# Oculus Rift

> virtual reality headset released in 2016

**Wikidata**: [Q69464718](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q69464718)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oculus_Rift_CV1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oculus-rift

## Summary
The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset released in 2016 by Reality Labs (formerly Oculus VR). It was a pioneering consumer VR device that helped launch the modern virtual reality industry.

## Key Facts
- Released in 2016 as a consumer virtual reality headset
- Weighs 470 grams including electrical cable
- Developed by Reality Labs (formerly Oculus VR)
- Discontinued in 2019
- Succeeded by the Oculus Rift S
- Classified as a virtual reality headset model
- Has USB device IDs: 2833:0031, 2833:1031, 2833:2031, 2833:3031
- Available in English, Turkish, and Sorani Kurdish Wikipedia editions

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Oculus Rift?
A: The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset released in 2016 that provides immersive VR experiences through a head-mounted display. It was developed by Reality Labs and was one of the first successful consumer VR headsets.

### Q: When was the Oculus Rift released and discontinued?
A: The Oculus Rift was released in 2016 and discontinued in 2019, being replaced by the Oculus Rift S as the company's flagship VR headset.

### Q: How much does the Oculus Rift weigh?
A: The Oculus Rift weighs 470 grams, including the electrical cable, according to technical specifications.

## Why It Matters
The Oculus Rift was a watershed moment in consumer virtual reality, transforming VR from a niche technology into a viable consumer product category. As one of the first high-quality, affordable VR headsets available to the general public, it catalyzed the modern VR industry and inspired countless developers to create VR content. The device's success on crowdfunding platforms demonstrated strong market demand for immersive technology, leading to Facebook's (now Meta) acquisition of Oculus VR for $2 billion in 2014. The Rift's accessible design and developer-friendly platform helped establish VR as a legitimate medium for gaming, education, training, and social interaction, paving the way for subsequent generations of VR hardware and the broader metaverse vision that would follow.

## Notable For
- Pioneered consumer virtual reality as one of the first high-quality, affordable VR headsets
- Launched the modern VR industry and inspired widespread developer adoption
- Featured precise tracking and low-latency display technology that set new standards
- Successfully crowdfunded, proving strong market demand for VR technology
- Served as the foundation for Facebook/Meta's virtual reality strategy and metaverse ambitions

## Body
### Development and Release
The Oculus Rift began as a Kickstarter project in 2012, raising $2.4 million from backers who were eager to experience virtual reality. The consumer version, known as the Rift CV1, was released in 2016 after several development kits. This timing was crucial as it coincided with advances in display technology, motion tracking, and computing power that made consumer VR finally viable.

### Technical Specifications
The headset features a 1080x1200 resolution display per eye, a 90Hz refresh rate, and precise positional tracking through external sensors. The 470-gram weight includes the integrated cable that connects to a PC, distinguishing it from standalone VR headsets that would come later. The device uses USB connections with specific device IDs for proper hardware recognition.

### Market Impact
The Rift's release in 2016 marked the beginning of the modern VR era. It competed with other early VR systems like the HTC Vive but distinguished itself through its accessible price point and strong software ecosystem. The headset's success demonstrated that VR could be more than just a novelty, establishing a foundation for future VR development across gaming, education, and professional applications.

### Legacy and Evolution
After its 2019 discontinuation, the Rift's technology and user base transitioned to newer Oculus products, particularly the Rift S and later Quest headsets. The original Rift's influence extends beyond its hardware specifications - it established user expectations for VR experiences and helped create the developer community that continues to advance virtual reality technology today.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/oculus-rift-virtual-reality-hmd,4506-2.html)