Trackir alternative

In the world of gaming many gamers struggle with finding an efficient and cost-effective way to track their movements and control their characters. While the head-tracking device TrackIR is often the go-to solution for this issue it is not always the most accessible or affordable option. Fortunately there are alternatives to TrackIR that offer the same level of control and accuracy.

FreeTrack

A popular alternative to TrackIR is FreeTrack. This open-source software allows users to track their head movements with a standard webcam and a few other components. The software can be used with a variety of games including some of the most popular titles. It is also easy to set up making it a great option for gamers who don’t want to spend a lot of time getting their tracking system up and running.

Natural Point OptiTrack

Interest in an TrackIR alternative has surged in the past year and the Natural Point OptiTrack is worth considering.
Featuring the latest version of their Active Marker technology the OptiTrack uses LED-ainfed markers to allow for precision tracking of 3D motion with minimal hardware and setup time.
This setup is perfect for those seeking a powerful accurate and cost-efficient alternative to the TrackIR.

At the core of the OptiTrack lies the company’s HAL software.
Designed to provide an easy-to-use platform for capturing data this software helps simplify the workflow of creating tracking solutions.
The HAL software also allows for integration with other third-party software and hardware such as 3D modeling programs for advanced tracking capabilities.

To ensure maximum accuracy with the OptiTrack NaturalPoint employs a range of technologies including phase-shift algorithms dual-camera tracking systems and real-time motion estimation.
These features make the Natural Point OptiTrack a reliable and versatile alternative to the TrackIR.

	Pros	Cons
Natural Point OptiTrack	Accurate and cost-efficient tracking Easy-to-use software platform Compatible with other third-party software and hardware	Requires advanced setup and configuration May require 3D model programs for more advanced tracking capabilities

EDTracker

Aforementioned but not to be forgotten EDTracker is an excellent option if you want to keep up with TrackIR. It is a head tracking device that sends motion readings to your game allowing you to look around the game in an immersive manner. It uses six sensors three for each axis in the XYZ plane. The EDTracker unit simply clips onto the brim of your hat or headset and you can use its software to calibrate and get producing readings within minutes.

However the EDTracker’s main advantage is that it doesn’t require a high-end machine to function. It works well with mid-range hardware and has no compatibility issues with modern games. Furthermore it also has a smooth learning curve and allows for frequent re-calibration for optimal tracking performance.

Nonetheless EDTracker does suffer from some of the typical drawbacks that most tracking devices have. Its immobility and complex setup process might be a bit tedious for those that don’t have the patience to deal with those issues. Furthermore it lacks the features and tracking capabilities of TrackIR making it more suitable for basic gaming while TrackIR provides a more immersive experience.

Pros	Cons
Works with mid-range hardware	Immobility
Smooth learning curve	Complex setup process
No compatibility issues	Lacks features and tracking capabilities compared to TrackIR

Opentrack

Next up is Opentrack an open source head tracking application. From the same Open Source branch of TrackIR Opentrack supports multiple input devices including IR-LED or head-mounted tracking devices. This is a great option if you are looking for a budget-friendly solution providing some of the same great features of TrackIR.

Opentrack is easy to install boasting a graphical user interface and straight-forward setup. Using the OpenTrack Protocol with your existing hardware devices or purchasing a supported tracking hardware device you’ll be ready to hit the skies in no time. This makes Opentrack a great choice for busy gamers with limited time to tweak settings.

That said Opentrack does come with its own quirks and issues. On the plus side users can expect good tracking accuracy with infrared LEDs and head mounted trackers. However when it comes to the included TrackClip some users have experienced calibration issues and low accuracy ratings. Furthermore to make the most of Opentrack it’s likely users will need to manually configure a few settings.

Pros	Cons
Free and open source	Not as many tracking devices supported
Easy installation and setup	Calibration issues with TrackClip

FaceTrackNoIR

Newly developed FaceTrackNoIR is an alternative to Trackir that has gained a lot of success with gamers and virtual reality (VR) users. What sets it apart from other Trackir alternatives is its ability to use a standard webcam to track head movements. This allows gamers to explore their environment in the game with a minimum of software while still providing realistic tracking.

In FaceTrackNoIR the technology is based on an algorithm which keeps track of the movements made with a head-mounted device such as a Playstation Move controller a Microsoft Kinect or even a standard webcam. It then relays these movements to the game creating a more immersive gaming experience. FaceTrackNoIR also allows for more precise tracking than Trackir giving the user greater control over the game’s camera angles.

With FaceTrackNoIR the user is also able to modify settings such as the tracking speed the tracking window size and the orientation of the camera in the game. Given its functionality FaceTrackNoIR has been gaining much popularity as an alternative to Trackir and has been met with a lot of positive reviews from gamers.

Pros	Cons
Uses standard webcam	More technical expertise required
More precise than Trackir	Less support compared to Trackir
Allows users to modify settings	More expensive than Trackir