Why only developers?

Because it's still in development. They want to make the strongest impression possible with the general public, so they're waiting until the consumer version is ready to make it widely available. You can certainly buy one if you're not a developer, but it's the position of Oculus (or Palmer at least) that if you're a consumer you're better off waiting for the consumer hardware.

There isn't a lot of software for the DK2. Even though you are seeing hundreds of demos, they are for DK1 and might not work on the DK2, which uses a portrait mode screen. They need developers to make the software so that non-developers have a great experience later.

Personally, I would still buy one if I wasn't a developer. When DK1 came out there were constant fun things to try.

But remember, there's no magical difference between a developer and a non-developer. Developing games isn't like it used to be when John Carmack was making Doom. These days there are engines already made that you just have to create levels for. Anyone with an idea can become a developer. And it doesn't need to have a lot of work or realistic graphics to be awesome in VR. Even an untextured cube floating in front of your eyes looks good in VR (especially with DK2 head tracking, I expect).

I definitely wouldn't get a DK1 or a DK2 over a CV1, if you have the extra cash and can afford to buy a DK and get the CV1 when it comes out then go ahead, but the CV1 is going to be the one to get if you can only get one.

its a prototype, no comercial warranty, no obligation to the consumer, not very tested, you can die electrocuted, use at you own risk. :P

As we've heard with DK1 software not working on DK2, the odds are that once the CV1 comes out support for DK2 in games will be minimal. Devs will still be using them, but commercial games will probably aim at the features of CV1. This means DK2 is a temporary device costing $350. Consumers will probably be angry if they buy something that they don't realise is just a stop gap solution until the real consumer device is released. Developers are much less likely to be annoyed by that, it's understood that this device is going to be superseded within maybe a year, it's purpose is to get developers up to speed in VR development requirements, not to be a successful commercial product.

Well because it's not at the stage of being a consumer happy version and I'm very glad they are doing this DK1+2 because every one wants this to work, but if you're not a developer still buy one if you really must and think about what could be possible if you was to learn to develop for such device.

"kojack" wrote:
As we've heard with DK1 software not working on DK2, the odds are that once the CV1 comes out support for DK2 in games will be minimal. Devs will still be using them, but commercial games will probably aim at the features of CV1. This means DK2 is a temporary device costing $350. Consumers will probably be angry if they buy something that they don't realise is just a stop gap solution until the real consumer device is released. Developers are much less likely to be annoyed by that, it's understood that this device is going to be superseded within maybe a year, it's purpose is to get developers up to speed in VR development requirements, not to be a successful commercial product.

THIS!!!

be patient.

Exactly what KOJACK wrote :)

Additionally, DK1 and DK2 is what makes developing early ideas in an game engine like UNITY, UE4, with help of blender or 3DsMax +on the fly exploring -> possible . I can explore what I HAVE CREATED and always wanted to try out as a kid :D - giant cockpit battles? ("Robot Jox" movie) NO PROBLEM! Flying a spacecraft? (Elite and some other games from good old AMIGA) NO PROBLEM! + happy to create and participate in something what will be simply put GREAT in future entertainment technology :ugeek:

I think DK2 is also important for better in game HUD readability than the DK1 - whch is very important! :)

SO .... WE BEST WAIT PATIENTLY for DK2 and later on CV1 for all to taste ;)

The official consumer release (code named CV1) will be much better: higher resolution screen, faster refresh rate, larger field of view. In other words, it will look and feel more natural, more real, and more responsive. It will also have real software designed for it, rather than the tech demos and quick VR hacks we have today. And it will be easier to use - products at this stage of development often require hacks or have problems, that developers are used to dealing with where consumers tend to need tech support (which doesn't exist yet).

Right now Oculus is trying to get developers to build up some great software for CV1, so they are selling them development kits. And since some of the best indie games have come from regular people working in their spare time, Oculus isn't limiting purchases to only commercial developers with a proven history; anyone can buy one.

If you are technical minded, don't mind hacking a product to work with minimal instructions and no official support, and don't mind the fact that in 6 months your purchase could be rendered obsolete and possibly useless, then sure, feel free to order one. But the DK2 is intended for developers.