Oculus Santa Cruz Update

Today, we shared the latest update to our work on Project Santa Cruz, a completely untethered, positionally tracked headset prototype. Over the past year, we've added two fully tracked controllers that unlock the magic of hand presence. This helps deliver Rift-like immersive content in a standalone headset. It's an industry first, and we can't wait to share more in the future.

[@bacon4658]

watching on the oculus quest! 😉

[@r0z1n88]

Omg me too

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

What I want to see is a video of someone using this in a huge open field.

[@circuit10]

That would be great for redirected walking.

[@CharlesVanNoland]

A regular Einstein. I don't remember Oculus making any claims that it was supposed to work everywhere you could possibly be - especially in a huge open field. Why not wish for a video of it working in outer space too? Considering that the Rift's constellation tracking doesn't work in sunlight I'd suspect that the Quest's controllers would not work well in the bright sun even more so. The cameras wouldn't be able to make out the little 1.5v AA battery-powered IR LEDs when the sun is glinting off of everything and putting glare over everything they pick up. From everything I've seen the Quest is meant to be an indoor device - just like the hundreds of other things you only use indoors all the time without complaint. Obviously you're not going to see a video of the Quest being used in a huge open field until it's released and people start experimenting with it on their own to see what its limits are - because the tracking relies on being able to determine the distance to features it detects on surfaces around it via triangulation. Beyond a certain distance everything resolves to the equivalent of having a distance of infinity with the finite camera separation, forcing it to rely exclusively on the ground for tracking. This might work if the ground has some distinct character to it, but It's likely that it won't be able to grab a solid sense of the ground in a grass field with all the zillions of individual grass blades not giving any sizable features for it to lock onto. For 400$ you're going to get the best VR experience 400$ can give you, period. If that's not good enough for you it's certainly good enough for the rest of us.

[@circuit10]

@@CharlesVanNoland Daylight should help with the tracking

[@CharlesVanNoland]

Sure, what I'm saying is counter-intuitive, but I'm not making any of this up. The Quest uses virtually the same Constellation style tracking as the Rift, but only for its Touch controllers, which means that the cameras must be able to see the IR LEDs blinking on the controller rings and sunlight pretty much makes them invisible because it overpowers them. This is a known fact with the Rift's tracking, and that's a high-end VR headset. I also was not saying that daylight alone would be the problem. The original comment was about the thing in an open field, and daylight will only help with the headset tracking its own position (with controller tracking obliterated) if there are features that it can pickup which are close enough for it to make a distance determination. In the middle of a giant open field there are zero distinct features that are both near enough and at a scale the cameras' resolution will reliably pickup on and register across more than one camera at a time in order to form a proper triangulation. The distance to the feature and its relative linear/angular position/velocity are inverted to derive the headset's own tracked pose through space. Multiple features must be tracked simultaneously, not just one or two, in order to have enough axial dimensionality to establish a correct frame of reference. Three is the minimum number of points, which is why both the Rift and the Vive must have at least 3 of the points on their headsets/controllers, which is then a matter of solving the Perspective-N-Problem. One point can lie on an infinite number of lines/planes, two points can lie on a single line which a plane could be oriented at any angle around, while 3 points can lie only one one single plane in space.

[@circuit10]

I just meant the positional tracking. I know that the controllers use IR.

[@combatdentist]

I remember seeing this and being like, this is edited. Here i am waiting for my cruz to show up in 2 days

[@Kallan007]

I am impressed, wireless VR. This is what I have been wanting.

[@ji3200]

don't forget that Santa Cruz is mobile game headset but im sure Oculus will heavily focus with game develpers to bring good quality games

[@rafaisbg6783]

It only gets better

[@EricTGK]

Wait, santa cruz was it’s code name for the quest? Oh wow like the switch was NX

[@r0z1n88]

Yep

[@michael171]

everything has a code name

[@Abull7YT]

"If you don't have good tracking you don't have a good VR" Quest 3: Words can hurt

[@beatlejuice1165]

When this comes out, this is when I'll get into VR. My issue with current headsets is portability and the fact that the Oculus Go doesn't have six degree movement. This changes both of those issues and I am so damn excited.

