SimulaVR

SimulaVR
Information
Type	Private
Industry	Virtual Reality, Computer Hardware Manufacturing
Founded	2017
Founder	George Singer, David Kraeutmann
Notable Personnel	George Singer (CEO), David Kraeutmann, Kevin Rodriguez
Products	Simula One, SimulaOS
Website	https://simulavr.com

See also: Companies

SimulaVR is an American technology company that specializes in developing Linux-based virtual reality hardware and software. The company is known for creating the world's first office-focused VR headset designed specifically for productivity and computing tasks rather than gaming or entertainment. Founded in 2017 by George Singer and David Kraeutmann, SimulaVR aims to revolutionize knowledge work by offering a superior computing experience through virtual reality.

History

SimulaVR was founded in 2017 by George Singer and David Kraeutmann, with Kevin Rodriguez joining the team later. The company began by developing an open-source VR window manager, which later evolved into the SimulaOS project. This window manager was compatible with existing VR headsets like the Valve Index and HTC Vive.

After developing a stable compositor for their software, the company encountered challenges with Linux support from other VR manufacturers. This led them to the decision to create their own hardware solution, resulting in the development of the Simula One headset.

Initially, SimulaVR planned to launch their Simula One headset through a Kickstarter campaign in January 2022, with a fundraising goal of $2.5 million. However, in February 2022, the company changed their approach and instead opted for direct pre-orders through their website. The decision was made to avoid Kickstarter fees and to remove the platform's 60-day campaign limit, which the company believed might not be sufficient to reach their funding goals.

Products

SimulaOS

SimulaOS (sometimes abbreviated as SOS) is a VR-specialized Linux distribution developed by SimulaVR. It is an open-source VR window manager that allows users to run traditional Linux desktop applications in a virtual reality environment. The software was originally built over open-source infrastructure, combining wlroots and the Godot game engine.

Key features of SimulaOS include:

• Compatibility with both X11 and Wayland applications
• Support for multiple virtual screens of any size
• Enhanced text clarity through specialized rendering technology
• Window manipulation in 3D space using VR controllers
• Customizable environment settings

The OS is designed to be hackable and is pre-installed on the Simula One headset, but can be removed or replaced with other Linux distributions for users who prefer different configurations.

SimulaOS Compatibility

Headset	Compatibility Status
HTC Vive	Officially supported
HTC Vive Pro	Officially supported
Valve Index	Officially supported
OpenXR headsets with Monado drivers	Experimental support
Oculus Rift S (via OpenHMD)	Unofficial/Community support

Simula One

The Simula One is SimulaVR's flagship product, described by the company as a "VR Computer" (VRC) rather than a traditional VR headset. It was designed specifically for productivity and office work rather than gaming or entertainment. The headset features high-resolution displays and runs SimulaOS, allowing users to work with Linux desktop applications in a virtual reality environment.

Technical Specifications

The Simula One features advanced hardware specifications designed for productive work in virtual reality:

Simula One Technical Specifications

Component	Specification
Display	2448 × 2448 per eye
Refresh Rate	90 Hz
Field of View	100° (diagonal; monocular)
Pixel Density	35.5 PPD (Pixels Per Degree)
IPD Adjustment	55mm-77mm, independent automatic adjustment
Processor	Intel i7-1365U
Memory	16 GB (32 GB for Founders Edition)
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe
Storage	1 TB SSD
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.2, USB4, USB-C, USB-A
Tracking	6DOF positional tracking, eye and hand tracking
Input	Hand tracking via UltraLeap
Passthrough	Dual wide-angle high-resolution RGB cameras
Audio	3.5mm audio jack
Tethering	Supports tethered mode for gaming on other platforms (Windows/SteamVR)

Unique Features

The Simula One offers several unique features that differentiate it from other VR headsets on the market:

• Superior Text Clarity: The headset offers a pixel density (PPD) higher than other portable VR headsets on the market, combined with a specialized text rendering methodology to enhance text legibility.
• Detachable Compute Pack: The headset features a detachable x86 compute module with specifications comparable to a premium office laptop.
• Linux-Based Computing: Unlike most VR headsets that run Android or proprietary operating systems, the Simula One runs a full Linux desktop environment.
• AR Passthrough Mode: The headset includes cameras that allow users to see their surroundings, such as keyboards and physical objects, without removing the headset.
• Eye and Hand Tracking: Users can control cursor movement with eye gaze and manipulate windows using hand gestures.
• PC Tethering: While designed as a standalone device, the headset can be tethered to a Windows or Linux PC for gaming and other applications.

Business Model and Target Market

SimulaVR targets a niche market of professionals who use Linux for work-related tasks, particularly programmers, software engineers, and other knowledge workers. The company positions their product as a potential replacement for traditional PCs and laptops, offering advantages such as unlimited virtual screen space, improved focus, outdoor usability without screen glare, enhanced privacy, and greater freedom of movement.

The initial pricing structure for the Simula One was as follows:

• Kickstarter price: $2,799 (MSRP: $3,500)
• Early Bird units (limited number): $2,499
• Tethered-Only version: $1,999

After switching from Kickstarter to direct pre-orders, the company reduced these prices by $100 and offered a $1,500 half-deposit option to reserve headsets.

The company has acknowledged that their prices are high due to upfront costs and low economies of scale. To accommodate users who couldn't afford the headset but wanted to support the project, they also offered less expensive items such as keyboard aprons, Tux plushies, and VR docking stations.

VRC Concept

SimulaVR introduced the term "VR Computer" (VRC) to distinguish their product from gaming-focused VR headsets. According to the company, VRCs offer several advantages over traditional computers:

• Unlimited Screen Space: VRCs can provide an unlimited number of virtual screens of any size.
• Enhanced Focus: The immersive nature of VR can improve work focus and concentration, described by the company as "noise-cancelling headphones for your eyes."
• Outdoor Usability: Unlike laptops, VRCs can be used outdoors without screen glare issues.
• Privacy: VRCs provide greater privacy as others cannot see what's on your screen.
• Space Efficiency: The compact design of VRCs requires less desk space than traditional computers.
• Ergonomics: VRCs allow for greater freedom of movement and potentially better posture, as users can work while sitting, standing, or even lying down.

SimulaVR and the Linux Community

SimulaVR has positioned itself as a supporter of open-source software and the Linux community. The company's software, including SimulaOS, is open-source and available on GitHub. Their decision to build a Linux-based VR system, rather than using a more common platform like Android, reflects their commitment to open-source principles and their focus on providing a full desktop computing experience in VR.

The company's headset is designed to run any application that works on Linux Desktop, including popular software like Firefox, Chrome, LibreOffice, Emacs, and Vim. This compatibility with existing Linux applications is a key selling point for the Simula One, as it allows users to continue using their preferred software while taking advantage of the benefits of VR.

Development and Current Status

SimulaVR maintains an active presence on GitHub, where they continue to develop and update their software. The company has a philosophy of providing frequent, often technical updates about their projects, keeping their community informed about development progress.

As of 2024, the company continues to work on shipping their Simula One headsets. The initial delivery timeframe was projected to begin in Q4 2022, with a guarantee of shipping all headsets before the end of 2023. The current status of deliveries can be found on the company's website, where they maintain an updated project timeline.