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Oculus Rift CV1: Difference between revisions

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Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{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 = [[PC]], [[Oculus Platform]]
|Platform = [[Oculus Platform]]
|Creator = [[Oculus VR]] (Meta)
|Creator = [[Oculus VR]]
|Announced = January 2016
|Developer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Release = March 28, 2016
|Manufacturer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Price = $599
|Announcement Date = June 11, 2015 (E3)
|Website = https://www.oculus.com
|Release Date = March 28, 2016
|OS = Windows
|Price = $599 (launch), later reduced to $399
|CPU = Intel i5-4590+ (rec)
|Website = https://www.meta.com/ (legacy)
|GPU = NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 290+ (rec)
|Versions = Oculus Rift CV1
|Storage =
|Requires = Oculus-ready PC, Oculus account
|RAM = 8 GB+ (rec)
|Predecessor = [[Oculus Rift DK2]]
|Display = 2 x Pentile OLED
|Successor = [[Oculus Rift S]]
|Resolution = 2160 x 1200 (1080 x 1200 per eye)
|Operating System = [[Windows]]
|Refresh = 90 Hz
|Chipset = N/A (tethered PCVR)
|Brightness =
|CPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|FOV = 110°
|GPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|PPD =
|HPU =
|Lenses = Hybrid Fresnel
|Storage = N/A
|IPD = Adjustable slider
|Memory = N/A
|Eye Tracking =
|SD Card Slot = No
|Hand Tracking =
|Display = Dual OLED (PenTile)
|Tracking = 6DoF (Constellation sensors)
|Subpixel Layout = PenTile Diamond
|Spatial Mapping =
|Peak Brightness = ~80 nits
|Speakers = Integrated on-ear
|Resolution = 1080 × 1200 per eye (2160 × 1200 combined)
|Microphone = Yes
|Pixel Density = ~11 PPD
|Audio Jack = Yes
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz
|Connectivity = HDMI 1.3, USB 3.0
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Ports = HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 2.0
|Field of View = 110°
|Battery =
|Horizontal FoV = ~87°
|Weight = 470g
|Vertical FoV = ~87°
|Materials =
|Average Pixel Density = ~11 PPD
|Colors = Black
|Peak Pixel Density = ~11 PPD
|Sensors = IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer)
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Input = Xbox controller (included), Oculus Touch (separate)
|Optics = Hybrid Fresnel lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (mechanical adjustment)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Passthrough = No
|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 = 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 the first consumer [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Oculus VR]], a division of [[Meta Platforms]]. Announced in January 2016 with pre-orders starting January 6, 2016 at $599, and released on March 28, 2016, the Rift CV1 features dual Pentile OLED displays at 1080 x 1200 per eye, 90 Hz refresh rate, 110-degree field of view, and the Constellation external tracking system. The CV1 marked a major milestone in consumer VR, emerging from Oculus's successful Kickstarter campaign and development kits.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oculus_Rift_CV1|title=Oculus Rift CV1|publisher=Wikipedia}}</ref>
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 ==


=== Kickstarter Origins ===
=== Kickstarter Origins ===
Oculus VR launched on Kickstarter in 2012, raising $2.4 million to develop VR headsets.
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 ===
=== Development Kits ===
* '''DK1''' (Development Kit 1): 2013
Iterative refinement:
* '''DK2''' (Development Kit 2): 2014
* '''DK1 (2013)''': 7" display, 640×800/eye
* '''Crescent Bay:''' 2014 prototype
* '''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 ==


=== Facebook Acquisition ===
=== Dual OLED Panels ===
Facebook acquired Oculus VR in March 2014 for $2 billion.
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


=== Consumer Launch ===
=== Global Shutter ===
The CV1 was announced January 2016, with pre-orders opening January 6 at $599. It shipped March 28, 2016.
Low persistence implementation:
* Full-flash illumination
* Motion blur reduction
* Reduced smearing
* Clearer images during head movement


=== Discontinuation ===
=== Screen Door Effect ===
Production concluded in March 2019, succeeded by the Oculus Rift S.
Visible limitation:
* PenTile arrangement
* First-gen resolution
* Visible at times
* Acceptable for era


== Design and Hardware ==
== Optical System ==


=== Display System ===
=== Hybrid Fresnel Lenses ===
* '''Display Type:''' Pentile OLED
Custom optical design:
* '''Resolution:''' 1080 x 1200 per eye (2160 x 1200 total)
* Fresnel rings for weight reduction
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 90 Hz
* Wide sweet spot
* '''Persistence:''' Low persistence for reduced motion blur
* God rays visible in high-contrast scenes
* '''Field of View:''' 110 degrees
* Good edge-to-edge clarity


=== Optics ===
=== Field of View ===
* Hybrid Fresnel lenses
Competitive viewing area:
* Adjustable IPD via slider on bottom of device
* ~110° total claimed
* Wide range of interpupillary distance support
* ~87° measured per eye
* Immersive for the era
* Matched competition


