Razer OSVR now supports Android for VR product cross-platform compatibility

PRESS RELEASE

New software addition opens doors to VR on the go; Latest Hacker Dev Kit with positional tracking shipping to selected developers now

LOS ANGELES (E3 2015) – Organizers of Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR), a platform designed to set an open standard for virtual reality devices, today announced that OSVR software now accommodates Android devices, further enabling mobile VR development and adding to existing distribution for Windows and Linux.

Additionally, The Hacker Development Kit version 1.2 has been approved for distribution and is now shipping to selected developers. The next version of the virtual reality headset includes the addition of IR positional tracking.

Recently, 22 new partners joined the ranks of OSVR, bringing the platform’s total combined number of contributing members to 144, further solidifying the group’s position as the largest organization of VR developers in the world.

THE HACKER DEVELOPMENT KIT v1.2 DETAILS:

The latest update to the ever-evolving HDK promises a tested positional tracking technology to support spatial interactivity. Developers with the v1.0 or v1.1 design can upgrade to v1.2 with the purchase of an IR upgrade kit.

The HDK’s positional tracking technology feeds positional information at a 100 Hz rate over 360 degrees, providing positional information regardless of the direction a user is facing.

Specifications, Pricing & Availability:

Support For Future Upgrades:

OSVR also announced several definite and experimental hardware upgrades to the Hacker Development Kit. These upgrades will act to support prototyping efforts of developers who want to test their OSVR-supported content with multiple technologies.

OSVR Faceplate with Leap Motion has embedded Leap Motion technology. This upgrade module supports natural interaction through the OSVR software platform.

Ultra Wide Field of View modulefeatures Wearality’s ultra-wide 150-degree field of view eyepieces.

Mobile Faceplate allows the use of a wide range of mobile phones with the OSVR optics. This faceplate, coupled with newly-released Android distribution for OSVR lets developers test their OSVR hardware on Android devices.

Developers will be able to detach and replace their default HDK faceplate with any of the above depending on their usage preferences. The Wearality lenses can also be used in combination with the other upgrades. 

*The Ultra Wide FOV lenses and Mobile faceplate designs will be made available on the osvr.com website.

Software Updates: 

Android support for mobile VR enabling cross compatibility between hardware and mobile content integrated with OSVR. A Unity demo, “Palace,” is available for viewing at osvr.github.io.

Direct support of external VRPN servers is now available for easier integration and support of external and distributed VRPN input servers. 

Windows Installer update has been made with one-click installation of run-time resources for supporting any OSVR game or application.

Additional support documentation have also been produced to make porting for Unity and Unreal Engine 4 content even easier.

NEW OSVR SUPPORTERS:

The latest additions to the overall count of 144 supporters who are integrated within OSVR:

Alchemy Learning, founded in 2012, is a Baltimore-based education technology company whose products have been featured on industry best-of lists for three years running.  Alchemy VR is the first platform designed to allow schools to adopt virtual reality-based educational programming.

A-Volute is bringing advanced 3D sound technologies from military projects into the OSVR project. Our high end audio precision technologies will take your Virtual Reality application to a real immersive sound scene thanks to this free trial plugin!

Big Bonsai Games are game design students at the Hochschule Macromedia University of applied sciences. Their vision is the development of games in the most innovative ways with the latest technology while still honoring the basic rules of good game design.

Cineveo’s – Virtual Reality Cinema lets users simulate their own fully functional movie theater in virtual reality, with an improved unprecedented level of detail and sense of immersion. Grab some popcorn, it’s movie time! 

Corelabs is an accelerator program that helps core game development startups get to market effectively. More info can be found at their website.

Coretronic Corporation, as an innovative display solution provider in advanced LCD, digital laser/LED/lamp projector and LED/LCD backlight technology, now steps into world of virtual image via acting as professional system integrator of OSVR. Thorough R&D, innovative efforts and optical expertise, Coretronic furnishes premium customized design and manufacturing service for virtual/augmented reality business opportunities.

Dolphin is an emulator for two recent Nintendo video game consoles: the GameCube and the Wii. It allows PC gamers to enjoy games for these two consoles in full HD (1080p) with several enhancements including soon to be released VR support! 

