An unverified photo of an obviously unreleased Quest headset appeared online today from a leaker with a history of genuine leakages. The photo might show the next Mission headset (potentially a Mission 2) which Oculus is anticipated to expose later this year.
We have not individually verified the credibility of the picture, so were still calling this a rumor for now, but WalkingCat does have a performance history of authentic leaks; most just recently the user leaked images of the brand-new HP Reverb G2 prior to its statement. In 2019 the user did the very same for HoloLens 2 prior to it was revealed. The image likewise includes a number of subtle details that would be easy to miss in an informal render.
An image released today by known leaker WalkingCat has actually exposed what appears to be a brand-new Quest headset. The user recommends that the headset is being referred to internally as “Quest 2” rather than “Quest S” or “Quest Pro,” however also says “names go through alter.”
Image courtesy WalkingCatThe single image shows a white Quest-like headset. Theres no extra info beyond what can be inferred from the image alone, however there are some rewarding information on display.
Ramifications of a Missing IPD Slider
Beyond small changes to the positioning of the headsets tracking video cameras, which could facilitate a larger field of vision (specifically for improved visibility for hand-tracking), it also appears that headset is missing out on the IPD slider thats present on the existing Quest. This highly suggests that the next Quest may move from double displays to a single display, like Rift S uses. That would also most likely mean that the headset would move from OLED screen innovation to LCD (also like Rift S).
Streamlined Strap
Image courtesy WalkingCatThe headsets straps are also another significant change. Gone are the velcro side straps which tighten up the headset between the front and back. Exactly what will replace that tightening system isnt clear. Lots of headsets use a tightening up dial on the back of the strap to change the fit, but it isnt clear from the image that the strap is large enough to include the essential mechanism.
Another possible description for the absence of IPD slider is just that its been relocated to a position on the headset which isnt noticeable in this image. However, all major headsets have traditionally put the IPD slider on the bottom of the headset.
The current Quest side-strap is likewise springy (the side struts can extend from their resting position) to make it simple to put the headset on or take it off without altering the tightness of the straps. Its possible that this new strap style relies entirely on a spring system to immediately attain the perfect tightness. This would be an invited design modification as it prevails with the current Quest style to see individuals tighten up the side straps excessive for long-term convenience.
Interestingly, the rear part of the strap eliminates the big triangular opening thats created to capture the ridge of the occipital bone to provide the headset some leverage to remain in place. This is generally a preferable feature– a headset would require to be much lighter than the current Quest to go without it.
Possible Return to Original Touch Controller Ergonomics
The free gifts on the controller redesign is that the index trigger has a more noticable ridge in between its two halves, the grip trigger extends more, and the area of the seam along the handle– all of which appear to mirror the initial Touch controller. The shape of the face of the controllers also appears more round and balanced out– similar to the initial Touch controllers– compared to the newer controllers which have a teardrop-shaped face thats completely centered with the body of the controller.
Image courtesy WalkingCatAnother obvious change is a subtle redesign of the controllers which appears to be closer to the original Touch controllers that shipped with very first Rift CV1 headset. Among long time VR users, lots of preferred the shape and feel of the original Touch controllers to the new design which ships with Quest and Rift S.
What Cant Be Seen
A greater refresh rate would be difficult to make much usage of with Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 chip thats in the present Quest headset. If Oculus strategies to utilize a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate, it will almost certainly require to update the guts of the headset. Newer Snapdragon chips like 855 or XR2 would be a likely choice– Qualcomm did state earlier this year that the first XR2 headsets were expected in the 2nd half of 2020.
Beyond small modifications to the positioning of the headsets tracking video cameras, which could help with a broader field of view (particularly for enhanced exposure for hand-tracking), it likewise appears that headset is missing the IPD slider thats present on the current Quest. Image courtesy WalkingCatThe headsets straps are likewise another significant change. Lots of headsets utilize a tightening up dial on the back of the strap to change the fit, however it isnt clear from the photo that the strap is large enough to consist of the essential system.
The existing Quest side-strap is also springy (the side struts can stretch from their resting position) to make it easy to put the headset on or take it off without changing the tightness of the straps. A greater refresh rate would be tough to make much usage of with Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 chip thats in the present Quest headset.
Beyond what we can see in the image, different reports have actually pointed to a brand-new Quest in the works. Previously this year, Bloomberg claimed that Facebook could launch a brand-new Quest headset as early as late 2020 which would be 10– 15% smaller sized, with a 90Hz or 120Hz display, and a redesigned controller.
———-. While the leaker WalkingCat has a history of genuine leakages, this picture might simply as well be a thoroughly in-depth informal render thats an informed guess at what the next Quest might appear like. We dont have independent confirmation of the photos credibility so were continuing to treat this as a report for the time being.
