IF they buy Oculus Rift, then probably not for being able to compete in the VR space.

The technology is not really that complex or complicated. The hardware for example is hardly more than a small display like the ones used in smartphones, two lenses, and a few standard sensors (acceleration, gyroscope etc.) also found in smartphones. Not really complicated, in fact, people with high-res smartphones can already build their own simplified Oculus Rift - all it takes is two lenses, a self-built frame from wood or from a 3D printer, and the smartphone itself. ("OpenDive Kit")

What I'm trying to say is that I don't think there is that much knowledge that they'd gain from buying Oculus Rift. The basic principle of VR HMDs is well understood for decades, the current research and testing is rather about best practices and optimizing the experience - things like determining minimum reasonable number of frames per second, minimum reasonable resolution, usable display types etc.

So I'm sure Microsoft is working on VR themselves, but I don't think they'll buy Oculus. At least not primarily for acquiring VR tech knowledge.

But the biggest problem to bringing VR to the Xbox One right now would unfortunately be graphics performance. When playing normal games on standard TV screens, 720p resolutions or 30 fps does not actually make a huge difference to 1080p60 graphics. But when it comes to VR technology, 1080p 60fps appears to be the minimum reasonable spec, and the difference between 720p (first Oculus Rift prototypes) and 1080p (latest Oculus Rift prototype) is said to be like and day and night.

In the field or VR graphics, powerful graphics are an absolute necessity, and inferior graphics performance will - literally! - make people sick and vomit. So before Microsoft can even consider releasing a VR headset for the Xbox One, achieving 1080p60 graphics must no longer be any problem.

But if they achieve that, then going VR might actually prove to be XBox's greatest opportunity. Because while Kinect makes little sense for the vast majority of typical games, it might actually prove to be the perfect peripheral for VR.

IF they buy Oculus Rift, then probably not for being able to compete in the VR space.

The technology is not really that complex or complicated. The hardware for example is hardly more than a small display like the ones used in smartphones, two lenses, and a few standard sensors (acceleration, gyroscope etc.) also found in smartphones. Not really complicated, in fact, people with high-res smartphones can already build their own simplified Oculus Rift - all it takes is two lenses, a self-built frame from wood or from a 3D printer, and the smartphone itself. ("OpenDive Kit")

What I'm trying to say is that I don't think there is that much knowledge that they'd gain from buying Oculus Rift. The basic principle of VR HMDs is well understood for decades, the current research and testing is rather about best practices and optimizing the experience - things like determining minimum reasonable number of frames per second, minimum reasonable resolution, usable display types etc.

So I'm sure Microsoft is working on VR themselves, but I don't think they'll buy Oculus. At least not primarily for acquiring VR tech knowledge.

But the biggest problem to bringing VR to the Xbox One right now would unfortunately be graphics performance. When playing normal games on standard TV screens, 720p resolutions or 30 fps does not actually make a huge difference to 1080p60 graphics. But when it comes to VR technology, 1080p 60fps appears to be the minimum reasonable spec, and the difference between 720p (first Oculus Rift prototypes) and 1080p (latest Oculus Rift prototype) is said to be like and day and night.

In the field or VR graphics, powerful graphics are an absolute necessity, and inferior graphics performance will - literally! - make people sick and vomit. So before Microsoft can even consider releasing a VR headset for the Xbox One, achieving 1080p60 graphics must no longer be any problem.

But if they achieve that, then going VR might actually prove to be XBox's greatest opportunity. Because while Kinect makes little sense for the vast majority of typical games, it might actually prove to be the perfect peripheral for VR.

I agree for the most part.

I am more surprised that it isn't M$ announcing this kind of tech.  But, If they show something this fall, that would match my ongoing theory that they launched atleast 6 months earlier than they originally planned.  It seems that most of the XB1's capabilities and interface are coming along 6 months after launch.  Later this year (if you believe that DX12 will help) the XB1 will perform a little better.

You make some good points. BTW it's nice to see a Red Dwarf fan about.

Oh yeah, such a great series, I'm so hoping that season 11 becomes reality. After the rather lousy 9th season, I thought Red Dwarf was dead. But then Red Dwarf X came, and it was just brilliant in my opinion, almost as strong as in its best days!

Xbox and bing division are most under performing division of microsoft. Microsoft has lots of cash. But they are losing a lot of cash in these department. Buying exclusive games, selling console at a loss and giving them for free. I think their investment in VR will be minimal.