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Oculus lets you tinker with the code and design of its first VR headset
If you've ever wanted to modify a virtual reality headset (or even create one from scratch), Oculus VR just gave you a big head start on your project. The Facebook-owned firm has opened up the code, mechanical elements and design for its first VR wearable, the Oculus Rift DK1. Provided you have the know-how and tools, you can now build upon everything Oculus learned in its early days about screens, head tracking and ergonomics. The source material won't help you recreate the more advanced technology of newer Rift kits or the Gear VR, but it should be worth a look if you're curious about the inner workings of immersive displays.
Oculus DK1 source now open to all
The source code used to build the Oculus Rift DK1 is now open and available to everyone interested in tinkering with what is arguably the most famous virtual reality device since Nintendo's Virtual Boy. This means that, regardless of whether or not you have an Oculus Rift (DK1 or not), you can develop your own virtual reality experiences and, potentially, hardware. Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe said at today's Oculus Connect event that releasing the source code for DK1 is the company's way of "giving back" to the community that helped them get where they are today: a massive success story with billions of dollars' worth of investments from companies like Facebook and partnerships with companies like Samsung. "Can't wait to see all the Chinese knock-offs," Iribe joked. [Image: Oculus]