Joystiq reports that the upcoming virtual reality headset Oculus Rift will support users who require glasses. The thing is, they won't be able to wear their corrective specs while the headset covers their face unless they throw a pair of contacts on their eyeballs. Instead, Oculus Rift will feature adjustable optics.
"While the unit won't fit over eyeglasses -- creator Palmer Luckey tells us it would put the headset too far away from the user's face -- it will have adjustable optics," Joystiq reports. "Exactly how these will be implemented hasn't been finalized, though two possibilities include binocular-like dial adjustment or special optical inserts. The only impairment that could be problematic, says Palmer, is cases of severe astigmatism, though that may be correctable via software."
Meanwhile, Luckey is asking people not to back the Kickstarter project thinking they'll get a commericalized virtual reality headset. Oculus is actually looking for developer support, not from consumers. "We don’t want [the crowdfunding] to go to $5 or $10 million because consumers are getting in on these developers’ kits," he told Wired.
So far the project has landed 6,923 backers promising $1,691,562 USD, surpassing the original $250,000 goal by a long shot -- with 15 days to go still. What backers will get is a prototype development kit featuring screens significantly lower in resolution than the planned final commercial version. It's also reportedly heavier than what's planned for the final version, and currently it only support Doom 3 BFG Edition.
"We really do think that the consumer version of the Rift is going to be far and away … a whole other level in terms of latency and comfort," Oculus vice president Nate Mitchell said.
Luckey said that the company is trying to walk a fine line when it comes to promoting the crowdfunding drive. The Kickstarter project isn't meant to pre-sell units to early adopters, but to get developers pumped up and implementing the headset into their games. By hyping Oculus too much, consumers with loads of cash might buy the prototype developer kit, expecting something more commercial and ready-to-play.
Still, the headset is receiving a lot of buzz nonetheless. Luckey is hpong the buzz will push gamers into requesting support from their favorite developers. "If we don’t have that community aspect, a lot less happens," says Luckey.
