How can you use open source VR resources?

1 What are open source VR resources?

Open source VR resources are software, hardware, or content that are freely available and accessible for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. They are usually developed and maintained by a community of volunteers, contributors, and users who share a common interest in VR and its potential. Open source VR resources can range from VR engines, frameworks, and libraries that enable you to create VR applications, to VR headsets, controllers, and sensors that allow you to interact with VR environments, to VR assets, models, and scenes that provide the visual and audio elements of VR experiences.

2 Why use open source VR resources?

Using open source VR resources can be highly advantageous, offering cost-effectiveness, flexibility, compatibility, learning opportunities, and the chance to collaborate. You can save money by using open source VR resources instead of buying expensive or proprietary VR software or hardware. Plus, you can customize and adapt open source VR resources to suit your needs and preferences. Additionally, you can use open source VR resources across different platforms, devices, and operating systems. Learning from open source VR resources is also possible by studying their source code, documentation, and tutorials. Finally, you can share your open source VR resources with others and benefit from their feedback, suggestions, and contributions.

3 How to find open source VR resources?

Finding open source VR resources can be done in various ways, such as searching online with search engines, directories, or repositories. GitHub, SourceForge, OpenHub, Sketchfab, Blend Swap, and OpenGameArt are some of the platforms you can use to find open source VR software projects or assets and models. You can also follow blogs, podcasts, or newsletters that provide news and updates on open source VR resources; some examples include Open Source VR, The Ghost Howls, and Voices of VR. Additionally, you can join communities or groups that focus on open source VR resources like Open Source Virtual Reality, OpenXR, or WebXR to connect with other open source VR enthusiasts and developers.

4 How to use open source VR resources?

Open source VR resources can be used to create, modify, and share VR content and applications depending on your goals and skills. For instance, you could use A-Frame, Godot, or Unity to create your own VR applications from scratch or using templates. Additionally, you could modify existing VR content or applications by using Blender, GIMP, or Audacity to edit VR assets, models, or sounds or SteamVR, OpenVR, or VRTK to add features or interactions. Lastly, you can share your VR content or applications using Mozilla Hubs, JanusVR, or AltspaceVR to host or join social spaces and WebVR, WebXR, or OpenXR to make them accessible on different browsers, devices, and headsets.

5 What are some open source VR resources examples?

Exploring, learning from, or using open source VR resources for your own projects will provide you with a variety of options. Apertus VR is an open source engine that enables cross-platform and distributed VR applications in C++ or Python. OSVR is an open source hardware and software platform that supports multiple VR headsets, controllers, and sensors. OpenHMD is an open source library that provides drivers and APIs for various VR headsets and devices. WebVR is an open source specification for creating and viewing VR content with web technologies, while WebXR extends it to support AR and MR content and devices. A-Frame is an open source framework for creating VR scenes and applications using HTML and JavaScript. Godot is an open source game engine for GDScript, C#, or C++ development, while Unity has an open source license for personal and educational use. Blender, GIMP, Audacity, SteamVR, OpenVR, VRTK, Mozilla Hubs, JanusVR, and AltspaceVR are also great open source resources for VR development.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?