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Show HN: Simula One – Portable Linux VR Computer

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

#201

Post by kanetw »

riskable wrote: post #198
lallysingh wrote: post #165

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually I'd like to see AR mode when outdoors!

Can't use these headsets outdoors because the sun will destroy the screens (powerful magnifying lens aiming right at the screen). In fact, you have to be careful indoors as well. These devices need a simple shutter that covers the displays automatically when it's not pressed against your face. This would solve the problem.

You shouldn't take it off outdoors with the lenses pointing at the sun, no. Ambient light will be fine.

Also don't stare at the sun with the cameras. Although if you do, they'll be replaceable.

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

#202

Post by georgewsinger »

lhl wrote: post #184

I'm a bit torn, as on the one hand, I'm squarely in the target demo and appreciate the huge amount of work that has gone into the project, and the PPD is really exciting. (back in 2015 I actually started building my own VR workspace software https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNtZmCDyEyU with an Oculus DK2 but shelved it for other projects waiting for better HMD hardware that never arrived). But sadly, I fear that if I…

That demo you linked to is incredibly advanced & impressive for 2015. Thanks for sharing.

Agreed there are definitely some cool headsets about to be released (both the Lynx and the MeganeX). I wish these projects well. Any successful VR headset (even gaming headsets) lift the whole industry and interest level up for everyone else. And it's also great for consumers, who get more choice.

The niche we're attempting to carve is 100% VR computing focused. When you preorder our headset, you're signing up to get something that "just works" out of the box specifically for this use case (without any further hacking required). We're also leaning as much as possible on premium specs, which we need to power the clearest and most readable text (which is super important for long working sessions).

Finally, I totally understand your concerns about backing a project that leads to a never-shipped product. We are committed to sending out weekly updates throughout the course of this project, and are aiming to have review units finished in a few months. Perhaps we can earn your trust over time, or after our first batch of headsets ship.

If you change your mind in the interim, you (or anyone else who reads this) can use the discount code "DISCOUNT_HN" to get $100 off today. We also have a partial deposit option ($1,499 now; $1,499 before the headset ships) which allows people to spread the cost of the headset over time. This allows you to reserve a headset now for lower than MSRP ($3,500), but not pay the full amount until you see more proof of our progress.

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

#203

Post by fuzzy2 »

Is it really comfortable to wear for extended periods of time? I’m a little behind on VR tech. I have an HTC Vive (1st gen), which has a third strap to support the weight. Does it really work okay without that? I would imagine the combined weight of the computer and the headset to be substantially higher than my HTC Vive. It has to be supported by something – which hopefully isn’t my nose or ears!

(Also, what is the weight?)

---

Kudos for using Shopify without a shit-ton of third-party stuff I regularly see on other shops!

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

#204

Post by slg »

kanetw wrote: post #195
slg wrote: post #190

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>It doesn't make upgrading impossible. The compute pack is... replacable It is only replaceable and upgradable if this company sells these compute modules separately. There is no discussion I saw on that website that they are committing to do this and there is no guarantee they will be around to still sell you one in the future. Even if they do, you are locked into their ecosystem. >The benefit is pretty crucial: fri…

The modules are available from Intel. You're locked into some of our custom components, true. But this is miles better than anything else on the market. The friction is both what we experienced as part of adoption and in my personal experience. Actual personal experiences may vary, of course.

>The modules are available from Intel. You're locked into some of our custom components, true. But this is miles better than anything else on the market.

I didn't realize you were involved in this company until I read your other comments. It is unclear what "You're locked into some of our custom components" means. Can a average techie, maybe someone who is comfortable opening their laptop to add RAM or new storage but wouldn't be comfortable making any other hardware changes, upgrade this with off the shelf parts? If the answer is yes, that should be in your marketing material. If the answer is no and you can't commit to selling these custom modules, then I stick to my original point.

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

#205

Post by musingsole »

cycomanic wrote: post #152
musingsole wrote: post #53

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> attached to a compoarably powerful laptop This is the part that doesn't make sense. I don't need a computer from a product manufacturer focused on something else. I already have 10+ computers within reach; 3 of them can stream just fine to my Oculus Quest. Really, is the only way to create a VR PC to eschew all of that in favor of some controlled hardware ecosystem? I don't/won't buy it.

