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Simula One

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Simula One
Simula_One_Headset_Image.jpg
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality (via passthrough)
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone VR, PC-Powered VR (tethered mode)
Platform SimulaOS, SteamVR (tethered mode)
Creator George Singer, David Kraeutmann, Carl C. Wheeler III [1]
Developer SimulaVR
Manufacturer SimulaVR
Announcement Date December 15, 2021 [2]
Release Date Shipping expected to begin in 2025 (initial targets Q4 2022 – 2024, updated May 2025) [3] [4] [5]
Price Standard: $2,699 (pre-order), $3,500 (MSRP)
Tethered: $1,999 (pre-order), $2,499 (MSRP)
Founders: $4,999 [6] [7]
Website https://simulavr.com
Versions Standard Edition, Tethered Edition, Founders Edition [7]
Requires None (standalone); PC for tethered mode; Bluetooth keyboard & mouse (optional)
Predecessor None
System
Operating System SimulaOS (Linux-based)
Chipset Intel NUC compute pack architecture
CPU Intel Core i7-1365U (13th Gen, 10 cores/12 threads) [8]
GPU Intel Iris Xe Graphics [8]
Storage
Storage 1 TB NVMe SSD [9]
Memory 16 GB DDR4 (32 GB for Founders Edition) [9] [10]
Display
Display Dual 2448×2448 RGB-stripe LCD high-fidelity panels [11] [12]
Subpixel Layout RGB Stripe
Resolution 2448×2448 per eye (4896×2448 total) [11]
Refresh Rate 90 Hz (up to 120 Hz capable panels mentioned previously) [13] [14]
Image
Field of View ≈100° diagonal [13]
Peak Pixel Density 35.5 PPD (central) [15]
Optics
Optics Custom three-element aspheric, non-Fresnel lenses [15] [12]
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 55mm–77mm (hardware adjustable) [15]
Adjustable Diopter Eye relief adjustability 13mm–17mm (accommodates glasses) [15]
Passthrough Yes, dual high-resolution color RGB cameras ("AR Mode") [15]
Tracking
Tracking Inside-out tracking (6DOF)
Base Stations None required
Eye Tracking Yes [9]
Hand Tracking Yes (Ultraleap) [16]
Rotational Tracking Yes (3DOF via IMU)
Positional Tracking Yes (6DOF)
Audio
Audio 3.5mm audio jack (no built-in speakers) [9] [10]
Microphone Yes (mentioned in some contexts, needs confirmation for final spec)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera Dual high-resolution wide-angle RGB cameras (for passthrough) [15]
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 [9]
Ports 1× USB4 (Thunderbolt 4), 2× USB-C 3.2 Gen 2/DisplayPort Alt-Mode, 2× USB-A 3.2 [9]
Wired Video Yes (tethered mode via DisplayPort Alt-Mode or Thunderbolt)
WiFi Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2
Power Detachable battery in compute pack (capacity not specified)
Battery Capacity Not specified
Battery Life Not specified
Device
Dimensions Not specified
Weight Not specified (designed with compute pack for balanced weight)
Material Premium materials for Founders Edition [3]
Headstrap Ergonomic, adjustable
Sensors High-performance IMU [15]
Input Keyboard and mouse compatible (via Bluetooth or USB)


The Simula One is a standalone virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) developed by SimulaVR. Unlike mainstream gaming-focused devices, it is marketed as a "VR Computer" (VRC) designed specifically for productivity, office work, and software development, particularly for users who prefer a Linux environment.[16] It ships with SimulaOS, an open-source Linux distribution built for immersive desktop workspaces.[8] [17]

Overview

The Simula One aims to replace traditional laptops and desktop PCs for knowledge work by offering an unlimited virtual multi-monitor setup within VR.[15] It emphasizes text clarity, extended work sessions, and the ability to run standard Linux desktop applications in a virtual environment.[18] The device features a detachable compute pack, allowing for potential future hardware upgrades.[19]

History

SimulaVR was founded in 2020 by George Singer, David Kraeutmann, and Carl C. Wheeler III.[1] The company initially focused on developing Simula, an open-source VR window manager for Linux, compatible with existing SteamVR headsets like the HTC Vive and Valve Index.[20] This project evolved into creating a dedicated hardware solution due to the perceived lack of Linux support from other VR manufacturers.