[@kcidical8209]

This is exactly my thoughts and I'm as hyped as you are! Woo, Cord-Free standalone VR that I can afford!

[@BeyondtheAgesStudios]

Finally! Been waiting for news on the Santa Cruz forever. Can't wait to see the final package. :)

[@Senraikai]

I'm really looking forward to Santa Cruz coming out. Inside out tracking on a standalone HMD. Room-scale VR is cool and all, but this opens up the possibility for world-scale VR. Hopefully we get more information on it at this years Oculus Connect. I would like to hear about some of the games and experiences that are being worked on specifically for it.

[@inceptional]

Are the four cameras used for tracking both the controllers and also the headset's position in 3D space?

[@CharlesVanNoland]

What gave it away ?

[@reddblurr]

Wow, very well tracked. I wouldn't opt out for this over the CV1 though unless the lenses and panel are a huge step up. I really wish oculus would work on a wireless tracking solution for the rift with the current configuration.

[@ji3200]

you need to order this. www.kickstarter.com/projects/pimax8kvr/pimax-the-worlds-first-8k-vr-headset/comments

[@ji3200]

i will skip Go but i will buy Santa Cruz

[@Eeeeeee895]

Same here, just gotta keep reminding myself to wait...

[@jamesbearvr]

I really love to have a Santa Cruz as well.

[@circuit10]

It's almost out now

[@DanMizu]

its out buddy

[@indienerdsdotcom]

Now this is the good shit! I don't care for Go because 3DOF is just taking away too much once you are used to more as a developer. But this is where the magic is hidden! If these work well and run for a few hours then I think they will kick ass and multiplayer VR will finally turn into a reality. At least if these are capable of running with multiple units in a shared space without the controllers confusing other headsets or similar problems.

[@saqinja271]

there already is multiplayer vr though, just look at OrbusVR

[@gamecity7265]

With " Ready player one " movie, and Santa Cruz coming soon, that's what VR needed.

[@yourvrexperience2399]

For free roaming multiplayer VR experiences it will be a real killer. It's great that in the meantime we can work with Stereolabs's ZED Depth Sensor Camera for tracking position and with Samsung Gear VR or EXCHIMP AI1 All-in-One VR Headset (mine will arrive this month). By the time Santa Cruz hits the market we will be ready with our tool to create multiplayer VR experiences for free roaming VR arcades that will already be tested and working.

[@yoursharingeconomyapp3699]

Don't forget that you also will have the options to make it with Google's Tango project and their new Pixel 2. It's going to be a heated race to get the best accuracy on the market.

[@EstebanGallardo]

I'm working right now with Hololens in industrial AR for training and maintenence. I also had the chance to test their new models of MR devices. The system is similar to Santa Cruz with the cameras up front and the tracking of the position is really good. Now it would be a really good move for them to use all the knowledge they got from Kinect in body tracking to use it here. Maybe this time Microsoft get the lead, but I agree that it's going to be a heated race without any clear winner.

[@GabeDobsky]

Hey oculus. You did it👍

[@sayofthelor]

thank you for not doing the touchpads

[@lukechester8974]

Will you be able to play proper games like robo recall and lone echo or will it just be gear vr games???

[@keithjames753]

Love my Rift, but come on and HURRY UP with GO and Santa Cruz! I want both of them!

[@tropicalfruitful1105]

Almost here 👍👍👍👍👍

[@erikwithak6555]

Now the oculus quest, can’t wait to play around wi5 this thing

[@guitarlover592]

My only question is with the inside-out tracking and I've heard this discussed before but what if you're playing a game that requires reaching behind you.

[@mikejordan9754]

Gimme gimme gimme gimme !!! 😃

[@Anna-zt8he]

Woah looks just like quest I can't believe this is where we came from

[@Sploo256]

and oculus quest was born!

