OpenXR — UnityXR
UNIFYING REALITY — Solving XR fragmentation
What is OpenXR
OpenXR is an API (Application Programming Interface) for XR applications. XR refers to a continuum of real-and-virtual combined environments generated by computers through human-machine interaction and is inclusive of the technologies associated with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR).
OpenXR is the interface between an application and an in-process or out-of-process “XR runtime system”, or just “runtime” hereafter. The runtime may handle such functionality as frame composition, peripheral management, and raw tracking information.
Solving XR fragmentation
Without a cross-platform standard, VR and AR applications and engines must use each platform’s proprietary APIs. New input devices need customized driver integration.
OpenXR enables applications to run on any system that exposes the OpenXR APIs. Input device manufacturers will be able to self-integrate their drivers into OpenXR runtimes that expose the device plug-in interface (available in future specification update).
You can learn more about the specs here.
UnityXR — Update 2009.3 and beyond
Unity has developed new XR plugins for their supported platforms as part of this shift. Additionally, they have deprecated their built-in platform implementations in 2019.3. Below is their new tech stack for XR
This framework will influence how we support various types of platforms:
- Officially supported platforms
- Verified Solutions Partners
- Innovators
UnityXR 2009.3 and beyond — Official platform support:
- ARKit
- ARCore
- Microsoft HoloLens
- Magic Leap
- Oculus
- Windows Mixed Reality
- PlayStation VR
You can learn more from this official Unity blog post