The Simula One headset was first announced on December 15, 2021, with an initial plan to launch a Kickstarter campaign in January 2022.[2] However, on February 14, 2022, SimulaVR announced they would forgo Kickstarter in favor of direct preorders, citing cost savings and greater flexibility.[21] Initial shipping estimates were for Q4 2022, but the project faced several delays, pushing estimates through 2023 and 2024.[4] As of May 2025, headsets are expected to begin shipping, with priority for Founders Edition preorders.[5]

Design

Industrial Design

The Simula One features a distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic, with a large visor reminiscent of early home computers like the Magnavox Odyssey or Apple II.[22] It includes a detachable rear "compute pack" which houses the main processing components and battery. This design helps balance the headset's weight for improved comfort during extended use and allows for potential CPU and other component upgrades in the future without replacing the entire HMD.[19]

Display and Optics

The Simula One is equipped with dual 2,448 × 2,448 RGB-stripe LCD panels (one per eye), providing a combined resolution of 4,896 × 2,448 pixels.[11] It utilizes custom three-element aspheric, non-Fresnel optics.[15] [12] This combination delivers a high pixel density of up to 35.5 PPD in the center of the view, which SimulaVR claims is optimized for text clarity and reducing eye strain during long reading or coding sessions.[15] The headset offers an approximately 100-degree diagonal field of view (FoV) with a 90 Hz refresh rate (though panels capable of up to 120 Hz have been mentioned).[13] [14] SimulaVR also employs a special text-optimized rendering methodology within SimulaOS to further enhance text quality.[9]

Technical Specifications

Compute Pack

The Simula One's processing capabilities are housed in a detachable compute pack based on Intel NUC technology. While initial prototypes used 11th generation Intel processors, production units feature upgraded components:

Component Specification
CPU Intel Core i7-1365U (13th Gen, 10 cores/12 threads: 2 Performance-cores + 8 Efficient-cores, up to 5.2 GHz P-core / 3.9Ghz E-core turbo) [8]
GPU Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics [8]
Memory 16 GB DDR4 (configurable up to 32 GB for Founders Edition) [9] [10]
Storage 1 TB NVMe SSD [9]
Wireless Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 [9]

Tracking and Input

The headset features inside-out tracking for six degrees of freedom (6DOF) positional tracking, eliminating the need for external base stations.[15] The tracking system utilizes:

  • A high-performance inertial measurement unit (IMU) for stable 3DOF rotational tracking.
  • Sensor fusion, likely combining data from the stereo RGB cameras for 6DOF tracking.[15]

Hand tracking is provided by Ultraleap technology, allowing for controller-free interaction with the virtual environment.[16] The Simula One also includes eye tracking capabilities.[9] For traditional input, it supports standard Bluetooth or USB keyboards and mice.

AR Passthrough

An "AR Mode" is enabled by two high-resolution, wide-angle color RGB cameras mounted on the front of the headset. These provide full-color passthrough functionality, allowing users to see their physical surroundings, such as their keyboard or desk, while wearing the HMD.[15] The camera spacing is designed to adjust with the user's interpupillary distance (IPD) to help maintain correct stereoscopic depth perception.

