Windows users now know exactly whether they’ll need to upgrade their PC to handle the might of the Oculus Rift, but for Mac and Linux users, the future remains unclear.
While the hardware specs for Windows have published, the Facebook-owned company offered little in the way of hope for for VR fans hoping to stick with their preferred operating systems.
In a blog post Oculus’ Chief Architect Atman Binstock said there’s no current timeline for development to continue for OS X and Linux as the firm places all of its stock into strong Windows launch.
He wrote: ”Our development for OS X and Linux has been paused in order to focus on delivering a high quality consumer-level VR experience at launch across hardware, software, and content on Windows.
“
Earlier on Friday we brought word explaining the following recommended set up for the full Rift experience:
- NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD 290 equivalent or better
- Intel i5-4590 equivalent or better
- 8GB+ RAM
- HDMI 1.3 video output
- 2x USB 3.0 ports
- Windows 7 SP1 or newer
While this may be within the reach of those already rocking gaming PCs, buying an Oculus Rift in early 2016 will require a Windows based upgrade for many hoping to jump into the new virtual world.
Read more: Samsung Gear VR review
We estimate the components required to build such a rig will cost around £550/$700 on top of the cost of the Rift itself, so you’d better get saving now.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.