Oculus Rift VR Headset Consumer Edition to Launch in First Quarter of 2016

Oculus VR, the company behind the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, has announced that the consumer version of the Oculus Rift will be available in the first quarter of 2016.

The developer edition of the device has been available for awhile now, purchasable directly from the company for $350 (around Rs. 22,240). No information on pricing and hardware version has been announced just yet.

"The Oculus Rift builds on the presence, immersion, and comfort of the Crescent Bay prototype with an improved tracking system that supports both seated and standing experiences, as well as updated ergonomics for a more natural fit, and a highly refined industrial design," the company said according to post on Polygon.

The virtual reality space is heating up what with Valve and HTC working on the Vive headset, while Sony has its Morpheus headset in the works for a 2016 release as well.

The Crescent Bay prototype by Oculus Rift has full 360-degree tracking, integrated audio and two screens. What tweaks are made to the prototype headset for its consumer launch are yet to be known. While Valve's HTC Valve will have room scale tracking in the form of Lighthouse, it will be interesting to see if Oculus incorporates something similar.

With E3, Gamescom and possibly Oculus' own developer event, it appears as if Oculus is prepping us for the inevitable drip of information with each public showcase at these events.