[@billnacky5059]

I'm still gonna get the go just to have something to do while I wait for the santa cruz

[@staffy35]

Windows mixed reality done right

[@paulpjr3224]

Not as powerful and when out of view it gets messed up. My Odyssey knows the hands are still there and lets you still use functions out of view all the time. When I watch the shadows I still see it moving way out of sight where it shouldn't be picked up without a problem. I already heard this thing has problems with it just out of sight a little bit so it can't be as good as the Odyssey.

[@r0z1n88]

Paul P Jr Lmao I bet you were hired by them to say it’s better

[@zaklivy]

I’m guessing that this is now the quest

[@AL3XFPV]

Anyone who has figured out which kind of plattform apps/games this headset is targeting when it will release? I guess it will be compatible with GearVR/GO apps/games, but developers will need to target this spesific headset to take advantage of the position tracking and hand controllers which means this probably will be a separat plattform for apps since it can not possibly have as fast hardware as pcs. Vr market is still small and splittig it into 3 plattforms allready isnt that a bad idea? I guess if it was possible to connect it wireless to a pc so it could run rift games too it would have a wider usability. Excited to see how this will play out

[@Cookie-fe7mn]

I want this instead of Pc rift or vive because for those you need an open room to use it in and you can't really take it around... I hope this turns out good but Ive been wondering how much it is going to cost..... $400-$600 maybe?

[@mattymatt2323]

I wonder what the key on Katie's neck unlocks

[@alexandercarrara3455]

All we need on this thing is SteamVr and boom. Best VR headset ever.

[@scifi7686]

And boom, Oculus Link is coming

[@XtremeGaming123]

So since it's completely wireless and has tracking built in does that mean you can walk anywhere you want? Like your entire house?

[@kazioo2]

Yes, Carmack even called it world scale tracking instead of room scale.

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

AleVids in theory you could literally walk outside with this thing on. You might look like a lunatic, but it works.

[@jamesbearvr]

ButWithClarinet well let me have two and a friend and I can wear ninja outfits go into a large public park and battle it out in VR. What we will see is Epic and what they see is a hallarious comedy act of WTF they doing.

[@frarob2597]

And now... It's here

[@Sunfoni]

I can’t wait, where’s the 2018 update??

[@mrskin7526]

So they changed the name to oculus quest?

[@SlicerJen]

Battery life, even if you ignore the decrease in degrees of movement.

[@gabrielcordero78]

En lo que terminan este prototipo ya vendran unos mejores. Estan tardando mucho.

[@courdayfarnam7954]

Did anyone else notice that the headset is cordless

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

Courday Farnam it's standalone.

[@kazioo2]

That's because when the computer is on your head the cord can be hidden inside!

[@Avm371998]

Courday Farnam oculus go

[@sneakinggodzilla6328]

No, you are the first one to notice that... You are truly wise and perceptive! The KZbin Messiah! Tell us more,oh wise one... Where can we watch other cordless vonders?

[@808Mark]

Won't be as powerful as a rift connected to a pc

[@policepsbm8722]

wat`s song?

[@SimVU]

So, is this going to be known as DK3, or CV2?

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

Brad Hawthorne maybe cv2, if we are lucky. Oculus said they may not release a new headset for quite some time so it is a possibility.

[@APhamx7]

I wouldn't say this is CV2, not even remotely as strong as today's hardware unless they figured out some low latency streaming from desktop to headset somehow.

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

APhamX this is not streamed, it is standalone, meaning the computer is in the headset.

[@wildanS]

There is already a low latency streaming wireless module for CV1: TPCAST Wireless Adapter Unfortunately it costs as much as the Rift bundle itself so I'd rather wait for true next gen Oculus.

[@ji3200]

Santa Cruz is mobile VR gaming headset. it has android Snapdragon os.

[@PaoloGamerHD]

Ok, so should I buy the Oculus Rift $399 or should I wait for these ones ? Someone can help me please!

[@paulpjr3224]

I want to know a few things. What are the specs that is in this, what is the FOV and will you be able to make a border or will everyone be walking into walls?