=== Audio ===
=== IPD Adjustment ===
* Integrated on-ear headphones
Physical lens adjustment:
* Removable design
* '''Range''': 58-72mm
* 3D spatial audio support
* Slider on bottom of headset
* Mechanical lens movement
* Wide user accommodation


== Constellation Tracking ==
== Constellation Tracking ==


=== External Sensor System ===
=== Technology ===
* Infrared LED tracking
Outside-in camera tracking:
* Constellation sensors (external cameras)
* IR LEDs under headset fabric
* Unique blink patterns
* Tracked by Oculus Sensor(s)
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
* Sub-millimeter accuracy


=== Tracking Features ===
=== Oculus Sensor ===
* Full 6 degrees of freedom
USB camera:
* Rotational and positional tracking
* IR camera
* Precise, low-latency performance
* 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 ==


=== Room-Scale Setup ===
=== Oculus Home ===
* 2 sensors: Front-facing 180° tracking
VR interface:
* 3+ sensors: 360° room-scale tracking
* Virtual environment
* Library management
* Store access
* Social features


== Controllers ==
=== Oculus Store ===
Content ecosystem:
* Curated experiences
* Exclusive titles
* Quality standards
* Regular releases


=== Xbox Wireless Controller ===
=== Notable Exclusives ===
The CV1 initially shipped with an Xbox Wireless Controller for input.
Platform-defining games:
* Lucky's Tale (launch)
* Robo Recall
* Lone Echo
* Wilson's Heart
* Edge of Nowhere


=== Oculus Touch ===
=== SteamVR Compatibility ===
Released December 6, 2016:
Third-party support:
* Motion controllers with Constellation tracking
* SteamVR games playable
* Hand presence detection
* OpenVR support
* Trigger, grip, thumbstick, buttons
* Broader content access
* Sold separately at launch
* Community choice


== System Requirements ==
== PC Requirements ==


=== Recommended Specifications ===
=== 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 ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Component !! Requirement
! Feature !! Oculus Rift CV1 !! HTC Vive
|-
|-
| GPU || NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 290+
| Price (launch) || $599 (HMD only) || $799 (full kit)
|-
|-
| CPU || Intel i5-4590+
| Resolution/eye || 1080×1200 || 1080×1200
|-
|-
| RAM || 8 GB+
| Tracking || Constellation (camera) || Lighthouse (laser)
|-
|-
| Video Output || HDMI 1.3
| Controllers || Touch ($199 extra) || Wands (included)
|-
|-
| USB || 3x USB 3.0 + 1x USB 2.0
| Room-scale || Experimental (2+ sensors) || Native (included)
|-
|-
| OS || Windows 7 SP1+
| Audio || Integrated || Earbuds included
|-
| Focus || Seated/standing || Room-scale
|}
|}


== Package Contents ==
== Legacy ==
 
=== First-Gen Definition ===
Set consumer VR standards:
* Resolution expectations
* Tracking quality baseline
* Comfort design influence
* Content standards


* Oculus Rift CV1 headset
=== Touch Innovation ===
* Constellation sensor
Controller impact:
* Xbox Wireless Controller
* Finger presence concept
* Oculus Remote
* Ergonomic hand controller design
* Cables and documentation
* Influenced Quest controllers
* Industry standard established


== Specifications ==
=== 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 142: Line 467:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2 x Pentile OLED
| Display || Dual OLED, 1080 × 1200 per eye
|-
|-
| Resolution || 1080 x 1200 per eye
| Total Resolution || 2160 × 1200
|-
|-
| Total Resolution || 2160 x 1200
| Refresh Rate || 90Hz
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| FOV || ~110° (claimed)
|-
|-
| Field of View || 110°
| Tracking || Constellation (outside-in)
|-
|-
| Tracking || Constellation (external)
| Sensors || 1 included (2-3 recommended)
|-
|-
| Audio || Integrated on-ear
| Audio || Integrated headphones
|-
|-
| IPD || Adjustable slider
| Controllers || Xbox (included), Touch (separate)
|-
|-
| Weight || 470g
| Weight || 470g
|-
| Connection || HDMI 1.3, USB 3.0
|-
|-
| Launch Price || $599
| Launch Price || $599
|-
|-
| Production || 2016-2019
| Final Price || $349 (with Touch)
|}
|}
== Legacy ==
=== Impact on VR Industry ===
The CV1 helped establish modern consumer VR alongside the HTC Vive, demonstrating viability of high-quality VR experiences.
=== Successor Devices ===
* [[Oculus Rift S]] (2019)
* [[Oculus Quest]] (2019)
* [[Meta Quest 2]] (2020)


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


== References ==
== References ==
Line 190: Line 509:
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Oculus]]
[[Category:Oculus]]
[[Category:Meta]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
[[Category:Discontinued devices]]
[[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

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 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