 821
| Processor || Snapdragon 821
|-
|-
| RAM || 3 GB
| Memory || 3GB RAM
|-
|-
| Storage || 32/64 GB
| Storage || 32GB / 64GB
|-
|-
| Tracking || 3DoF (head only)
| Tracking || 3DoF (rotational only)
|-
|-
| Controller || 3DoF (orientation)
| Controller || 3DoF wireless
|-
|-
| Battery || 2-2.5 hours
| Battery Life || 2-2.5 hours
|-
| Audio || Integrated spatial speakers
|-
|-
| Weight || 468g
| Weight || 468g
|-
|-
| Price || $199/$249
| Price || $199 / $249
|-
| Status || Discontinued (June 2020)
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* $199 accessible price
* First standalone Oculus
* No PC or phone required
* Fast-switch LCD clarity
* Built-in speakers excellent
* 468g lightweight
* Gear VR library access
* Easy setup
* 2+ million units sold
* VR democratization
'''Criticism:'''
* 3DoF only (no positional)
* No 6DoF experiences
* No fast charging
* No expandable storage
* Limited motion capability
* Seated experiences only
* Discontinued after 2 years
* Replaced by Quest quickly
* 2-2.5 hour battery
* No room-scale VR<ref name="techradar">{{cite web |url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/oculus-go |title=Oculus Go Review |publisher=TechRadar |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Oculus VR]]
* [[Oculus Quest]]
* [[Oculus Quest]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Samsung Gear VR]]
* [[PICO 4]]
* [[Standalone VR]]
* [[Gear VR]]
* [[Mobile VR]]
* [[Xiaomi]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Oculus VR]]
[[Category:Oculus]]
[[Category:Meta Platforms]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:2018 in technology]]
[[Category:Discontinued]]

Latest revision as of 03:10, 8 January 2026

Oculus Go
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone VR
Platform Oculus Platform
Creator Oculus VR
Developer Oculus VR
Manufacturer Xiaomi (manufactured for Oculus)
Announcement Date October 11, 2017 (Oculus Connect 4)
Release Date May 1, 2018
Price $199 (32GB), $249 (64GB)
Website https://www.meta.com/ (discontinued)
Versions 32GB, 64GB
Requires Oculus account, smartphone for setup
Predecessor Samsung Gear VR
Successor Oculus Quest
System
Operating System Oculus OS (Android-based)
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
CPU Quad-core Kryo (2× 2.34 GHz + 2× 1.6 GHz)
GPU Adreno 530 (500 GFLOPS)
Storage
Storage 32GB or 64GB
Memory 3GB LPDDR4
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Single 5.5" LCD
Subpixel Layout RGB stripe
Peak Brightness Not specified
Resolution 1280 × 1440 per eye (2560 × 1440 combined)
Pixel Density ~12 PPD
Refresh Rate 60Hz, 72Hz
Persistence Low persistence
Image
Field of View 101°
Horizontal FoV ~101°
Vertical FoV ~101°
Average Pixel Density ~12 PPD
Peak Pixel Density ~12 PPD
Foveated Rendering Fixed foveated rendering
Optics
Optics Fresnel lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range Fixed (~64mm)
Adjustable Diopter No (glasses compatible)
Passthrough No
Tracking
Tracking 3DoF (rotational only)
Tracking Frequency 1000Hz (IMU)
Base Stations None required
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking No
Update Rate 60/72Hz
Tracking Volume Stationary
Play Space Stationary/seated
Latency <20ms motion-to-photon
Audio
Audio Integrated spatial speakers
Microphone Yes (integrated)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera No
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
Ports Micro-USB, 3.5mm audio
Wired Video No
Wireless Video No
WiFi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.2
Power Internal battery
Battery Capacity 2600mAh
Battery Life 2-2.5 hours
Charge Time ~3 hours
Device
Dimensions ~190mm × 105mm × 115mm
Weight 468g
Material Plastic, fabric
Headstrap Elastic fabric straps
Haptics Controller haptics
Color Gray
Sensors Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor
Input Oculus Go Controller (3DoF)
Compliance FCC, CE

