Palmer Luckey, the founder of the modern VR experience, once predicted that the future VR experience will be independent. Whether it is relying on the PC platform or relying on smart phones, VR head phones are always subject to various restrictions. Only when the devices are independent, can they create a fully VR-optimized wireless experience. Although Rachie has left Oculus, the latter clearly feels deeply about this idea, so he has the "Project Santa Cruz".
In short, the "Santa Cruz Project" is such an independent VR head-mounted display. It has a built-in system that can independently run VR programs without connecting a computer or accessing a mobile phone. At the Oculus Connect 4 Developer Conference, officials officially introduced its second prototype.
Compared to the first prototype, the second edition of the "Santa Cruz Project" was almost completely redesigned in appearance. The most obvious point is that Oculus integrates the computing unit and battery of the device into the blindfold, and is no longer placed on the headband behind the user's head. This makes the overall appearance of the device more concise, and the degree of completion is much higher. However, because of this, the second edition of the prototype's goggles feels heavier than the Oculus Rift, but fortunately it is acceptable.
In the hardware section, the display used in the second version of the prototype is obviously new, with higher resolution and better lens quality. Because everything is built into the headphone, it comes with sound components that allow you to adjust the volume directly on the device. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the head, you can connect your own headphones, or directly with the speakers hidden in the vicinity of the headband. Oculus said that the completion of the sound part of the prototype is still very low, and later versions will definitely be different from the current design.
Visual experience
Just mentioned that the prototype of the second edition of the "Santa Cruz Project" uses the latest display screens and lenses, and you will be impressed by this when you put on your head. Although the picture performance is because it ultimately uses mobile-level hardware, it appears to have a strong sense of jaggedness, but the resolution is clearly higher than that of the Oculus Rift, which reduces the screen's graininess.
Unfortunately, the official did not disclose the hardware specifications used in this version of the prototype, so we can only rely on guessing. Most notably, Oculus is likely to use an OLED screen because its black performance is really amazing. Taking into account the resolution has also been significantly improved, the second version of the prototype may use the Samsung 2560×1440 display with Samsung Gear VR support. If you are concerned that the independence of the headline will make its hardware specification lower, then this can be assured.
However, it is worth mentioning that during the trial, some people found that the screen was a little flicker, so people speculated that the refresh rate of the second version of the prototype may not be as high as the Oculus Rift 90Hz, but the lower the 75Hz below . Although the reduction in refresh rate is probably due to the combination of resolution and limited functionality, it is not incomprehensible. However, considering the VR experience, 90 Hz can ensure maximum comfort, and we hope that this problem can be solved in the future.
Tracking accuracy
Oculus said that since last year's first prototype of the "Santa Cruz Project", tracking accuracy has become the main direction for the development of the second edition. Therefore, this part is worthy of careful understanding.
Similar to the Windows MR heads, the Santa Cruz Project uses a wide-angle camera mounted on the outside of the head to sense and autonomously position itself from the inside out. With the second prototype, Oculus allows it not only to position itself, but also to track the controller. Officials said that they have further increased the visibility of the camera, making the controller less likely to leave the track.
In general, the tracking effect of the second version of the prototype is very good, and what is worth mentioning is its autonomous positioning effect. Because there is no bondage to the cable, a whole room is a range of actions. If it weren't for a physical wall, I didn't know how far I could go.
But what is strange is that sometimes even if you stand still, you may feel that the sight is shaking. This was not the case in the first edition. For this, the surrounding Oculus developers were also surprised.
If compared with the first-line VR headlines such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, the tracking accuracy of the "Santa Cruz Project" second-generation prototype is obviously not good enough because it does not reach the "sub-millimeter" level. Accuracy, but also jitter. In fact, almost all VR heads that can achieve self-positioning now have this problem. So its tracking accuracy should be said to have been "good enough", but it has not been very good, because there is a senior Zhu Yu in front. However, compared to Sony PlayStation VR, its experience is actually better.
But don't be disappointed, because if you don't speak of jitter, at least this version of the prototype has never had a stuck or skipped frame. This is a good sign that its foundation is good. But then again, there wasn't any high-reflection objects in the demo room, and these are commonplace in people's homes and have a significant impact on the optical tracking system. So in the end it will be what it will be. It's not easy to say.
Controller experience
When Oculus showed the first prototype last year, people only experienced head tracking from the inside out, but this year they finally brought the controllers, and the second version of the prototype can self-position these controllers.
The shape of the new controller is almost exactly the same as the current Oculus Touch, which is understandable given the excellent and successful design of the latter. If not necessary, Oculus does not need to change the controller shape frequently.
Since the shapes are similar, the handles of the two controllers are also similar and they are comfortable to hold. However, the pair of controllers corresponding to the "Santa Cruz Project" appear to be lighter in weight. Hard to say that there is a problem, the top touchpad is not as easy to use as joysticks and buttons.
At least from the performance of the Demo, the new controller's response speed is very fast, and this is similar to the Oculus Touch. However, there is a problem that when the mark that represents the hand moves from one camera's perspective to another, it is evident that the model will jump during this process.
But overall, the new controller gives a good impression, considering that this is just a prototype. We expect that Oculus can solve all significant problems in the future.
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