Oculus Quest 2

Oculus Quest 2 is a virtual reality (VR) headset created by Oculus, a brand of Facebook Technologies, LLC and successor to the Oculus Quest. It was announced at Facebook Connect 7 and shipped on October 13, 2020.

Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest 2 headset and controllers
DeveloperOculus, a division of Facebook, Inc.
TypeVirtual reality headset
Release dateOctober 13, 2020
Lifespan2020-present
Introductory priceUS$299 (64 GB)
US$399 (256 GB)
Operating systemOculus Quest system software, based on Android source code. (Android 10)[1]
System on a chipQualcomm Snapdragon XR2
Memory6 GB
Storage64 GB, 256 GB
DisplayLCD 1832 x 1920 per eye @ 90 Hz
GraphicsAdreno 650
Input6DOF inside-out tracking through 4 built-in cameras
Camera4 cameras
Connectivity
Online servicesOculus Store
Mass503 g (17.7 oz)
Related articlesOculus Rift S, Oculus Quest
WebsiteOfficial website

As with its predecessor, the Quest 2 is capable of running as both a standalone headset with an internal, Android-based operating system, and with Oculus-compatible VR software running on a PC when connected over USB. It is a refresh of the original Oculus Quest with a similar design, but with a lighter weight, updated internal specifications, a display with a higher refresh rate and per-eye resolution, and updated Oculus Touch controllers.

The Quest 2 received mostly-positive reviews as an incremental update to the Quest, but some of its changes faced criticism, including its strap, reduced interpupillary distance (IPD) options, and a newly-introduced mandate requiring users to log in with a Facebook account in order to use the headset and Oculus services.

Hardware

Its design is similar to the original Oculus Quest, but replacing the black, cloth-covered exterior with white-colored plastic and a black face pad. It is lighter than the first-generation Quest, at 503 grams (17.7 ounces) in comparison to 571 grams (20.1 ounces).[2] The strap was changed to a fabric-based version (rather than the elastic-based strap of the Quest),[3] while the power button was relocated to the side of the headset, instead of the original's more forward facing one.

The Quest 2 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 system-on-chip (which is part of a Snapdragon product line designed primarily for VR and augmented reality devices),[4] with 6 GB of RAM — an increase of 2 GB over the first-generation model.[2]

Its display is a singular fast-switch LCD panel with a 1832×1920 per eye resolution, which can run at a refresh rate of up to 90 Hz (an increase from 1440×1600 per-eye at 72 Hz). 90 Hz support was only available as an experimental feature for the home area at launch, with support within games added via a software update in November 2020.[2][5][6] The headset includes physical interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment at 58 mm, 63 mm and 68 mm, adjusted by physically moving the lenses into each position. This is also combined with software adjustment.[7]

The included Oculus Touch controllers have been updated with a slightly larger size influenced by the first-generation version.[5] Their battery life has also been increased four-fold over the controllers included with the first-generation Quest.[8][3]

Games
Main article: List of Oculus Quest games

Unlike the original Oculus Quest, the Oculus Quest 2 is not backwards compatible with Oculus Go apps and games.[9] It otherwise supports all games and software that are supported on the first-generation model, and existing titles can be updated to support higher graphical fidelity on Quest 2.[3]

Accessories

Oculus presented an "Elite Strap" accessory, which contains a ring-like pad for the back of the head and a tightness dial, along with a variant with a battery pack built into the strap.[3] Oculus is also promoting Logitech headphones "certified" for Quest 2 (including the G333 VR, the company's first in-ear headphones model), which have shortened cords designed for use with VR headsets.[10]

In addition, Oculus partnered with Logitech to support their K830 keyboard as part the "Infinite Office" feature, allowing the keyboard to be detected and displayed within a virtual reality environment.[11]

Release

Quest 2 was officially unveiled on September 16, 2020 during Facebook Connect 7. The 64 GB model was priced at US$299, a $100 decrease over the original Quest model. The 128 GB model of the first-generation Quest was replaced by a 256 GB model at US$399.[12]

Reception

The Verge was positive in a pre-release review, noting that while it lacked standout features, it did have "worthwhile" improvements such as reduced weight, a screen with a better visual appearance and refresh rate than the original Quest, and a re-located USB port. The new strap was panned for having "less support and a slightly clumsier tightening mechanism" (partly rectified by the Elite Strap accessory sold separately), and the new IPD mechanism was considered "annoying" and not as inclusive as that of the first-generation model. In conclusion, it was argued that while it was not a "must-upgrade" for existing owners, the Quest 2 had "the best overall balance of hardware, features, and price."[13]

Ars Technica was less positive, noting that its internal speakers were "noticeably crisper and louder", but panning the new cloth strap in comparison to the original Quest's elastic straps (and arguing that it alone was responsible for the claimed reduction in weight), the limited IPD options, worse battery life, and the controllers having less grip and reduced accuracy on more intensive games. The switch from OLED to LCD was shown to produce "crisper" images but more "washed out" color.[3]

The Quest 2 faced criticism over the mandate that Facebook accounts be used on it and all future Oculus products,[13][3] It was reported that some users were unable to use the headset due to their Facebook account being suspended. Some described that linking their deactivated Facebook account to the device rendered the headset a "paperweight".[14][15][16]

References
  1. "Introducing Oculus Quest 2, the Next Generation of All-in-One VR | Oculus". developer.oculus.com. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  2. Kuchera, Ben (2020-09-16). "Oculus Quest 2 review: smaller, cheaper, better". Polygon. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  3. Machkovech, Sam (2020-09-16). "Review: We do not recommend the $299 Oculus Quest 2 as your next VR system". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  4. Smith, Ryan (2019-05-29). "Qualcomm Announces XR1 Platform: Dedicated SoC for VR/XR Headsets, Coming Late 2018". AnandTech. Future plc. Archived from the original on 2019-10-14. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  5. David, Heaney (2020-09-16). "Oculus Quest 2 Specs: 'Nearly 4K' LCD, 90Hz, XR2 Chip, $299". UploadVR. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  6. Wickens, Katie (2020-11-16). "Oculus Quest 2 gets a cheeky 90Hz refresh rate update, finally rivaling competitors". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2021-01-04.
  7. Lang, Ben (2020-09-16). "Oculus Quest 2 Review – The Best Standalone Headset Gets Better in (Almost) Every Way". Road to VR. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  8. Lang, Ben (2020-09-16). "Quest 2 Announced Starting at $300, Pre-orders Today for October 13th Release Date". Road to VR. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  9. Carmack, John. "Support was remove on Quest 2. I totally lost the internal debate over backwards compatibility". Twitter. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  10. Faulkner, Cameron (2020-09-16). "Logitech's new gaming headsets are certified for Oculus Quest 2". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-09-17.
  11. "Facebook's Infinite Office is a virtual office space for the WFH crowd". Engadget. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
  12. Robertson, Adi (2020-09-16). "Oculus' new Quest 2 VR headset starts at $299 and ships October 13th". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  13. Robertson, Adi (2020-09-16). "Oculus Quest 2 review: better, cheaper VR". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-09-16.
  14. Robertson, Adi (2020-10-15). "Facebook is accidentally locking some users out of their new Oculus headsets". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-10-18.
  15. Heaney, David (2020-10-14). "Facebook Account Issues Push Some Quest 2 Buyers To Return". UploadVR. Retrieved 2020-10-18.
  16. Kent, Emma (2020-10-15). "Oculus Quest 2 Facebook account merge turns some headsets into "paperweights", affected users say". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2020-10-18.
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