Xbox and Oculus Partner to Change the Face of Virtual Reality

[Mavrick]

Virtual reality has been a part of popular culture for decades, but for many years it served more as a sci-fi narrative device than as a viable technology for consumers. That has changed dramatically in recent years, as advances in technology have finally allowed the geniuses creating virtual reality platforms to bring their visions to life like never before. The era of virtual reality is here.

That’s why we’re so excited to announce a new partnership between Microsoft and virtual reality pioneer Oculus VR. Earlier today, at an Oculus event in San Francisco, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer joined Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe on stage to share some details on what fans can expect to see when the Oculus Rift launches in Q1 2016.

The Xbox One controller will be included with every Oculus Rift. The Xbox One controller is designed for gamers, by gamers, for interchangeable gaming between Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs and tablets, with fine-tuned impulse triggers for greater precision and control and a D-pad engineered to deliver greater responsiveness. If you’re going to be playing your Rift games with a controller, this is the one you want in your hands. And, with the new Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows that we unveiled last week included, you can play games on the Rift using the Xbox One controller wirelessly right out of the box.

Xbox One games will be playable on Oculus Rift. We shared earlier this year that you’ll be able to stream your Xbox One games to your Windows 10 PC or tablet. Now, we’re happy to announce that we’re bringing the same Xbox One streaming capability to the Rift, a feature that’s only possible through Windows 10. You can play your favorite Xbox One games, like Halo, Forza, Sunset Overdrive and more, on your own virtual reality cinema screen. It’s just like playing in a private theater, and you can even play with your friends through Xbox Live.

Windows 10 is the best platform for playing games on the Oculus Rift. The Rift will work natively with Windows 10 to make it easy to set up, jump in, and have an incredible VR gaming experience. Combined with Direct12 technology that unlocks the full capabilities of new Windows 10 graphics hardware, made-for-VR games on Windows 10 will have the fastest frame rates and top performance.

“We’re thrilled to be working closely with the team at Oculus. Their groundbreaking work in virtual reality is inspiring, and the Oculus Rift delivers a truly next-generation VR experience,” said Spencer. “We at Xbox are passionate about giving gamers the opportunity to play when and where they want. I can't wait to see the incredible games created for the Rift, and we are proud to be part of the experience."

Above all, we want to give gaming fans choices. Windows 10 is an open ecosystem that includes boundless opportunities for alternate realities, which is why we see the virtual reality of Oculus Rift as a perfect complement to the mixed reality offered by Microsoft HoloLens. For more on mixed reality, virtual reality, Windows 10 gaming and more, be sure to watch Major Nelson’s interview with CVP of Next Gen Experiences Kudo Tsunoda below.

Xbox and Oculus Partner to Change the Face of Virtual Reality - YouTube

We’re really excited about today’s announcement and what it means for fans of both Xbox and Oculus. You’ll be hearing more about this great news in the future, so stay tuned to Xbox Wire.

http://news.xbox.com/2015/06/xbox-xb...irtual-reality

[Talal86]

I'm glad we won't have to buy another headset, but damn this is so typical of Microsoft

[Derb]

Microsoft's Windows 10 appears to be the ace up their sleeve.

They already dominate the world with it, so pushing that OS on Xbox One is only gonna give them massive support from gamers worldwide. Picking Oculus was a great move too.

Though I have to say, MS never actually created "anything" for themselves, they just bought other people's work.

[dyne]

Originally Posted by Talal86

I'm glad we won't have to buy another headset, but damn this is so typical of Microsoft

I say good for them. Like I said in the PS4 thread, I have a feeling that no matter how good it turns out to be, Morpheus will never be seen as anything but an expensive add on this generation. It's releasing too late into the generation in my opinion. It's something that should be fleshed out and available day 1. Hopefully MS learned with the Kinect. Remember how late they released it for the 360 to cash in on the motion craze? Remember how well Move sold and was picked up by devs? Unfortunately MS spent a ton of cash on R&D and had to package the new Kinect with systems to recoup costs. Also unfortunately for them people moved on. This is their way of seeing how the tech will fare without spending a shit ton of money and time into it. Windows 10 and the OS of the XB1 have put them in a spot where they can take this chance. Then they'll wait until next gen and have proper support day 1.

[Mavrick]

Worth noting that MS said this was the best route to take because it lets them utilise VR whilst being able to fully focus on Hololens.

[detective392]

Originally Posted by Mavrick

Worth noting that MS said this was the best route to take because it lets them utilise VR whilst being able to fully focus on Hololens.

That's why I'm liking this deal. I don't care about Oculus but am really interested in Hololens and what it does for W10 and X1.