Open Source Virtual Reality

OSVR Hacker Developer Kit 1.4
NameOSVR Hacker Developer Kit (HDK)
TypeVirtual reality headset
ManufacturerRazer
Designed bySensics and Razer
Display TechnologyOLED
Resolution1200x1080 per eye[1]
Head Tracking6DOF (3-axis rotational tracking + 3-axis positional tracking)
PlatformsMicrosoft Windows, macOS, Android and Linux
Connection2x USB 3.0, HDMI 1.4, Audio out
WebsiteOfficial website

Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR) was an open-source software project that aimed to enable headsets and game controllers from all vendors to be used with any games developed by Razer and Sensics.

It was also a virtual reality headset that claimed to be open-source hardware using the OSVR software.[2]

Project information

OSVR has two main and independent parts: open-source hardware and open-source software. The project is primarily sponsored by Razer and Sensics.[3] Partners in the project include game developers Ubisoft and hardware manufacturers Vuzix.[4] OSVR has requested help with creating Android Daydream VR Plugin.[5]

The open source software platform allows virtual reality developers to detect, configure and operate virtual reality devices across a wide range of operating systems. It is provided under the Apache 2.0 license. Since August 2018, the electrical hardware source files are available.[6] The files that have been released so far are under a proprietary, source-available license.[7]

One of their most popular hardware consists of virtual reality headset called the Hacker Development Kit. The first model of the headset was introduced in January 2015 in CES.[8] Shipping to select developers started in July 2015.[9] Pre-ordering was opened to the general public by October and shipping started by November 2015.[10]

Games

Some of the games with the support of OSVR:[11][12]

See also

  • OpenVR, a library with similar goals by Valve
  • OpenXR, an open, royalty-free standard for access to virtual reality and augmented reality platforms and devices

References

  1. ^ Mah Ung, Gordon (2015-01-06). "Razer's open-source headset aims to disrupt virtual reality". PCWorld. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  2. ^ Stein, Scott (2015-01-06). "Meet Razer's OSVR Hacker Dev Kit, the 'open-source' hackable VR headset". CNET. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  3. ^ "OSVR's virtual reality headset is for making the weird VR of the future". TheVerge. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  4. ^ Prasuethsut, Lily (2015-03-05). "Razer updates OSVR virtual reality headset". TechRadar. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  5. ^ "Help wanted: Google VR SDK Plugin". GitHub.
  6. ^ "Sources for MCU binaries? #2". Github. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  7. ^ The license as laid out in the HDK repository README explicitly excludes rights required for OSI compliance (updated 28 December 2024)
  8. ^ "Razer OSVR headset hands-on: a platform, not a competitor". SlashGear. January 6, 2015.
  9. ^ "OSVR Hacker Kits Have Started Shipping". Tom's Hardware. July 8, 2015.
  10. ^ "Public pre-orders for Razer's OSVR headset are now open". Digital Trends. October 26, 2015.
  11. ^ Charara, Sophie (May 9, 2016). "The OSVR apps, games and experiences to download". Wareable. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
  12. ^ "TopGameswith OSVR (Open-Source Virtual Reality) support". itch.io. Retrieved September 30, 2016.