[@Dante02d12]

Earlier this year, they had announced they were targetting the current Rift specs, only at 60 or 72 Hz. So we can expect 110° FOV, and 2160x1200 resolution. As for the games, there will be the possibility for developers to port Rift games to Santa Cruz, but they'll have to implement the SC API first (it should be fairly easy to do, so we can expect to play some Rift games with it). As for the border, it's kind of an obvious stuff for VR right now. You can't expect people _not_ to run into things if they don't have a border. So, although it hasn't been announced, I'm pretty sure there will be one ^^.

[@paulpjr3224]

@@Dante02d12 Walking around in a outside area would not be good unless on a completely flat surface. If you're no seeing where you are walking you will expect every step to be flat but what if there was dips in the ground in the area? People will be rolling their ankles a lot maybe even damaging their tendons. I say this because I damaged my tendons at work having an outside walking job delivering. People would be suing the company.

[@Dante02d12]

Why the hell are you saying that? I never talked about walking outside xD!

[@paulpjr3224]

@@Dante02d12 Just saying cause people will want to use this outside more likely. You can use one on your computer or wireless if you were only planning on using it inside.

[@Dante02d12]

Oh ok. Well yeah, Santa Cruz is not really made for outside. The point of a standalone headset is to get access to VR without a 1000$ PC and without a tether. In fact, inside-out tracking (the tracking system Santa Cruz will use) is made for interior use, it doesn't work well in outside environments. Basically : don't do like in Ready Player One, people xD! VR is not meant for outside use.

[@FreeZatE]

I just need an oculus rift with out screendoor effect and I will buy it.

[@ji3200]

you better order this if yoiu don't like screen door with ultrra sharp image. www.kickstarter.com/projects/pimax8kvr/pimax-the-worlds-first-8k-vr-headset/comments

[@FreeZatE]

andy sky I know this. But I will not spend so much money with out a real test. I will go for 8K X. When it will be released and tests are good, I will buy it

[@ji3200]

there are positive reviews from San Francisco demo and Pimax said they will show final version before kickstarter is over and eventually they will have demo too

[@AdManOfChaos]

They said the headset has inside out tracking, but since the controllers still have a ring, is that sensor based? Also, did anyone see if there are joysticks on this thing?

[@MrMonkeybat]

As well as seeing your surroundings for inside out tracking the cameras on the headset also see the controllers. And it looks like they have Vive wand style track pads instead of sticks and buttons.

[@AdManOfChaos]

Do you think there would be a lot of blind spots like that? It would need to see in a huge range.

[@MrMonkeybat]

It has 4 cameras one for each corner of the visor. so it has a wider field of view than the "Windows MR" HMDs that are coming out soon. When not viewed by cameras they will have to rely on inertial sensors.

[@4rmitxes]

TAKE MY MONEY!

[@r0z1n88]

I have the quest

[@tseringdorjee7547]

Why did I buy the go

[@Digikidthevoiceofreason]

Controllers are a huge step back from the current touch controllers. That ring needs to be redesigned.

[@nazrac3449]

what type of redesign would you prefer? i'm curious.

[@nazrac3449]

that is if you would actually reply after 6 months

[@Cooe.]

You're a freaking idiot. The top-facing ring is required for good inside-out tracking to work.

[@r3d3mb3r]

Is this going to be cross compatible with pc?

[@r0z1n88]

You predicted the future

[@Potomacstud]

Quest 2 is Santa Cruz

[@enperrygames]

And quest 1

[@xb9dx598]

First they made the oculus quest controller look like a vive

[@dafmar408]

What will the price be

[@scifi7686]

$400

[@trexus6698]

I'm really confused how these are different from the standard touch controllers. They look pretty similar no? Can someone tell me?

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

Trexus 183 inside out tracking. No sensors needed. THAT'S what's different.

[@Jumpringo]

The little ring things are facing towards you for this controller, it is because the sensors are on the headset and that allows the headset to get a good view of it. The Rift controllers have the rings facing away from you because your sensors should be around you.

[@tatecheddar]

They've also scrapped the analog sticks in favor of a touch pad much like the Vive wands.

[@Drybones898]

So what happens when the controller goes behind the head? Are there sensors on the head adjusting things so it can track behind the head?

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

Skyler Miller not at the moment no. It just loses tracking for a moment.