Property "Manufacturer" (as page type) with input value "Xiaomi]] (manufactured for Oculus)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. 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 Go is a discontinued standalone virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Oculus VR and manufactured by Xiaomi, announced at Oculus Connect 4 on October 11, 2017, and released on May 1, 2018 at a price of $199 for the 32GB model. The Go was Oculus's first standalone VR headset—requiring no PC, phone, or external sensors—designed to provide an accessible entry point to virtual reality for mainstream consumers. Featuring a 5.5-inch LCD display at 2560 × 1440 resolution, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, integrated spatial audio speakers, and a 3DoF wireless controller, the Go offered a "sweet spot" between mobile VR (Gear VR) and high-end PC VR (Rift). While limited to 3DoF (rotational) tracking that restricted users to seated and standing experiences, the Go proved that standalone VR was viable, paving the way for the 6DoF Oculus Quest that succeeded it.

History and Development

Standalone VR Vision

Oculus's accessibility goals:

  • Mobile VR (Gear VR) required specific phones
  • PC VR required expensive computers
  • Standalone headset could reach everyone
  • $199 target price point

Oculus Connect 4 Announcement

October 11, 2017 reveal:

  • Mark Zuckerberg presentation
  • "$199 for the future of VR"
  • Early 2018 ship date
  • Xiaomi manufacturing partnership

Xiaomi Partnership

Chinese manufacturing:

  • Xiaomi manufactured hardware
  • "Mi VR Standalone" in China
  • Quality manufacturing
  • Cost efficiency

May 2018 Launch

Global availability:

  • $199 (32GB), $249 (64GB)
  • Immediate shipping
  • Strong initial reception
  • Media consumption focus

Discontinuation

June 2020:

  • Sales ended
  • Support continued limited time
  • Quest 2 as successor focus
  • End of 3DoF era

Design Philosophy

Accessible Standalone

Mass market approach:

  • No phone required
  • No PC required
  • All-in-one device
  • Sub-$200 price target

Media Focus

Primary use case:

  • Video consumption
  • Social VR
  • Casual experiences
  • Less gaming focus

Quality Over Features

Prioritized experience quality:

  • Better display than Gear VR
  • Integrated audio
  • Comfortable design
  • Trade-off: 3DoF only

Display Technology

LCD Display

Custom panel:

  • Size: 5.5 inches
  • Resolution: 2560 × 1440 total (1280 × 1440 per eye)
  • Type: Fast-switching LCD
  • Subpixels: RGB stripe

LCD vs OLED

Design choice:

  • Better fill factor than OLED
  • Reduced screen door effect
  • Lower cost
  • Good black levels (not true black)

Refresh Rate

Application-dependent:

  • 60Hz: Some apps
  • 72Hz: Maximum
  • Developer choice
  • Adequate for media

Field of View

Wide viewing area:

  • ~101°
  • Competitive for price
  • Good immersion
  • Fresnel lens optics

Optical System

Fresnel Lenses

Standard VR optics:

  • Wide field of view
  • Lightweight
  • Some god rays
  • Good clarity

Fixed IPD

No adjustment:

  • ~64mm fixed
  • Works for most users
  • Limitation for extremes
  • Cost reduction

Processing Power

Snapdragon 821

Previous-generation flagship:

  • CPU: Quad-core Kryo
  • GPU: Adreno 530 (500 GFLOPS)
  • Process: 14nm
  • 2016 flagship chip

Performance

Capable for content:

  • Good for video playback
  • Adequate for casual games
  • Fixed foveated rendering used
  • Thermal management considered

Memory

  • RAM: 3GB LPDDR4
  • Storage: 32GB or 64GB
  • No expandable storage

Tracking System

3DoF Limitation

Rotational only:

  • Pitch, yaw, roll tracked
  • No positional tracking
  • Seated/standing experiences
  • Not room-scale capable

IMU Sensors

Internal tracking:

  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • 1000Hz polling rate
  • Smooth rotation tracking

