Open Source Virtual Reality Platform now Supports Android

The Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR), an organization working towards an open standard for virtual reality devices, has announced that OSVR software now accommodates Android devices, adding to existing distribution for Windows and Linux.

To demonstrate the 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.

The OSVR has also announced that its 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. Included are several new and experimental hardware upgrades to support prototyping efforts of developers who want to test their OSVR-supported content with multiple technologies. 

- The OSVR Faceplate with Leap Motion has embedded Leap Motion technology offering an upgrade module supporting natural interaction through the OSVR software platform.

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

- The 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 new enhancements 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 soon be made available on the OSVR website.

In addition to the Android capabilities, other software updates to the platform include:

- 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 has been produced to make porting for Unity and Unreal Engine 4 content easier.

OSVR has also announced the addition to its membership of a number of new VR ecosystem providers and VR publishers including:

- Alchemy Learning, 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. Offering high end audio precision technologies will take a Virtual Reality application to a real immersive sound scene.

- 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.

- Corelabs is an accelerator program that helps core game development startups get to market effectively.

- Coretronic Corporation, as a display solution provider in advanced LCD, digital laser/LED/lamp projector and LED/LCD backlight technology, 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.

- Kermdinger Studios 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 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 on two Ghostship titles over the last two years and recently released a new title - CDF Starfighter.

- Manus Machina is developer of The Manus, a 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 users to work in an alternative workspace made to promote relaxation and gain focus.

- NeuroDigital Technologies provides software and hardware solutions for games using virtual reality. They 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. 

- 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.

- 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.

- Virtulify develops solutions using virtual and augmented reality for individuals and SMEs, for various sectors where the VR/AR can help people.

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

- Wearality provides 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-inch or larger smartphone, requires no adjustment prior to use. 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. 

- 3DiVi Company is a 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 Bluetooth peripheral that brings Kinect-like full body tracking and gesture recognition to mobile virtual reality. Neither PC, nor wearables.