[@lorenonanesterium7747]

Guys do u think that the standalone can handel all these games where u need a expensive videocard?

[@lkoihsadoji]

No.

[@lkoihsadoji]

Do not spread misinformation. Oculus Go will run the same games that work with Samsung's GearVR. Dead and Burried is a Rift game, as well as GearVR: www.oculus.com/experiences/gear-vr/1490394380970763/

[@lkoihsadoji]

Oculus Go is not Project Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz team is working on the next version of Oculus Rift, which will be wireless. Oculus Go is a standalone VR headset that does not require a PC or a phone. It comes with a similar controller as to the GearVR, with a few modifications and slightly better performance.

[@lkoihsadoji]

You are replying to a person with a query about the standalone VR headset, which is the Go.

[@bALDbOY85]

Don't understand, Santa Cruz is also a standalone.

[@mafia5667]

I suggest waiting one month after the release before buying this as I thought the same for the Go and it was a big flop. I returned it. Maybe this one will glitch or something like that. Wait at least a month. But i'm digging the set up especially with the snapdragon 845 and the rubber controllers inverted. Can't wait.

[@Moolassy]

Ryanz Randomz the go was a hit!

[@r0z1n88]

The quest was sold out everywhere lmao

[@warlockboyburns]

Shooting games should be accurate :)

[@kilbertmtz1007]

Did you know that they reuse the oculus go controller for the quest 1

[@Zexerif]

No they didn't

[@euphorbia8106]

excuse me i dont want to buy another headset please

[@trex140]

SendLewds sooo... Don't... I guess.

[@br.l.f]

Wonderful, but I think improve the PPSI on HMD is one of the weakest points con current VR. And try to reach 120fps.

[@FloppyFiona]

Ubisoft have to make a Just Dance VR game for both Oculus Rift and Oculus Go.

[@Digikidthevoiceofreason]

Gameking 012 dance games are shit.

[@cashtynsilver7954]

Yall need to make one like ready player one

[@Getfuckeddude]

Wait............... THAT HEADSET IS WIRELESS!!!!

[@MarioRuizSincope]

"and it is just as powerful as the Oculus Rift and will be able to do all that the Oculus Rift can do"... hmm... dude most likely not. rift's power depends on the card you have on your pc, most likely 5+ years will go by before we get mobile gpu's with the power of a 1080 dude...

[@MarioRuizSincope]

Indeed, mixed a few comments and ended up replying wrongly, thought you were refering to Go

[@Moolassy]

Bladeocity Santa Cruz is a portable headset like the go

[@alexeysafronov6447]

Is it profitable to make such a product with only 200$ cost? What will be included in that package?

[@m0rdresh]

Don't confuse this with the Oculus Go. This video is about the Santa Cruz VR headset.

[@gnilebat8025]

Is this like a "oculus rift 2" with a wireless feature?

[@religionofhutchism3836]

If you read their line up, the Santa Cruz is less powerful than the Rift. The Rift is still for performance PCS. I was hoping it would take the place of the Rift, but it being stand alone, we just aren't there yet.

[@gnilebat8025]

Travis Hutchings That's a shame :/ if it would be like the next Oculus rift version with better quality / controllers and wireless, I would seriously think about buying it.

[@religionofhutchism3836]

Ch Jo of course, I just don't think it can play high performance games.

[@justperson298]

Will you sell this for 100

[@scifi7686]

... No?

[@akmcg]

why am i here????

[@Shark1103]

This is very vague and it does say anything new.

[@ColeVanD]

Please for the love of god, dont use track-pads on the controllers!

[@kcidical8209]

^

[@carsonlujan8134]

Why did you name it Santa Cruz name it something better than that!

[@fluenzier]

hmm think about play outside and run around...

[@paulpjr3224]

What if there was not flat surfaces in all the areas you are walking or running? Uneven ground would ruin ankles for sure. How can you see where you step with your eyes covered? People would need a very even level area before using it for sure.

[@MrBryanwalker563]

I really don't get the whole controller obsession why not develop gloves for VR first then worry about a controller. Nothing is gonna be more natural than a glove especially not 2 controllers that you have to go the whole time. Been wondering this for a while.

