SimulaVR, the startup behind its open-source VR Linux distribution, is developing a standalone VR headset called "Simula One" that aims to bring the full power of the PC into a standalone format.
It is understood that simula One will include a detachable computing unit, with Intel's 11th generation NUC as the core, equipped with a Core i7 mobile processor. This headset is not intended for gaming, but for programmers, software engineers, developers, etc. who use Linux for work. For now, the company has released prices and specs ahead of its Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, which is scheduled to launch sometime this month.
Simula One released specifications as follows:
Display: Dual 2,448 x 2,448 per eye LCD, 90Hz, RGB stripe
Lenses: Three-element non-Fresnel design
FOV: 100 degrees (estimated)
Sensor: Dual RGB cameras,
IPD range: 55 – 77 mm hardware adjustable
Ports: 1 USB4/Thunderbolt 4; 3-4 USB3.2 Gen 2 via USB-C with DisplayPort alt mode
Audio: 3.5mm jack, no microphone
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth
CPU : Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor (4.70 GHz / 12M Cache)
GPU: Integrated Iris XE graphics
Memory: 16 GB (dual channel)
Storage: 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Simula One sells for $2799 for Kickstarter crowdfunding customers, and the suggested retail price will rise to $3500 after the event, and the first person to buy will be able to snap up a limited number of headsets for $2499.
Through the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, SimulaVR hopes to raise $2.5 million, which SimulaVR founder George Singer says is the basic amount the project needs to break even, "We've noticed that other campaigns sometimes set very small fundraising goals without risking public failure." That's not the case with our campaigns, and launching an action like this requires more money, and we'd rather be open and transparent to people. ”
But George Singer also acknowledged: "There is a good chance that our Kickstarter campaign will fail, which will force the company to either abandon Simula One or postpone operations to find alternative funding, which will need to sell at least 892 units to break even." ”
In addition to the information mentioned in the spec sheet, the campaign will also offer a tether-only funding rating for consumers who want to provide their own computers as well as more expensive headsets made from finer materials.
As of now, the date of Simula One's Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign is still unknown