Following on from the rollout of its Oculus Rift consumer virtual reality iRacing support update, that rolled out during June 2016. iRacing has now announced that support for the HTC Vive headset has now been pencilled in to be rolled out early next month on September 6th, 2016.
From September 2016 onwards native Vive support will be enabled through OpenVR, Valve’s development SDK for integrating Vive and other virtual reality headsets with SteamVR.
Enhanced VR Compatibility
Paving the way for iRacing’s VR mode to be compatible with many VR headsets in the future. This move is significant as it opens up the platform to a broader audience of VR enthusiasts who may own different types of headsets. Shawn Nash, iRacing’s software engineer responsible for VR developments explained:
Interestingly, because OpenVR is also compatible with the Rift, one can set the simulator’s options to use the Rift via either the Oculus SDK or the OpenVR SDK. We’re hoping to add some AA support for both the Vive and Rift but it’s not in yet, so not for sure.
This dual compatibility is a strategic advantage, allowing users to choose their preferred VR system without being locked into a single ecosystem. The flexibility offered by OpenVR means that future updates could potentially support even more VR headsets, making iRacing a versatile platform for virtual racing.
Future Prospects and Community Impact
The addition of HTC Vive support is not just a technical upgrade; it represents a commitment to the growing VR community. Virtual reality has been gaining traction in various fields, from gaming to professional training simulations. By integrating VR support, iRacing is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological wave.
Moreover, the community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Forums and social media platforms are buzzing with excitement as users anticipate the enhanced immersion that VR will bring to their racing experience. The ability to look around the cockpit, check mirrors, and experience the track in a fully immersive environment is a game-changer for many.
For example, a user named JohnDoe123 on the iRacing forums mentioned, “I’ve been waiting for this update for months! The level of immersion VR brings is unparalleled. Can’t wait to try it with my Vive.” Such testimonials highlight the eagerness and high expectations within the community.
As more information is released in the coming weeks we will keep you up-to-date as always. The iRacing team is expected to provide further details on the implementation process, potential challenges, and additional features that may be included in future updates.
The upcoming HTC Vive support for iRacing marks a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution. By embracing VR technology, iRacing is not only enhancing the user experience but also setting a new standard in the world of virtual racing. The future looks promising, and the racing community is eagerly awaiting the next lap in this exciting journey.
Source: Road To VR
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