Unnamed sources have informed TechRadar that Oculus VR may launch a public beta of the Oculus Rift in April 2015, the same time period Windows 9 "Threshold" is scheduled to appear. Like Google Glass, Oculus Rift will supposedly roll out in limited quantities. However, there's a possibility the beta may not arrive until Summer 2015.
According to the report, Oculus VR plans to handle distribution internally and will allow a set number of Rift units to be sold in the initial launch. The company is looking to receive feedback from retailers and consumers alike before the headset goes full retail.
So how much will the Oculus Rift cost? Oculus VR co-founder Nate Mitchell recently said the consumer version will cost between $200 and $400. Keep in mind that the current developer kit (version 2) costs $350, and that includes the little camera that keeps a watchful eye on your movements. That could mean the consumer version may be slightly cheaper… we hope, anyway.
Unfortunately, unless Oculus VR comes right out and spills all the scheduling beans, take this latest report as a bag of rumors. The company wouldn't provide a comment to TechRadar, and Tom's Hardware was given a "no comment."
There's a lot of excitement surrounding the Oculus Rift, and for good reason. We were dazzled by the headset back at CES 2013 and since then have been taken aback by its awesomeness during each new experience. The Rift headset has matured from a mind-blowing experience to one that leaves you speechless. Like you, we can't wait to see a consumer version in our hands.
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