Live data from Hacker News

Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

shop.simulavr.com

81–90 of 409 posts

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#81
post #78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've spent 2k just on a monitor . I'm more surprised that the quest is so cheap, but then I remember exactly what you said: the quest is not the product, I am the product . Then I remember why I don't use Meta products anymore.

It is strange that paying for being a product that is sold has become normalized. Then again slavery was common not long ago.

Agreed, it is a bit strange, but I do feel like people are slowly getting wise to the swindle.

Unfortunately, I think socioeconomic pressures are also pushing people to compromise in ways that are not in their best interest, even if they do get it. In other words, they'll get the 'cheap' product that invades their privacy, sells their data, and shows ads to them, because they don't have the money for a product they own (see: television market).

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#82
post #68

So many people are complaining about price of a first gen enthusiast device. You know the Apple II (~1500 in 1977) is 5k in modern dollars, and sold over 5m units, right? If the device solves a genuine productivity problem for you, 3k is cheap.

> If the device solves a genuine productivity problem for you, 3k is cheap. I don't know why anyone would buy this contraption that costs more than a Oculus / Meta Quest or a HTC Vive and is targeted at consumers. Like you said; it is a 'first gen' which usually means this is an instant don't buy. Even if you wait for it to be cheaper, the use-cases are already limited with the consumers getting frustrated and will j…

I've been hearing people say "VR is dead, AR has killed it" for the last 10 years straight, all while not knowing anyone using AR past novelty apps, all while enjoying the biggest year for VR. Every. Single. Year.

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#83
post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Did you consult any physiologists? Anyone who knows what’s acceptable to those muscles? There’s a reason eye glasses use lightweight materials. Then all the various treatments to make the lenses visually clear and comfortable.

If it's well-balanced I would imagine that it would work for long periods of time. We already have some evidence from people modifying other VR headset straps to balance the weight. I wasn't able to find any information about the total weight of the Simula One VRC, but I know personally that my motorcycle helmet is close to 4lbs and I have often worn that for days at a time with lots of head movement.

We don't publish the weight officially yet since we're not that far along the development cycle yet. Our target is 800g, but we need to find a good balance between battery life, thermal solution, and weight.

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#84

Is it possible to get prescription lens inserts? This would make a massive improvement for usability and comfort of anyone who wears glasses.

I'm not on the team but yes, they will take lens inserts; there has been some discussion on this on discord.

https://discord.com/channels/603723949586644997/603723949586...

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#85
post #68

So many people are complaining about price of a first gen enthusiast device. You know the Apple II (~1500 in 1977) is 5k in modern dollars, and sold over 5m units, right? If the device solves a genuine productivity problem for you, 3k is cheap.

> If the device solves a genuine productivity problem for you, 3k is cheap. I don't know why anyone would buy this contraption that costs more than a Oculus / Meta Quest or a HTC Vive and is targeted at consumers. Like you said; it is a 'first gen' which usually means this is an instant don't buy. Even if you wait for it to be cheaper, the use-cases are already limited with the consumers getting frustrated and will j…

So the Quest 2 sold over 12million headsets in the last year. And over the last few years VR has seen a growth rate of over 20% YOY. I always wonder if when people like you make a comment if you actually look at figures or just go with your gut because you don't like something. I'm guessing the latter. The mass adoption is happening right under your nose, an entire generation of US kids are growing up with VR right now because of the perfect storm of lack of consoles, a pandemic keeping them home and widely available cheap hardware from Meta.

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#86
post #75

Awesome project! I'm a regular Quest 2 user, and also use it for work sometimes. For me, the biggest drawback of the Quest 2 is that it gets uncomfortable after a while. How do you address the ergonomics problem? Compared to a Quest 2, is it more comfortable? What about collaboration? Is there something like shared workspaces planned? Or does it support a virtual cam? When do you plan to ship it (maybe I missed it on…

BTW, I've found the BOBO VR M2 replacement strap for the Quest 2 to be a godsend for comfort. Just wish it had integrated headphones.

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#87
post #56

I see a lot of comments on the pricing of this hardware. It's going to be more expensive (for the end user) to build a headset (and FOSS window manager) than a product like the quest. Meta has a suite of products bringing in capitol by selling user PII. Valve has a distribution platform to offset costs. If you want to see a product that is open end to end and is not part of an ecosystem selling your information, then…

But it doesn't matter. All of the reasons in the world for how expensive it is don't make a difference to the result: it's still too expensive. Costs must go down before they'll see the kind of units moving they need to fund development.

Same argument was made against Tesla. Now, nearly every auto maker has a more affordable electric car offering because of them.

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#88
post #56

I see a lot of comments on the pricing of this hardware. It's going to be more expensive (for the end user) to build a headset (and FOSS window manager) than a product like the quest. Meta has a suite of products bringing in capitol by selling user PII. Valve has a distribution platform to offset costs. If you want to see a product that is open end to end and is not part of an ecosystem selling your information, then…

But it doesn't matter. All of the reasons in the world for how expensive it is don't make a difference to the result: it's still too expensive. Costs must go down before they'll see the kind of units moving they need to fund development.

But it doesn't matter. All of the reasons in the world for how expensive it is don't make a difference to the result: it's still too expensive. Costs must go down before they'll see the kind of units moving they need to fund development.

Seems to work for Apple. All they have to do is provide a superior product. That's the hard part.

Re: Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

#90
post #37

I know, people are already talking about a price, but I want to add my perspective as well. I was subscribed to the Newsletter, read every blog post and generally was pretty hyped for the Simula One. Up until I read the blog post about the pricing. That's when I unsubscribed the newsletter and forgot about SimulaVR. Sure, other AR/VR headsets cost as much, but for me its just too expensive. I can't spend nearly $3k f…

You're getting downvoted, but you shouldn't be. Only SV salaries mean that 3k is a reasonable amount of money to take a gamble on a headset you haven't tried.

I also love Simula One and would love to get the 2nd or 3rd gen version, but at the moment it's simply too expensive because of the low manufacturing volumes. The price is bound to reduce if it becomes popular, and I'm counting on that.

Post reply on HN