Connectivity and Ports

The detachable compute pack offers a range of ports:

[9]

Software

SimulaOS

SimulaOS is marketed as "the world's first VR-dedicated Linux distro."[23] It is built upon:

  • NixOS: A Linux distribution known for its reproducible system configurations and atomic upgrades/rollbacks.[24]
  • Godot Engine: Used as the foundation for the VR compositor and rendering.[24]
  • Wayland: The display server protocol, with a compositor built using a fork of wlroots.[25]
  • OpenXR: Utilizes the open-source Monado OpenXR runtime.[25]
  • XWayland: For transparent support of X11-based applications.

SimulaOS provides a full Linux desktop environment in VR, allowing users to arrange and interact with multiple virtual screens and run standard Linux applications such as Firefox, LibreOffice, Emacs, Vim, and various development tools.[8] The operating system is open-source, and users can potentially modify it or run other Linux distributions on the hardware.[23]

Tethered Mode

While primarily a standalone device, the Simula One can also function in a tethered mode. By detaching the compute pack and connecting the HMD to a Windows or Linux PC (likely via USB-C with DisplayPort Alt-Mode or Thunderbolt), it can be used as a PC VR headset. This mode enables compatibility with SteamVR content, including games, though it may require separate controllers compatible with the PC VR ecosystem.[9]

Adjustability

The headset is designed for comfort during extended use and includes several adjustment options:

  • IPD adjustment: Hardware adjustable from 55mm to 77mm, accommodating a wide range of users.[15]
  • Eye relief adjustment: 13mm to 17mm, allowing space for users who wear glasses.[15]

Pricing and Availability

SimulaVR offers several versions of the Simula One. Pre-order pricing was announced when direct orders opened, with MSRPs for general release.

Model Compute pack Pre-order Price (USD) MSRP (USD)
Standard (Standalone VRC) Yes $2,699 $3,500 [6]
Tethered Edition (HMD only) No $1,999 $2,499 [7]
Founders Edition Yes (premium materials, 32GB RAM) $4,999 $4,999 [3] [7]

Direct preorders opened in February 2022, typically requiring a deposit.[21] Shipping for preorders is anticipated to begin in 2025.[5]

Target Market

The Simula One is specifically aimed at:

[16]

SimulaVR positions the device as a premium productivity tool, comparing its target use case to high-end workstation laptops, but with the unique advantages of an immersive VR interface.[26]

Reception

The Simula One has garnered significant interest, particularly within the Linux and developer communities, for its unique proposition as a standalone VR headset running a native Linux distribution designed for productivity.[16] Early impressions from review units distributed in 2022 highlighted the headset’s exceptional image quality and text clarity, with its 35.5 PPD cited as a key factor in reducing eye strain for desktop work in VR, surpassing competitors like the Valve Index and Quest 2 in this specific metric.[27]

