Razer Reveals Open-Source VR Headset, the OSVR

Gaming tech firm Razer has revealed its answer to the Oculus Rift--a $200 virtual reality headset with head-tracking capabilities and a 1080x1920 display.

Known as the OSVR headset, the open-source dev kit can work with "all VR devices, including the Oculus DK 2," meaning that engines and software built with Oculus in mind are theoretically supported.

Razer says the OSVR will be released, at least as a dev kit, in June 2015. It carries two 5.5-inch displays, as well as a 100-degree field-of-view, and internal sensors for head tracking (accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass).

That would align it closely with the Oculus Rift in terms of specs, though the Facebook-owned headset in its most recent incarnation features a seven-inch display.

Razer is also partnering with a host of companies to create an open-source VR ecosystem, which it says will allow developers to freely create code for the headset, which can work across many operating systems, including Windows, Android, and Linux.

It is also supports key game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine 4, as well as device plugins from the likes of Bosch and Razer, along with middleware from companies such as Sixense and LeapMotion.

"Gaming is moving towards the virtual reality platform and this poses huge benefits and challenges to gamers at every level," said Razer chief executive Min-Liang Tan.

"OSVR brings game developers, gamers, and hardware manufacturers together to solve those challenges and make virtual reality gaming a reality for the masses."

Further information for developers and consumers is available on the OSVR website.

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