October Platform Updates: Rift’s Updated Core Software Experience, Plus Some Halloween Treats

On the heels of Oculus Connect, we’re sharing a look at some exciting software updates rolling out this week to Rift. This latest release is packed with new features that make it easier than ever to share and discover great content in—and outside of—VR.

Previously known as Rift Core 2.0, Rift’s new software experience has officially exited beta and is rolling out to everyone now! Whether you were an early beta user or are experiencing the redesigned core software for the first time, this latest version offers brand-new performance improvements, UI updates, and some holiday-themed fun. Rather than a static storefront, Home is now a customizable social space you can share with friends. Your new system interface, Dash, brings your apps and PC display to your fingertips across the Rift platform.

As previewed at OC5, the new Rift software comes with performance improvements across the board to ensure both Oculus Home and Dash run smoothly on both recommended and minimum spec machines. And we’re introducing Custom Developer Items, like animated objects, sculptures, trophies, and avatar clothing, so you can showcase unique achievements from your favorite games and apps.

We recently added Loco Dojo to our roster of games offering Custom Developer Items, bringing the total up to 32 unlockable objects across nine titles. There’s a range of difficulty involved, from giving Quill your first high-five in Moss to beating SUPERHOT VR or hitting level 50 in Echo Arena. Earn an animated airship by getting a silver medal on all Brass Tactics campaign missions, score a surprise from Ready At Dawn for watching the Lone Echo II Trailer Experience, or snag some iconic Job Simulator swag. You can even unlock the Dovregubben from OrbusVR and Freddy—a one-of-a-kind zombie head from Arizona Sunshine.

Dash Improvements and Experimental Features
In addition to improved ergonomics and surfacing of its most popular features, Dash now includes Experiments, a new way for us to test and iterate on upcoming features. For starters, you can check out virtual desktop pullout panels and our experimental wristwatch feature by toggling on Experiments via the Settings Tab within Dash.

Core Product Highlights
If this is your first foray into Rift’s new core software experience, here are some key highlights to look out for:

• With dynamic lighting and physically-based renderers, Home looks better than ever
• Bring the power of your PC into VR with Dash’s virtual desktop, which lets you easily access and interact with your desktop windows and apps
• Carve out a corner of the metaverse and customize your Oculus Home with hundreds of themed items and environments—and import your own 3D models and objects for a more personalized touch
• Get the party started and host up to eight friends simultaneously for social hangouts and co-watching

This new software release marks the culmination of months of work and the start of an exciting new phase for Rift. From here, we’ll continue to evolve features and functionality on a monthly basis. Your beta feedback was invaluable—keep it coming at rift.uservoice.com!

You may also be interested in reading up on the Rift Core 2.0 beta journey with the following blog posts:

• “Introducing Rift Core 2.0—Our Biggest Software Update Yet!” —October 11, 2017
• “Rift Core 2.0 Updates: Beta Coming Soon, Plus Redesigned Desktop App” —November 28, 2017
• “Rift Core 2.0 Dev Diary #1: The Next Chapter for Rift” —December 6, 2017
• “Welcome to Rift Core 2.0—Beta Now Available” —December 6, 2017
• “Rift Core 2.0 Dev Diary #2: Origins” —December 21, 2017
• “Rift Core 2.0 Dev Diary #3: Immersive Audio Design” —January 4, 2018
• “January Platform Updates: Rift Core 2.0 Beta” —January 18, 2018
• “February Platform Updates: Rift Core 2.0 Beta” —February 10, 2018
• “Welcome to Oculus Medium 2.0: Improved Performance, New Features, Rift Core 2.0 Integration, and More!” —June 28, 2018
• “July Platform Updates: Hang Out with Friends in Rift Core 2.0—Early Social Features Rolling Out Now!” —June 29, 2018

To help up your holiday spirits, we’re excited to announce Spooky Home Decor, a new Halloween decorative item set you can earn by logging into Oculus Home any time between now and 11:59 pm PT on October 31. Additional Halloween items will make special guest appearances in our reward packs during the same period, so keep an eye out for some tricky treats!

The Oculus Medium Team recently kicked off their annual Pumpkin Sculpting Contest, and this year’s winner will have their creation featured as a decoration available in Oculus Home. Contest entries must be received by 11:59 pm PT on October 15, so click here for more details and information on how to submit your sculpt. Happy carving!

— The Oculus Team