Use Case Implications

Experience design:

  • Cockpit games
  • 360° video viewing
  • Social environments
  • No walking around

Oculus Go Controller

3DoF Controller

Wireless handheld:

  • Orientation tracking
  • Laser pointer interface
  • 3DoF (no position)
  • Arm model estimation

Controller Design

Ergonomic input:

  • Trackpad (clickable)
  • Trigger
  • Back button
  • Home button

Battery

AA battery powered:

  • Single AA battery
  • Long battery life
  • Easy replacement
  • No charging needed

Audio System

Integrated Speakers

Built-in spatial audio:

  • Open-ear speakers
  • Spatial positioning
  • No headphones needed
  • Convenient

Audio Quality

Good for price:

  • Clear sound
  • Directional audio
  • Others can hear (not private)
  • 3.5mm jack for headphones

3.5mm Jack

Private listening option:

  • Use own headphones
  • Better audio quality
  • Privacy when needed

Physical Design

All-in-One

Self-contained:

  • All hardware integrated
  • No cables to PC/phone
  • Portable
  • Simple setup

Comfort

Lightweight design:

  • 468g total
  • Elastic head straps
  • Foam face interface
  • Extended comfort

Fabric Exterior

Premium feel:

  • Mesh fabric top
  • Soft touch materials
  • Quality appearance
  • Good build quality

Battery

Internal Battery

Mobile power:

  • Capacity: 2600mAh
  • Gaming: ~2 hours
  • Video: ~2.5 hours
  • Charging: ~3 hours (Micro-USB)

Software Platform

Oculus Store

Content ecosystem:

  • Shared with Gear VR
  • 1000+ apps at launch
  • Games and experiences
  • Media applications

Notable Content

Popular applications:

  • Netflix VR
  • Hulu VR
  • YouTube VR
  • Oculus Rooms (social)
  • Oculus Venues (events)

Media Focus

Primary use:

  • 360° video
  • Virtual cinema
  • Social experiences
  • Casual games

Xiaomi Mi VR Standalone

Chinese Variant

Regional version:

  • Same hardware
  • Mi VR branding
  • Chinese content store
  • May 31, 2018 release

Partnership Model

Shared manufacturing:

  • Xiaomi production
  • Oculus design
  • Regional variants
  • Cost efficiency

Commercial Reception

Initial Success

Positive launch:

  • Strong sales
  • Media praise
  • Accessibility lauded
  • Value recognized

Market Position

Sweet spot identified:

  • Between Gear VR and Rift
  • Mainstream price
  • Quality experience
  • Easy setup

Limitations Noted

Reviewer critiques:

  • 3DoF restrictive
  • No positional tracking
  • Gaming limited
  • Quest anticipated

Legacy

Standalone Proof

Validated concept:

  • Standalone VR viable
  • $199 price achievable
  • No-PC VR desirable
  • Market existed

Quest Foundation

Direct successor learning:

  • Go proved standalone demand
  • Quest added 6DoF
  • Same platform evolution
  • Content ecosystem continued

3DoF Obsolescence

End of an era:

  • 6DoF became standard
  • 3DoF insufficient for VR
  • Media consumption niche
  • Gaming required 6DoF

Comparison with Gear VR

Feature Oculus Go Samsung Gear VR
Requires Nothing Samsung Galaxy phone
Price $199-$249 $99 + phone
Display Built-in LCD Phone display
Tracking 3DoF (custom IMU) 3DoF (custom IMU)
Audio Integrated speakers Phone audio
Controller Included Included (2017+)

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display 5.5" LCD, 1280 × 1440 per eye
Total Resolution 2560 × 1440
Refresh Rate 60/72Hz
FOV ~101°
Processor Snapdragon 821
Memory 3GB RAM
Storage 32GB / 64GB
Tracking 3DoF (rotational only)
Controller 3DoF wireless
Battery Life 2-2.5 hours
Audio Integrated spatial speakers
Weight 468g
Price $199 / $249
Status Discontinued (June 2020)

See Also

References