UploadVR noted it had “the most powerful chip in any announced standalone headset” at the time of its early announcements but also emphasized its niche focus and high price point.[17] Display Daily praised the high PPD optical design specifically geared towards text legibility for office work.[19] Commentary across various online communities has acknowledged the device's novelty as an x86-based standalone headset while also discussing the challenges of manufacturing and bringing such a specialized product to market.[28] [29] Some reviewers have noted that it appeals to a "pretty small subset of VR users" due to its specialized focus.[16]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "SimulaVR - Company Profile & Competitors". Tracxn. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/simulavr/__y1btRY8LuUiaN6MHD-OE8m7yCgaTWuJhJjfHLSXkdzQ. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Simula One is a Standalone VR Headset Running Linux Desktop, Kickstarter in January". Road to VR. December 15, 2021. https://www.roadtovr.com/simula-one-linux-vr-headset-kickstarter/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Simula One - Standalone (Preorder)". SimulaVR Store. https://shop.simulavr.com/products/simula-one-standalone. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Headsets Delayed into 2024". SimulaVR. August 25, 2023. https://simulavr.com/blog/headsets-delayed/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "SimulaVR Store (Accessed May 2025 for shipping status)". SimulaVR. https://shop.simulavr.com/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "The Simula One's Pricing & Kickstarter Goal". SimulaVR. January 13, 2022. https://simulavr.com/blog/kickstarter-pricing/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Heaney, David (February 16, 2022). "$2700 Linux Standalone Headset With i7 Chip Ships ‘No Earlier Than Q4’ (mentions Tethered Edition price)". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/linux-standalone-simula-preorders/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 "SimulaVR - The VR Computer". SimulaVR. https://simulavr.com/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  9. ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 "SimulaVR Store". SimulaVR. https://shop.simulavr.com/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Heaney, David (February 16, 2022). "$2700 Linux Standalone Headset With i7 Chip Ships ‘No Earlier Than Q4’ (mentions DDR4, no built-in speakers)". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/linux-standalone-simula-preorders/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Simula One: Full Specification". VRcompare. https://vr-compare.com/headset/simulaone. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Berman, Arthur (February 21, 2022). "The Simula One Headset has Uncommon Features (mentions non-Fresnel, RGB-stripe)". Display Daily. https://displaydaily.com/the-simula-one-headset-has-uncommon-features/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Some specs of the world's first stand-alone VR headset with Linux 'Simula One' will be released". GIGAZINE. December 28, 2021. https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20211228-simula-one/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Simula One on VRcompare (lists 90-120Hz refresh)". VRcompare. https://vr-compare.com/headset/simulaone. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  15. ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 15.12 15.13 15.14 "Technical overview of Simula's VR Computer". SimulaVR. February 14, 2022. https://simulavr.com/blog/technical-overview/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 "Simula One is a Standalone VR Headset Natively Running Linux Desktop, Kickstarter in January". Road to VR. December 15, 2021. https://www.roadtovr.com/simula-one-linux-vr-headset-kickstarter/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Heaney, David (February 16, 2022). "$2700 Linux Standalone Headset With i7 Chip Ships ‘No Earlier Than Q4’". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/linux-standalone-simula-preorders/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer". Hacker News. February 23, 2022. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30440828. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Berman, Arthur (February 21, 2022). "The Simula One Headset has Uncommon Features". Display Daily. https://displaydaily.com/the-simula-one-headset-has-uncommon-features/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  20. ↑ "GitHub - SimulaVR/Simula: Linux VR Desktop". GitHub. https://github.com/SimulaVR/Simula. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Linux-based Standalone VR Headset Ditches Kickstarter & Opens Direct Preorders". Road to VR. February 14, 2022. https://www.roadtovr.com/simula-one-vr-linux-standalone-kickstarter/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  22. ↑ "First Glimpse of Review Units (mentions retro design)". SimulaVR. October 28, 2022. https://simulavr.com/blog/first-glimpse-of-review-units/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "FAQ - What is "SimulaOS"?". SimulaVR. https://simulavr.com/faq/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "NixOS Foundation on LinkedIn: SimulaVR/Simula". LinkedIn. March 9, 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nixos-foundation_github-simulavrsimula-linux-vr-desktop-activity-6907228489024737280-1qwU. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Simula's Software Stack". SimulaVR. May 20, 2022. https://simulavr.com/blog/software-overview/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Why is the Simula One so expensive?". SimulaVR. January 13, 2022. https://simulavr.com/blog/why-is-the-simula-one-so-expensive/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  27. ↑ "First Glimpse of Review Units". SimulaVR. October 28, 2022. https://simulavr.com/blog/first-glimpse-of-review-units/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  28. ↑ Vitone, Antony (January 28, 2022). "Simula One Aims at Becoming Your Portable Linux VR Computer". The Ghost Howls. https://skarredghost.com/2022/01/28/simulavr-simula-one-linux-vr/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  29. ↑ Ochanji, Sam (February 20, 2022). "Pre-Orders Open for $2700 Standalone Linux-Based VR Headset Simula One". Virtual Reality Times. https://virtualrealitytimes.com/2022/02/20/pre-orders-open-for-2700-standalone-linux-based-vr-headset-simula-one/. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
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