When comparing Razer OSVR Hacker Dev Kit vs FOVE, the Slant community recommends FOVE for most people. In the question“What are the best VR headsets?” FOVE is ranked 4th while Razer OSVR Hacker Dev Kit is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose FOVE is:
Foveated rendering is a rendering method where the quality of the image (and subsequently the processing power needed to render the image) throughout the image is different. It allows rendering only the parts the user is focused on in high quality and lower the resource usage of the device considerably.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Open hardware
The hardware is under an open license, so it's great for hardware hackers to make and share their improvements. The plastic part 3d models are open and can be printed on a 3d printer as well meaning users are free to customize the looks of the device as well.
This also means any manufacturer is free to produce a device using the open hardware and software. Which can lead to more competition which can lead to lower price points.
Pro Modular design
The HMD is designed to be upgradeable, meaning components can be switched out and upgraded as desired. Users can also upgrade between official versions.
Pro Pretty cheap
Its only $299 for the kit, which is nearly half the cost of the Oculus or Vive.
Pro Only requires a mid-spec PC
This makes it usable by a much bigger range of customers. Most gamers will already have a PC that can support this HMD. Specific minimum specs aren't listed.
Pro FPGA for hardware programming
A FPGA is included which allows hardware hackers to better integrate their modifications. FPGAs also make the HMD more flexible.
Pro Individual eye focusing
Users who have different focus points for each eye will rejoice! You can individually focus the left/right lenses to make sure you get the clearest image for yourself.
Pro Plans to have foveated rendering
Foveated rendering is a rendering method where the quality of the image (and subsequently the processing power needed to render the image) throughout the image is different. It allows rendering only the parts the user is focused on in high quality and lower the resource usage of the device considerably.
Pro Supports eye tracking
The device has a built in eye tracking function that is supposed to help with things like targeting, much like eye targeting used in fighter jets.
Pro Able to access lots of content
Originally only Unity, Unreal Engine, and Cryengine were supported, but support for OpenVR and Steam VR are in the works. This will ensure there is plenty of content available for the Fove.
Pro Crisp graphics
The picture is meant to be clear due to the quad HD (2560x1140) display. This high resolution will help text and edges of round objects look crisp.
Cons
Con Headband not that comfortable
The device uses a tri-band design to attach to ones head. This can be uncomfortable due to how many straps there are and their placement. Other devices use a triangular design which is often considered more comfortable.
Con Low res screens
The included screens for the device are 960 x 1,080, which is less than full HD (1920x1080). Compared to other popular headsets this is low, which can lead to less crisp graphics (most other VR solutions use 1080p or 1440p).
Con Fove's eye-tracking technology is terrible.
It is hard to apply to the game, and it is very inaccurate.
Con Currently eye tracking has to be calibrated at the start of every game
The built in eye tracking currently has to be recalibrated every time a new demo/game is started. This can be time consuming and interrupts the flow of play for those that like to try out many different games in one session.
Con Highly demanding specs
The recommended specs for this device is a PC that can run modern games at 2560x1440 at 100fps or greater. This means the one will need a very high powered GPU CPU combo.