Ghost Machine, located in Austin TX, on the Austin Film Studios Backlot, is a dedicated VR production studio that bridges the gap between real time 3D technologies and traditional narrative filmmaking to produce one-of-a-kind immersive entertainment experiences that have to be seen to be believed.

Kermdinger Studios, Inc. is building Boondogl, the world’s first platform agnostic video game marketplace.  The private alpha can be accessed at their website.

MAG Studios is a small talented indie developer studio with a focus on gameplay and utilizing the latest technology to get the most from their games.  They specialize in Sci-fi games and have worked hard on two Ghostship titles over the last two years as well as and are really excited about their new title CDF Starfighter. 

Manus Machina is developer of The Manus, the first consumer data-glove specifically designed for virtual reality. It tracks hand movement using a combination of high-tech sensors all contained inside the glove.

MergeVR, a San Antonio, Texas-based startup focuses on mobile virtual reality and immersive entertainment and was founded at the end of 2013. Compatible with iOS and Android devices, the MergeVR Goggles, wireless handheld VR Controller, and Merge Start app are built to be accessible, affordable, portable, durable and easy to use.

MureVR are the creators of Breakroom, a virtual reality workspace environment that allows you to work in an alternative workspace made to help you relax and gain focus.

NeuroDigital Technologies provides stunning Software and Hardware solutions for Fun & Serious games using Virtual Reality. We have developed Gloveone, a wireless haptic feedback device that lets Touch & Feel virtual reality!

NivalVR is a new business unit from game developer Nival. They developed InCell, an educational game with strategy and racing elements designed for VR devices. Players will experience an exciting journey into a patient’s cell to observe a fascinating microworld within the human body and fight in a never-ending war against destructive viruses.

Perception Neuron, produced by Noitom Ltd is the world’s smallest, most adaptive, versatile and affordable motion capture system. Perception Neuron is designed to deliver professional results right out of the box and can be used for various applications including game development, VFX, sports and analysis, rehabilitation, virtual reality, performance and scientific research. Perception Neuron’s motion capture system can be used for big studio projects or independent productions alike.

Virt is on a mission to make the world a closer place using virtual reality. They’re developing a patent-pending way to create virtual copies of real-world spaces using 360-degree videos., and working with OSVR means more people will be able to explore these virtual environments with any device! 

Virtulify develops solutions using virtual and augmented reality for individuals and SMEs, for various sectors where the VR/AR can help people. Furthermore, they have an active community of VR enthusiasts (Lille Virtuality Meetup has more than 100 people) in Lille, France and they provide headset test sessions for all interested people.

VimersiV is a VR software development firm who created the VR Player. The VR Player is a powerful media player designed specifically to watch immersive content with a HMD – on PC and mobile platforms.

Wearality provides the best in class optics for the mobile and VR markets based on intellectual property invented for use in military flight simulators.  Wearality’s first product, the Wearality Sky™, offers a 150-degree field-of-view, is in focus throughout with little chromatic distortion, works with any 5-in. or larger smartphone, requires no adjustment prior to use, and fits in your pocket. Additionally, Wearality is making its optics available to others as a component for use in their products.

Voxelnauts is a VR Sandbox MMO, heavily inspired by Ready Player One, and a multitude of games. We’re creating the Metaverse, where players can explore our official planets, or venture out to player made planets, lush with content, unique buildings, and so much more.

3DiVi Company is a leading 3D intelligence company focused on development of 3D computer vision solutions for applications in the new generation of gaming platforms. They are developers of Nuitrack Sensor, a game changing Bluetooth peripheral that brings Kinect-like full body tracking and gesture recognition to mobile virtual reality. Neither PC, nor wearables required.

ABOUT OSVR:

OSVR™ is a software platform designed to set an open standard for virtual reality input devices, games and output to provide the best possible VR game experience. Supported by industry leaders, the OSVR framework unites developers and gamers alike under a single platform. Plug in. Play Everything.

For the full list of OSVR supporters go to www.osvr.com.

Like OSVR on FB: https://www.facebook.com/OpenSourceVR.

Follow OSVR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OpenSource_VR .