Microsoft Pitches Mixed Reality Initiative for Windows with Two Headsets and a Motion Controller
Microsoft introduces its Mixed Reality initiative starting with hardware.
At the end of the BUILD keynote, Microsoft detailed its Mixed Reality initiative by announcing two new mixed reality headsets and a motion controller, dedicated to enjoying virtual reality and augmented reality on windows.
As a matter of fact, Technical Fellow Alex Kipman encouraged to forget the split between virtual reality and augmented reality, thanks to them being bunched into the mixed reality initiative.
The two headsets are by HP and Acer, and they are already available for pre-order for developers (respectively at $329.00 and $299.00). They will be released to the general public this holiday season.
HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset
Specifications
- Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
- 2.89” diagonal display size (x2)
- Front hinged display
- Double padded headband and easy adjustment knob for all day comfort
- 95 degrees horizontal field of view
- Display refresh rate up to 90 Hz (native)
- Built-in audio out and microphone support through 3.5mm jack
- Single cable with HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity
- 4.0m/0.6m removable cable
- Inside-out tracking
Specifications
- Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
- 2.89” diagonal display size (x2)
- Front hinged display
- 95 degrees horizontal field of view
- Display refresh rate up to 90 Hz (native)
- Built-in audio out and microphone support through 3.5mm jack
- Single cable with HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity
- Inside-out tracking
- 4.0 meter cable
On top of the headsets, Microsoft also announced a new motion controller for Windows Mixed Reality headsets, scheduled to be bundled with the Acer headset above for $399. Interestingly, it pairs with the headsets’ internal tracking capabilities, and the position of the joysticks is tracked directly by the headset.
Microsoft Pitches Mixed Reality Initiative for Windows with Two Headsets and a Motion Controller
Microsoft Promises Mixed Reality Games at E3 2017; Gives First Look at Intriguing Xbox Application
On the BUILD stage, Microsoft teased Mixed Reality games on show at E3 2017, and gave a glimpse on something interesting.
Today, during its BUILD Keynote, Microsoft introduced its Mixed Reality initiative, announcing two new headsets and a motion controller, but they didn’t really show games.
At the end of the keynote, Technical Fellow Alex Kipman hinted to when we’ll be able to hear more about actual games, and that’s predictably E3.
Kipman promised that in Los Angeles we’ll hear about the “windows mixed reality content story,” and it’ll be certainly interesting to see what games it will include and if it’ll expand to consoles.
Speaking of consoles, during the presentation we got a quick look at what appears the application of mixed reality to Xbox Live, and you can see it below.
While it wasn’t mentioned by name and no further details were provided, it could be a prototype or a concept visualization of the “Metaverse” mentioned yesterday by Xbox Division Head Phil Spencer, allowing gamers to actually interact with their friends’ avatars in a mixed reality space over Xbox Live.
We don’t know much about it yet, but it’ll be interesting to see how and if we’ll hear about it at E3.
Microsoft Promises Mixed Reality Games at E3 2017; Gives First Look at Intriguing Xbox Application
