Updated Oculus server software is available for download on our download site, or via. auto-update within the Oculus web-client (go to menu > server menu > check for software update).

The most significant addition is OcuLED headlight integration. There are also tweaks to two-way video, taking advantages of the latest codecs in Flash plugin 11+.

• Support for OcuLED light
• Improved sound performance in Linux
• Improved web-client video broadcasting with Flash 11+
• Push to talk now optional
• Preliminary support for remote-control iOS and Android AIR apps

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There’s something immensely satisfying about building a robot out of… wood. Has civilization come full circle? Pictured above is the Oculus ROV, in laser-cut birch plywood. We had to tweak more than a few details for the design to translate from ABS to plywood, but the end result has turned out great.

We’re making these for our top-tier backers from our Kickstarter launch. Not sure if we’ll offer wood as a standard option—is there a market for wood robots? If you have any opinions, please let us know

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It’s only a mention, but we’ll take it! Xaxxon was on the FRONT PAGE of the WSJ weekend edition, in an article about telepresence. The article was subsequently featured on Slashdot. Robotic telepresence may not be mainstream yet, but it’s definitely gaining popularity, at an accelerating pace.

We shipped out a whole bunch of Oculus Robots about a week ago; they should be starting to reach their destinations about now! We’re keeping the assembly line going, to fill orders for Oculus bots with lights—we’ll be starting to ship those in a few weeks.

OCULUS outfitted with light and Xtion 3d Sensor (zoom)

Production on the OcuLED Headlight Accessory is finally underway, and it’s now up for pre-order in our on-line store. This is a truly awesome add-on for Oculus. Complete details, including open-hardware circuit schematics for the Arduino-compatible PCB are here.

We’ve also fashioned a simple mounting bracket for the ASUS Xtion PRO and PRO Live 3D sensors. If you’re interested in one of these brackets, it will start shipping in a few weeks.
If you’re in North America, we’ve noticed ASUS has made the PRO Live variant available at newegg.com, with the price reduced to $160 – this is great news for Kinect/Primesense enthusiasts.
This sensor combined with Oculus is still recommended for developers only: Oculus software support is still only in the alpha stage, and ASUS seems to be marketing the Xtion Sensors towards developers only for now, as well.

Another great option for developers: if you want to enhance Oculus with advanced computer vision programming capabilities, we’re offering RoboRealm Computer Vision Software at a special reduced price if you combine your order with an Oculus ROV kit!