How do you address hardware fragmentation in VR?

Hardware fragmentation in VR occurs when devices have varying capabilities, such as display resolution, tracking systems, or input methods, forcing developers to support multiple configurations. This can be addressed through standardized development tools, adaptive rendering techniques, and modular design principles. The goal is to create applications that work across devices without requiring excessive device-specific code or optimization.

First, use cross-platform frameworks and standards like OpenXR or Unity’s XR Interaction Toolkit. These tools abstract hardware differences by providing common APIs for input, rendering, and tracking. For example, OpenXR allows developers to write code once and deploy it across devices from Meta Quest, SteamVR, or Windows Mixed Reality. Similarly, Unity’s input system lets you map actions to controllers (e.g., Oculus Touch vs. Valve Index) without hardcoding button IDs. This reduces the need to write device-specific logic and ensures compatibility as new hardware emerges. However, you may still need to test on target devices to handle edge cases, such as unique controller layouts or performance limits.

Second, implement adaptive rendering to handle performance disparities. For instance, dynamic resolution scaling adjusts render quality based on the headset’s capabilities and current frame rate. A Quest 2 might run at 1.5x resolution, while a lower-end PC VR headset scales down to maintain 90 FPS. Foveated rendering, which prioritizes detail in the user’s central vision, can also reduce GPU load on devices like PSVR 2. Tools like Vulkan or DirectX 12 offer fine-grained control over rendering pipelines, letting you optimize for specific hardware without rewriting entire shaders. These techniques ensure consistent performance while accommodating varying GPU power.

Finally, design modular systems for input and interactions. For example, separate input handling into layers: a base layer for common actions (e.g., “grab” or “teleport”) and device-specific layers for unique hardware. If a headset uses hand tracking instead of controllers, the input layer can switch to gesture detection without altering core logic. Similarly, use configurable settings for comfort options (e.g., snap turning vs. smooth locomotion) to accommodate different user preferences. By isolating hardware-dependent code, you simplify updates when new devices launch and reduce the risk of platform-specific bugs. This approach balances flexibility with maintainability, letting you scale support efficiently.