Microsoft claims to have developed superior Oculus Rift lenses

Microsoft might well be enjoying a cosy relationship with Oculus VR these days, but that hasn't stopped one employee from picking holes in the headset's design. A freely downloadable CAD file has popped up online at Microsoft Research, with the group claiming to have developed a superior lens design than the one currently inhabiting the Oculus Rift DK2 headset.

[FlexLuger]

Man...what a team, these guys make. its only been a couple weeks since that announcement and we are already hearing about things like this?

[its_JEFF]

if you're implying that in just 2 weeks the MS team has developed screen tech that surpasses what OR is doing... why would they have even penned that deal? If they're able to surpass the screen tech in 2 weeks imagine what they could do in a month?

But really, I wouldn't be surprised if they (or another tech company) had developed screen tech that's better than OR's the real kicker is would the cost be consumer friendly? People say why are the current gen consoles weak? Well, the research they conducted probably informed them of a price range consumers are willing to pay for a next gen console. That price range dictated what tech would be included.

Of all the VR headsets it looks like the OR could have the highest price tag, which would likely mean it has the better tech... likely.

[RonsonPL]

This title: "Microsoft claims to have developed superior Oculus Rift lenses"

makes me think it's a click bait.

1. It's DK2. A year old prototype, when the present prototype (June 2015) is worse than what we'll see in CV1. It was just a thing Oculus wanted quickly out of their doors, so devs could start creating content. DK1+imagination wasn't always enough. There was no time for optimizing the lesnes choice or organizing its supply chain.

2. Anything that gives smaller FOV, is NOT better, even if it achieved the perfection. We need much, much more FOV than DK2. This is far more important issue than the flaws of Rift CV1 (whatever they will be, IF they will be).
We'll wait 7-10 months for the consumer Rift.

[Pandamobile]

Yeah Microsoft's lens solution is 2 steps forward and two steps back. Of course Oculus could make lenses like this, but they also have to consider the costs of bringing a mass-market device to fruition, and expensive optics that cut down the FOV of the HMD is not the best idea at this point.

[Paleblood]

Microsoft must be careful with their relationship with Oculus. Things like this can get that relationship very sour.

[MartinB105]

Lenses that cost more than the entire headset itself are better than those in the headset? Colour me shocked!

Also, FOV is very important and these lenses also look like they won't leave room for glasses.

[NerveGearneeded]

"it also notes that you need to purchase lenses with a "visible light (VIS) antireflection coating," which ups the cost significantly. According to The Register, it works out at around £130 ($200) per eye."

this is probably why the are going custom with lenses.

[MasterCornholio]

That's way too expensive in my opinion. I'm pretty sure Oculus will go with something much cheaper.

Funny how some people don't read the article and assume its all roses.