[@NikoKun]

Gloves are fine if you just want to simulate hands, and that's probably where things will go eventually, but gloves have a harder time simulating the feel of tools... Plus, it's harder to do a thumbstick input with just gloves, and people like the feel of physical triggers and buttons, for when those are necessary.

[@MrBryanwalker563]

NikoKun I agree with the triggers for when they are needed so why not put the triggers and buttons on the thumb and first finger also adding vibration to the gloves.

[@MrBryanwalker563]

Google's project Jacquard or whatever with the fabric and touch controls would be ideal I think along with physical buttons. Imo

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

Bryan Walker accurately tracked and intuitive glove controls are simply not possible.

[@kazioo2]

Gloves are cumbersome and without haptic feedback will not allow for tons of things that a simple tracked TOOL allows.

[@sandplanet471]

Oculus quest is better

[@JaRyBo13]

Green Lightning project Santa Cruz and oculus quest are the same thing😂

[@r0z1n88]

This is the oculus quest lmao unless this is a joke...

[@michaelmaxime2017]

Screw inside-out tracking. Give me 4K resolution and complete Field of View (no binocular vision). I'll pay over $900 for it, use sensors and a wire.

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

Michael Maxime I don't think you realize what your saying.

[@michaelmaxime2017]

I'm saying I don't mind having a wire because walking around wireless VR isn't that important. It's not safe, and not everybody has more than 10+ sq. feet of empty space where it would be worth it anyway. So if people aren't going to be mobile in VR why waste time making a less powerful headset with limited play time due to battery life and limited front-only tracking?

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

Michael Maxime front only? This thing has a HUGE front FOV. But that's not the point I suppose. With this you can literally walk through doorways into other rooms and basically use VR anywhere you want to WITH tracking. If that is less important than resolution, you must REALLY value resolution. I find the Rift is quite visually clear with just msaa.

[@michaelmaxime2017]

ButWithClarinet I'm pretty sure there's a limited range that you can go away from your PC. Kind of like the wifi screen on a Wii U. Probably 15 to 20ft away and then it gets choppy. Also doing things like shooting while looking another direction. Over hand high throwing granades or doing anything low while looking up can't happen. Sometimes when I'm on oculus paint ball I cover people by shooting over cover while crouched. Kind of like you see the players in gears of warranty blind shoot over cover. You can't do that without looking up.

[@psychopathicmusician9548]

Michael Maxime you have looked at the hand tracker FOV right? Also, this is STANDALONE in addition to inside out tracking. There is no PC to get further away from. It's on your head.

[@RealSerie26]

2 years later still nothing. Over promising, under delivering. SMH.

[@anarkistiaapo]

I hope this is joke

[@r0z1n88]

This is a joke... Right...?

[@SheepAmongG.O.A.T]

skinny jeans are just not for guys. look silly as hell on them.

[@Anderson_Anderas]

I guess it needs a mobilephone in order to work

[@The9Droid]

Anderson Anderas no it’s inside out-tracking so it’s probably wirelessly connected to a computer

[@Jumpringo]

It's a standalone product, it shouldn't need either a smartphone or computer to work. They talked about it in Oculus Connect how right now they have a small computer on the headstrap which the place it is can change but for sure it will have it's own computer in it.

[@benkekovax]

No mobile phone, nor PC needed. :-)

[@mohammedanmar3898]

Oculus did you see the knuckles? Obviously you didn't :)

[@mythrin]

I don't think you realize that that's not the point of this new model.

[@shaneneyome]

Mohammed have you or any other consumer seen the knuckles? Obviously not

[@808Mark]

Have you seen the touch controllers? Oculus has already beaten the knuckles

[@animechill2729]

i agree with mohammed here i love oculus but it would be better if they give it a knuckles like controller like valve and primax do for more freedom

[@animechill2729]

not really we still have to hold the controller and cant let go if we throw something which would be a nice feature

[@woomyzooms3781]

thank god they renamed it to quest santa cruz sounds dumb