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by taneq 2550 days ago
It's also a pragmatic move for a mobile device which might need to work for long periods of time away from power sources. As strange as it may seem to some of us, not everyone has a USB port available at all times. You could take one of these things and a couple of packs of AA batteries on a camping trip without worrying about finding a power point.

Similarly, Windows Mixed Reality VR controllers run off AA batteries instead of the more traditional built-in LiIon battery. The downside is you have to buy batteries for it, the upside is you can swap battery packs and you're not beholden to a custom power source.
2 comments
TeMPOraL 2550 days ago
Worth remembering that this camera was released 10 years ago. AFAIK, powerbanks weren't really a thing back then, at least not popular and widely available things. I can easily imagine how they could market the ability to power the device with AA batteries as a feature.

That said, it's still great they did that, and they deserve praise.

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noir_lord 2550 days ago
Oculus Rift S controllers run off a single AA each as well.

It's a good choice though led to us going through AA's at a horrible rate in our house.

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moviuro 2550 days ago
> going through AA's at a horrible rate in our house

You can buy rechargeable AA batteries[0,1] though. I only have those at home (toothbrush, remotes, etc.).

[0] https://www.energizer.com/batteries/energizer-rechargeable-b...

[1] https://www.duracell.fr/product/duracell-rechargeable-ultra-...

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germinalphrase 2550 days ago
Eneloops are a high quality AA option. Standard choice for flashlight nerds.
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taneq 2550 days ago
It's actually remarkable how closely the Rift S has followed in WMR's footsteps. I'd be curious to know how Lenovo has managed the risk of infringing Microsoft's IP (and likewise the risk of being implicated in any possible cases of Microsoft treading on Oculus' toes), given the similarities and their prior experience with WMR.
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noir_lord 2550 days ago
I’m happy with it.

Still would like more resolution for flight sims (gauges dials are readable just not always sharp) but otherwise it’s very very good for the money.

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