You have 10+ computers within reach but you're complaining about price? You do realise the irony here don't you?

No. I'm emphasizing the ludicrous proposition.

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

#206

Post by octopoc »

vbuterin wrote: post #186
dang wrote: post #177

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The top 10+ subthreads are all positive - I think I had to go all the way to #18 to find a negative one. You may be falling prey to the contrarian dynamic: https://hn.algolia.com/?dateRange=all&page=0&prefix=true&sor...

When I visited this thread 2h ago, the top subthread was negative. Definitely some kind of weird dynamic going on...

This might be because it's easier to write a quick putdown than a thoughtful comment, so the first comments tend to be the quick putdowns. Thankfully the more thoughtful comments rise to the top, but that takes time.

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

#207

Post by octopoc »

kanetw wrote: post #201
riskable wrote: post #198

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can't use these headsets outdoors because the sun will destroy the screens (powerful magnifying lens aiming right at the screen). In fact, you have to be careful indoors as well. These devices need a simple shutter that covers the displays automatically when it's not pressed against your face. This would solve the problem.

You shouldn't take it off outdoors with the lenses pointing at the sun, no. Ambient light will be fine. Also don't stare at the sun with the cameras. Although if you do, they'll be replaceable.

> they'll be replaceable

Nice! Are other parts of the device repairable / replaceable as well?

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

#208

Post by kanetw »

slg wrote: post #204
kanetw wrote: post #195

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The modules are available from Intel. You're locked into some of our custom components, true. But this is miles better than anything else on the market. The friction is both what we experienced as part of adoption and in my personal experience. Actual personal experiences may vary, of course.

>The modules are available from Intel. You're locked into some of our custom components, true. But this is miles better than anything else on the market. I didn't realize you were involved in this company until I read your other comments. It is unclear what "You're locked into some of our custom components" means. Can a average techie, maybe someone who is comfortable opening their laptop to add RAM or new storage bu…

I'm the other co-founder.

Yes, about as easy as opening a laptop. Unscrew some screws, lift a cover, install a new M.2 SSD or whatever. This is a picture of the "standard" assembly: https://i.kane.cx/NFIpf4 -- compute element slots into a connector, and there's the standard M.2 slot etc. Ours won't be too different, just a different form factor/connectors/additional features.

We're committing to selling all custom parts for at least a few years, but I can't give a hard number on how long. I'd say 4 years for sure.

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

#209

Post by musingsole »

kanetw wrote: post #64
musingsole wrote: post #53

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> attached to a compoarably powerful laptop This is the part that doesn't make sense. I don't need a computer from a product manufacturer focused on something else. I already have 10+ computers within reach; 3 of them can stream just fine to my Oculus Quest. Really, is the only way to create a VR PC to eschew all of that in favor of some controlled hardware ecosystem? I don't/won't buy it.

Several reasons: 1. You need a dedicated PC for this, or the friction of having to set everything up will lead to you never using it. 2. VR on Linux is a compatibility nightmare . Focusing on one configuration as our baseline makes things so much simpler.

1. Okay, I have several candidates.

2. Ok. Welcome to life in Linux?

If these justifications were serious, I should have the option to buy just the headset and navigate the compatibility problems if I chose. We're talking about Linux after all.

Having this one option and hiding behind the excuses I've seen indicate they've jumped the shark sooner to consumerism than I would've hoped.

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

#210

Post by kanetw »

octopoc wrote: post #207
kanetw wrote: post #201

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You shouldn't take it off outdoors with the lenses pointing at the sun, no. Ambient light will be fine. Also don't stare at the sun with the cameras. Although if you do, they'll be replaceable.

> they'll be replaceable Nice! Are other parts of the device repairable / replaceable as well?

Basically everything is modular. It's a huge design boon to be able to split things up and it comes naturally with reparability and to some extent upgradability.

About the only thing I would be careful about replacing (but we'll still be offering) is the optical assembly, as dust will be pretty annoying if it gets in. We're planning a clean room just to handle the dust-sensitive parts of our equipment (image sensors, displays/optics, etc)

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