OSVR’s ‘Hacker Development Kit’ version 1.2 is now shipping to selected developers, including the long awaited IR positional tracking system. The company has today updated their SDK to include support for Android devices, adding true cross-platform compatibility to an ecosystem that prides itself on its open-source nature, and also revealed several upgrade modules to enhance the HDK headset’s capabilities.
OSVR’s ‘Hacker Development Kit’ (HDK) version 1.2, an updated version of the VR headset that includes IR positional tracking, is now shipping for free to selected developers. The 100Mhz IR positional tracking system includes a camera capable of 360 degree tracking, according to the organization.
See Also: CES 2015: Interview with OSVR HDK Creators, ‘HDK is Not a Razer Headset’
Developers that purchased the v1.0 or v1.1 design, which was originally shipped without positional tracking, can upgrade to v1.2 with the purchase of an IR upgrade kit which will cost $129 and become available next month.
Along with the newly announced support for Android, a ‘Mobile Faceplate’ will be offered, allowing for the use of a wide range of mobile phones with the OSVR optics so that developers can test their OSVR games and experiences on Android devices. To underline its commitment to its mobile VR platform, OSVR has created a Unity demo, Palace, and made it available for viewing at osvr.github.io.
Version 1.2 HDK headsets will cost $/€299 and will be available to purchase in July direct from the OSVR website along with the $/€129 IR upgrade for anyone that owns the previously released headset. Below is chart that helps explain some of the differences in technical specs. Important to note is that the HDK display is 1920×1080 @ 60Hz, though it does support low-persistence, according to OSVR.
OSVR has now assembled 144 supporting members in effort to make an open source standard for VR, including big industry names like Unity, Unreal, Bosch, Razer, Sixense, and Leap Motion. The SDK has started to add preliminary support for a number of VR headsets including those from Vuzix, Oculus, VRVana and Sensics.
HDK Upgrade Modules
Among today’s announcements, OSVR has also released two upgrade modules (in addition to the mobile faceplate):
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 module features Wearality’s ultra-wide 150-degree field of view eyepieces.
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.