Simula One
| Simula One | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Standalone VR (Linux) |
| Platform | Linux (SimulaOS) |
| Creator | SimulaVR |
| Price | $2,699 |
| Website | https://simulavr.com |
| System | |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-1165G7 (upgradable to 13th gen) |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual LCD |
| Resolution | 4896 x 2448 (2448 x 2448 per eye) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (via cameras) |
| Audio | |
| Microphone | Yes |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Thunderbolt 4 |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-C 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.2 |
| Device | |
| Sensors | 2 wide-angle color cameras |
| Input | Linux desktop apps, SteamVR controllers |
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The Simula One is a standalone Linux-based virtual reality head-mounted display developed by SimulaVR. Priced at $2,699, the Simula One is uniquely designed for programmers and developers who use Linux professionally, featuring an Intel Core i7 processor (x86 architecture) rather than ARM-based mobile chips. The headset runs SimulaOS, a custom VR Linux distribution built on NixOS with a Godot-based VR window manager, allowing unlimited Linux desktop applications to run natively in VR. The display achieves 35 PPD in the foveal region using three-element non-Fresnel optics with 2448 x 2448 per eye resolution.[1]
History and Development
2021 Announcement
SimulaVR announced the Simula One, targeting developers and Linux professionals.
Kickstarter Campaign
The project moved from Kickstarter to direct pre-orders in 2022.
Modular Design Philosophy
The detachable compute pack allows future upgrades without replacing the entire headset.
Design and Hardware
Display System
- Resolution: 2448 x 2448 per eye (4896 x 2448 total)
- Panel Type: Dual LCD
- Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
- PPD: 35 in foveal region (gradated)
Field of View
100 degrees using three-element non-Fresnel optics.
Unique Optics
- Non-Fresnel three-element lenses
- Variable PPD similar to Varjo approach
- Higher clarity in center, gradual reduction at edges
IPD Range
55mm to 77mm adjustment.
Compute Pack
Processor
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7 (8-core, 4.7 GHz)
- Upgrade Option: Intel 13th gen available
- Architecture: x86 (not ARM)
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory and Storage
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
Modular Design
- Detachable rear compute unit
- Theoretically upgradeable
- Balanced weight distribution
Connectivity
Ports
- Thunderbolt 4: 1x USB-C
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2: 2x ports
- USB-A 3.2: 2x ports
- Audio: 3.5mm jack
Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.2
SimulaOS
Operating System
- Based on NixOS Linux
- Reproducible configurations
- Easy system rollbacks
VR Window Manager
- Built on Godot game engine
- Unlimited Linux desktop windows in VR
- Standard Linux applications
Software Compatibility
- Any x86 Linux application
- SteamVR (tethered mode)
- Full desktop Linux ecosystem
Cameras
Passthrough
- 2 wide-angle high-resolution color cameras
- Hand tracking capability
- Color passthrough AR
Operating Modes
Standalone Mode
- Native SimulaOS
- Full Linux desktop in VR
- Development environment
Tethered Mode
- SteamVR headset for gaming PC
- Standard PC VR functionality
Target Audience
Professional Users
- Software developers
- Linux system administrators
- Programmers and engineers
- Anyone using Linux professionally
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual LCD |
| Resolution | 2448 x 2448 per eye |
| PPD | 35 (foveal) |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| FOV | 100° |
| Processor | Intel i7-1165G7 (x86) |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD |
| OS | SimulaOS (Linux) |
| IPD | 55-77mm |
| Price | $2,699 |