Oculus Rift adding Android support

The high-definition virtual reality visor Oculus Rift is to be made available for Android when it launches for PC towards the end of 2014, says CEO Brendan Iribe.

The high-definition virtual reality visor Oculus Rift is to be made available for Android when it launches for PC towards the end of 2014, says CEO Brendan Iribe.

Speaking at the GamesBeat 2013 video game conference on October 29, and as transcribed by VentureBeat, Iribe talked up the work of industry veteran John Carmack, who had recently joined the team as its CTO.

'The goal is to have the mobile version launch simultaneously -- or as close as possible to -- when the PC headset launches,' reported VB from the keynote speech.

'We have some exciting plans on the mobile VR side as the PC VR side,' Iribe said. 'We're very excited about what we're seeing. Skeptical about how good mobile VR could be on such a small platform. It's pretty incredible what [Carmack has] been able to do.'

The Android version would be smaller and lighter, optimized for use with mobile devices.

And Iribe also expressed his interest in creating a version of the PC's Oculus Rift headset for use with films and TV.

Oculus is currently available to purchase in the form of a kit intended for developers and prosumers, priced at $300, with shipments made on a monthly basis.

Carmack was only one of many industry insiders to endorse the device, including Valve Software's Gabe Newell and Michael Abrash, who also maintain professional interests in wearable computing, Minecraft creator Marcus Persson, and PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida -- parent company Sony has its own HMZ line of HD 3D visors, which retail for around $1,000.