Stay tuned for Open-source VR headset

The OSVR (open source virtual reality) headset is soon to get a major upgrade.  The OSVR program was announced back in January by gaming hardware manufacturing company Razer. However, the first prototype that was built wasn’t of much use because of its ok – ok display and bad ergonomics. But the point was to promote virtual reality by means of open source hardware and software, rather than having one company dominate the entire virtual reality market. This loose set of software and software has been named as OSVR and it is to virtual reality like android is to Smartphones. Since the launch of the program OSVR has been continuously working to build a better system. It has added some new features such as support for android OS, positional tracking and so on. The basic idea is to create a perfect base up on which anybody can build and improve. 

Version 1.3 is the latest version and can be pre-ordered starting next month. Version 1.3 has a low persistence OLED display of 5.5 inches and 1080p and an IR camera similar to what was used in version 1.2. But, there is a significant improvement in the optics. The lens has been modified to have a larger and better eye box. This is an attempt to make it easier for users with uneven eyesight so that the headset can be used without glasses. 

Apart from the hardware upgrade, an upgrade for the software is also in the line. A majority of the improvements are from Gameworks VR package of Nvidia.  It includes some useful technologies like Front rendering buffering, context priority and GPU load reduction. Context priority has been introduced to improve latency. The old driver has also been replaced by an improved one which lets Nvidia graphics card treat OSVR as headset and not as just a mere display. This provides a plug and play feel. Razer is still working on integrating support for other graphic cards. The early adopters can find help with the new content discovery system in finding something to do with OSVR. 

The headset will cost $299.99 with the first shipment arriving towards the end of October. Even though the price has not increased since the last time, the improvements are worth $100. For those using the older version, you can upgrade by purchasing those optics later when available. 

This headset still has a long way to go before becoming a proper consumer product. The present model is being dubbed as the “HDK (Hacker Development Kit)” indicating its primitive state in the market. However, it has undergone major development in just a year. Universities around the world, hardware companies like Leap Motion and Intel and game houses like Gearbox and Ubisoft have signed up to help which means OSVR can give a tough competition to its VR rivals like HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Sony’s Morpheus.