Open Source Virtual Reality

Summary

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.

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

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

Project information edit

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 edit

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

See also edit

  • 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 edit

  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 9 April 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.

External links edit

  • Official website
  • OSVR at Github
  • Source code repository for OSVR
  • Video of OSVR presentation at Boston VR meetup, July 2015
  • An in-depth report of OSVR on GameSpew.com, April 2016