OSVR HACKER DEVELOPMENT KIT v1.4 Now Available For $299

OSVR HDK V1.4 UPGRADE BRINGS NEW IMAGE DIFFUSER TECHNOLOGY TO ELIMINATE VR SCREEN DOOR EFFECT; OSVR CONTENT EXPANDS WITH NATIVE CRYENGINE INTEGRATION AND ALL-NEW CONTENT

Screen diffuser technology improves picture quality for immersive VR experiences

SAN FRANCISCO (GDC 2016) The OSVR content platform is expanding and the most recent version of the OSVR HDK is shipping now, according to organizers of Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR), a worldwide leader in open software and hardware for virtual reality.

With the onboarding of Crytek into the OSVR ecosystem, Cryteks CryENGINE now natively supports OSVR. This effectively contributes to the enabling of any OSVR-compatible HMDs, including the OSVR HDK, for content developed on CryENGINE, adding to the wide range of content possibilities available through OSVR.

Cryteks creative director for CryENGINE, Frank Vitz, said: The open standard encouraged by OSVR corresponds with our own desire to give CryENGINE users total freedom of choice in VR development. Were excited to be supporting a platform that is designed to accelerate progress and expand the audience for VR, and we look forward to seeing how OSVR developers harness CryENGINE to create innovative experiences.

In addition to recently announced SteamVR contributions, additional content now compatible with OSVR include Lira, inCellVR, Windlands, DCS World, M.A.R.S. Universe, Warthunder, the BIVROST Media player and more.

The updated OSVR HDK (v1.4) features a new diffusion film technology applied on top of the existing display for improved visuals with reduced screen door effect. Combined with its custom-crafted premium optics, this upgrade provides best-in-class image quality while maintaining low system requirements. A diffusion film upgrade for the OSVR HDK v1.3 will be made available for standalone purchase for end users to easily upgrade their existing HDKs.

The Hacker Development Kit has always been about maximizing quality while minimizing system requirements, allowing us to make VR more accessible to enthusiasts, aspiring developers and gamers, says Christopher Mitchell, OSVR lead, Razer. The inclusion of the diffusion screen makes it possible for us to deliver an improved visual experience without compromising this great accessibility.

Extra options for improved comfort also accompany the latest OSVR HDK in the way of extra padding for the cheekbones and rubber inserts for the nose bridge.

The HDK v1.4 is available now and can be purchased for $299.99 at Razerstore.com. The Diffusion film V1.3 upgrade will be available in April 2016.

Also announced today, VR enthusiasts, developers and gamers can order the OSVR faceplate with Leap Motion as an upgrade module, beginning in April.

OSVR hardware with embedded Leap Motion technology is compatible with Leap Motions recently announced Orion beta software. Orion is built from the ground up for VR and offers developers highly accurate hand and finger tracking. The OSVR faceplate with Leap Motion can be purchased as a bundle with the OSVR HDK v1.4 for $349.99, or separately for $74.99.

Parties Interested in OSVR and related developments can head down to Razers San Francisco headquarters opposite the Moscone Center during GDC. Razer is opening its doors to show attendees during GD to demo OSVR upgrades and share experiences with the OSVR HDK. Razers San Francisco office is located at 201 3rd Street, Suite 900, in San Francisco.

The OSVR supporter list has grown to more than 300 members across a broad array of organizations in technology, entertainment and education with new partners like Zeiss, Crytek, Futuretown, ST Microelectronics and NYU Shanghai. A complete list of OSVR users is online at www.osvr.org/partner.html.

ABOUT THE HACKER DEVELOPMENT KIT:

The OSVR Hacker Development Kit (HDK) is designed to be a balance between quality and system requirements, allowing for enjoyment of VR experiences on mid-tier gaming PCs or better. For those with hardware enthusiast and/or developer proficiency, it is also upgradable to get a desired VR experience.

The OSVR HDK is now available for purchase at Razerstore.

ABOUT OSVR:

OSVR is a software platform designed to set an open standard for virtual reality input devices, games and output to enable the development of a cohesive VR ecosystem which provides enhanced compatibility and hardware choices to anyone looking to enjoy VR. Supported by industry leaders, the OSVR framework unites developers and gamers alike under a single platform. Plug in. Play Everything.