While users patiently wait for the commercial version of the Oculus Rift, other high-profile names are seeking their own place in the world of virtual reality. CES 2015 is in full swing, and among its aisles appears OSVR, an initiative to develop an open source virtual headset with a cost of $200, and it has the support of companies like Razer, Unity, and Intel.
The Long Wait for Virtual Reality
2015 must be the year of virtual reality. The wait has become very long, and the margin for error is shrinking. Last year was full of projects linked directly or indirectly to virtual reality. Headsets, treadmills, controllers, sensors, and games—the parade was almost endless. Still, they all played the same cards: development kit, beta version, prototype. Consumers have no qualms about slapping the vaporware label on products, services, or technologies, and virtual reality is dangerously close to that situation. While it is true that you can already buy the Oculus Rift DK2 and Samsung has its Gear VR on sale, enthusiasts are looking for something else. Perhaps the people at Razer can satisfy the demand with their new OSVR project, presented at CES 2015.
OSVR Hardware
At first glance, OSVR is another virtual headset aimed at developers, but unlike the Rift, Razer tells us that OSVR adopts an open source design. Both the hardware, the APIs, and the plugins will all be available so that anyone can build their own virtual headset and modify it to their liking. Its basic specifications include a 5.5-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 by 1920 pixels (as published), two adjustable optical elements with a 100-degree field of view, and the array of sensors needed to track head movements. It also has Surround audio support, and USB ports that facilitate the connection of additional accessories.
Software and Compatibility
On the software side, anything developed with Unity or Unreal Engine 4 will be automatically compatible with OSVR, and at the same time, those who create games and applications with OSVR tools will have guaranteed support on other virtual headsets, starting with the Oculus Rift DK2. Intel, Sixense, Leap Motion, Ubisoft, Gearbox Software, and Bosch are some of the names accompanying Razer on this adventure. The virtual headset will make its official debut (also as a development kit) in June of this year, with a price of $200.
