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Razr OSVR HDK2 Headset

If there is a night deject over the rapid emergence of VR games and entertainment content, it is the walled-garden approach being taken by some of the leaders in the infinite — particularly Oculus. When you buy an app or a game from the Oculus Shop, information technology will only run with an Oculus-powered headset, even though yous typically pay only equally much for it equally a version that will play on whatever PC with any monitor (and often any headset). Gamer-focused Razer has taken the issue head on, pushing an Open up Source VR platform — OSVR — and providing open hardware to power it. Today Razer demoed its HDK2 headset, that features like specs to the Oculus Rift headset for $200 less.

HDK2 is a solid upgrade

The HDK2 upgrades the HDK's resolution to parity with current versions of the Rift and the HTC Vive — 2160 x 1200, running at xc fps. That's widely considered the minimum spec for immersive gaming and VR experiences.  The headset as well features what Razer calls Paradigm Quality Enhancement (IQE) to reduce the screendoor effect. This sounds like an anti-aliasing filter. The HDK2 doesn't come with any sound, so y'all're on your own for headphones, but the headset does have a Surround Audio codec integrated.

There as well aren't any included controllers, but Razer is working hard to ensure that there are a wide variety of controllers that are compatible with its OSVR platform. There is a 100Hz IR photographic camera included for position tracking, and additional USB 3.0 connectors for expansion — making the HDK2 the most flexible VR headset platform out there. The HDK2's facemask is removable and features a bamboo charcoal microfiber foam layer. Eyeglass wearers will appreciate that the lenses can exist individually tuned from +four.5 to -2 diopters, which should permit most to play without the additional hassle of prescription glasses.

OSVR supporters include...For almost gamers, the best feature will exist its tight integration with the SteamVR platform. Personally I honey that my Steam games are becoming VR-enabled over time, and I can play them on the headset of my choice — typically for no additional charge. Fifty-fifty the HDK2 itself is open up, then modules can be reprogrammed or replaced. That makes for a slightly clunkier design than its competitors, only makes it a great choice for hackers and developers. OSVR itself hasn't gotten a lot of attention, just is backed by some large names among its 300 corporate supporters, including Intel and Spring Movement. When I spoke with him, OSVR head Michael Lee provided a compelling instance for energizing the gaming and VR enthusiast community effectually the idea of an open platform that would permit the mixing and matching of headsets, controllers, and other accessories. Razer is helping kickstart OSVR with a $5 meg investment in helping companies pay for the expense of making their content OSVR-gear up.

Despite the full name of the device — Hacker Development Kit two — Razer is conspicuously hoping to get beyond the hacker and developer customs with the HDK2. Different with its earlier HDK (still available for $299), the HDK2 is also aimed at gamers and other consumers gear up to take the plunge into VR. The HDK2 will exist bachelor in July for $399, making it the least-expensive style to get a premium VR experience on your PC. I wait forrard to trying one out and updating our guide to purchasing the right VR headset.