OpenXR

OpenXR is an open, royalty-free standard for accessing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms and devices. It was developed by Khronos Group, a non-profit industry consortium focused on creating open standards for graphics, parallel computing, vision, and machine learning.

The primary goal of OpenXR is to enable developers to build portable applications that can run across a wide variety of VR/AR hardware and software without requiring modifications specific to each platform. This "write once, run everywhere" capability reduces development costs and expands the reach of XR content.

OpenXR defines a standard API (Application Programming Interface) that allows applications to access XR system functionality, such as tracking user head and hand positions, rendering graphics to displays, and interacting with the user through input devices. The standard also defines an abstraction layer that isolates applications from the underlying hardware and software implementations. This allows XR vendors to innovate and improve their platforms without breaking compatibility with existing applications.

The OpenXR specification covers two main aspects:

• The API: Defines the functions and data structures that applications use to interact with the XR system.
• The Loader: A component that discovers and loads the appropriate runtime implementation for the target platform.

OpenXR is not a runtime implementation itself. Instead, it defines a standard interface that runtimes must implement to be OpenXR compliant. Runtime implementations are typically provided by VR/AR hardware manufacturers or software platform vendors.

Key benefits of OpenXR include increased portability, reduced fragmentation, improved performance through direct hardware access, and fostering a more competitive and innovative XR ecosystem. It aims to provide a common foundation upon which the XR industry can build, leading to broader adoption and a richer user experience.