Razer VR Headset is Much More than Meets the Eye

Razer is perhaps the biggest name in PC gaming and the company is taking new steps in 2015 to go after the growing trend of Virtual Reality in gaming. This is not the Razer Ocolus Rift, but instead it is Razer OSVR — an Open Source Virtual Reality Platform that includes a Razer VR headset.

With the backing of industry leaders, Razer wants this to be the Android of VR. In a meeting ahead of CES 2015, Min-Liang Tan, Razer co founder and CEO explained this new venture to Gotta Be Mobile, outlining where the company wants to take VR.

The OSVR ecosystem is not about replacing the existing VR platforms, but about delivering the environment in which it can thrive. Instead of a single company in control OSVR is open to all, it will even work with the Oculus Rift and other devices.

There is an OSVR Hacker Dev Kit where people can download the CAD design and PCB layout to make their own OSVR gaming headset. Razer also plans to sell the OSVR Hacker Dev Kit hardware for $199 in June 2015. There is limited developer access to OSVR now and the public release is in Q2.

Razer OSVR works with a large number of devices, game engines and includes support for big game developers and input manufacturers. With Razer OSVR, gamers will be able to play on Windows, Linux and Android thanks to the standardized environment that allows developers to work across these systems.

“Gaming is moving towards the virtual reality platform and this poses huge benefits and challenges to gamers at every level,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO in the OSVR announcement. “OSVR brings game developers, gamers and hardware manufacturers together to solve those challenges and make virtual reality gaming a reality for the masses.”

Razer OSVR Product Info

HMD Module

• Sensor hub with integrated accelerometer, Gyroscope and compass
• External USB 3.0 connection for additional accessories
• Additional 2x USB 3.0 connections for internal expansion

Display

• 5.5 in. FHD Display with flat cables and display board interface for interchangeable panels
• 1080×1920 FHD resolution with 60 fps and 401ppi
• Additional Display board allows for interchangeable displays

Optics Module

• Near-Eye-display system
• Two-Lenses Optics – Optics for additional eye pressure relief
• Free from strong geometrical distortion (<13%)
• Field Of View 100° diagonal (90°H x 90°V)
• Independent adjustment for inter Pupillary Distance and Diopter for use without glasses

HMD Mechanical Module

• Removable face mask
• Bamboo charcoal microfiber foam layer for additional comfort
• Mobile phone holder (to replace display with phone)

Belt Box Module

• Additional USB 3.0 connectivity
• Surround Sound Audio codec integrated
• Easier cable management and ergonomics
• Signal boosters