Collabora Takes Charge: Boosting Open Source VR Tracking with libsurvive

Exciting Developments for Open Source VR Enthusiasts!

On January 30, 2025, Collabora made a significant move by officially taking over the development of libsurvive, an open source VR system designed specifically for lighthouse tracking in virtual reality (VR). This transition places libsurvive under Collabora’s dedicated management on GitHub, paving the way for exciting growth and improvement in this vital technology. 🌟

Understanding libsurvive

Libsurvive serves as a crucial set of tools and libraries in the world of open source VR. It provides support for six degrees of freedom (6 DoF) tracking for devices using lighthouse technology along with Vive systems. Its compatibility with various devices highlights its versatility, making it a go-to choice for developers. Presently, libsurvive supports both SteamVR 1.0 and SteamVR 2.0 generations, showcasing its reliability as a robust option for VR developers.

Collabora’s Impact on Open Source XR Development

Collabora is taking substantial steps in the talented pool of open source XR development. Their contributions, notably including Monado, a cross-platform open source OpenXR runtime, signify their commitment to advancing VR technology. Integrating libsurvive into their growing portfolio complements their current projects, enhancing their capacity to work with VR technologies across multiple operating systems such as Android, Linux, and Windows.

Ownership Transition Overview

In a recent announcement, developer Frederic Plourde expressed excitement regarding this transition:

“Collabora’s involvement in open source XR development continues to expand with the addition of the libsurvive project! This open source lighthouse tracking system is set to enter an exhilarating new chapter as it transitions to our GitHub organization, with two members from our XR team taking on the role of official maintainers.”

The previous maintainers, due to other obligations, opted to pass on ownership, ensuring the project’s sustainability while Collabora appreciates the contributions made by the former team.

The Importance of libsurvive in Open Source VR

The importance of libsurvive is highlighted by its ability to deliver essential tracking features for VR devices, thereby enhancing overall user experience. Its capabilities exceed mere basic functionality:

• Support for Various Devices: Libsurvive is designed to work harmoniously with multiple hardware setups, allowing developers to create applications that reach a broader audience.
• Collaborative Community Efforts: As an open source project, it fosters collaboration among developers, elevating innovation through collective enhancements.
• Seamless Integration: The library fits well with Monado, boosting its visibility and functionality within the XR community.

Future Directions for libsurvive

With Collabora now leading the way, many are keen to observe how they will further develop the library. Their focus will include:

• Feature Enhancements: The team aims to integrate more features and optimizations that improve the tracking experience.
• Engaging the Community: By encouraging community participation, they intend to align their development with user needs and valuable feedback.
• Enhancing Documentation: Upgrading documentation will assist developers in utilizing libsurvive more effectively, ensuring newcomers can easily get started.

Engaging with libsurvive Development

If you are passionate about open source VR and eager to get involved in the development of libsurvive, there are many opportunities to contribute. Collabora invites developers and enthusiasts to:

• Join the Discord Community: Connect with others through the libsurvive Discord channel for discussions, news, and support.
• Contribute Your Code: Your input is valuable—whether it’s fixing bugs or introducing new features, all contributions are welcome!
• Share Your Feedback: Provide insights and experiences with the library to guide future development most effectively.