Microsoft Steps Up With Windows Mixed Reality: Everything You Need To Know About It

Microsoft is revolutionizing the computing world with Windows Mixed Reality. But What is Windows Mixed Reality? This can be a confusing concept. Is it Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality? Or a cross between both?

It is much simpler than you think.

Mixed Reality is a new platform launched by Windows to blend both Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in one place.

What Sets Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality Apart From Others?

As noted above, Windows Mixed Reality is a cross between VR and AR that provides user with a low-specification and low-cost headsets to experience the digital world in a new light.

What sets it apart from its competitors is the integrated camera that scans the surrounding environment. So, you don’t have to move around with wireless motion sensors at all times. Another noteworthy mention is the price point of Mixed Reality headsets.

Windows has worked with top manufacturers including Acer, Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Samsung to create accessible HMD standard that can run even on lower graphical settings. This means you won’t need to upgrade to a higher-end system. Even a simple Ultrabook will be capable to create a new virtual world for you.

Now, let’s get straight to the point…

What is the Release Date For The Windows Mix Reality?

Microsoft has announced the Windows Mix Reality Headsets available for pre-order now. The release date is set to be October 17, 2017, to mark a revolution this holiday season. You can mark October 17 as the inaugural date for the Mixed Reality which will also mark the release of latest Windows update Fall Creators OS. This OS will also feature Mixed reality as an integral part of Windows System.

Windows Mixed Reality: Is it a Platform or a Product?

Microsoft calls it a “next revolution in computing”. But is it a platform or a product? This is where the confusion sweeps in and I have come to help you out with a simple instance.

Just like Microsoft has a product called Windows OS and manufacturers like Samsung, Dell, HP and many others build the devices to bring this technology to you, Windows Mixed Reality is actually a new raging platform.

With mixed reality, our ideas move beyond the boundaries of paper, beyond the boundaries of screens, and beyond the boundaries of description. This is the fundamental promise of mixed reality. The barrier that exists between our physical and digital worlds will disappear.

– Alex Kipman, Microsoft

Windows Mixed Reality Price: As low as $299

You don’t have to shell out thousands of dollars to immerse yourself in the world of digital creativity and innovation beyond imagination. The price differentiator can play a major role in Microsoft taking away the biggest chunk of the MR market.

With prices down to half the VR gear, Windows Mixed Reality headsets will be available at a starting price of $299. You can even purchase a bundled package with complete headset and motion gears for as low as $399.

For a detailed, price breakdown and available gadgets introducing Windows Mixed Reality, let’s take a look below

Everything About Windows Mixed Reality Headsets

Let’s begin, shall we?

Samsung Odyssey: $499

Samsung has launched its new VR headset for your Windows PC. The Samsung Odyssey will be available for $499 from 6 November this year. Gear up this holiday season for the next revolution in computing with Windows Mixed Reality.

Samsung Odyssey is a part of Microsoft Mixed Reality products and is one of the latest to debut Windows MR. This slightly expensive MR headset features a 3.5 AMOLED screen display to enjoy crisp realistic movements and set up your own virtual world in your home.

Specifications:

• Refresh rate: Up to 90Hz
• Resolution: 2880 x 1600
• Display: OLED
• Field of view: Up to 110˚
• Headphones and dual array mics

Samsung HMD Odyssey is packed with motion controllers to let you enjoy your trip in Windows MR. This enables you to interact in a natural way to pick up things or control other characters.

Lenovo Explorer: $399

All you need is a Lenovo Explorer and a compatible Windows PC to setup your virtual home with great content including travel, sports, concert and just about everything. Lenovo Explorer has a front-hinged display so that you can easily flip your head up to get back to the real world.

It also features two high-quality liquid crystal displays with inside-out tracking and built-in audio and microphone support to enhance your digital world experience.

Specifications:

• 2.89” diagonal display size
• Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
• Front-hinged display
• Up to 105 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
• 4.00m cable

Lenovo Explorer also comes bundled with Motion controllers which are expected to be released on October 17, 2017.

HP Windows Mixed Reality Headsets With Motion Controllers: $449

HP’s take on Windows MR is a strong competition to its rivals with two high-resolution liquid crystal displays and up to 105-degree horizontal view. This superior MR headset has a front-hinged display similar to Lenovo explorer. However, it lacks with the display rate at just 90Hz.

Specifications:

• Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays
• 2.89” diagonal display size (x2)
• Front hinged display
• Up to 105 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
• 4.00m cable

Dell Visor Windows MR Headsets: $449

Take your vision on a voyage with Dell Visor Windows MR Headsets and Motion Controllers. Available for pre-order now, Dell Visor offers complete clarity with a 360-degree view no matter in which direction you look.

Fresnel Lenses and 2.89″ Inches display size along with a flip-up feature allow quicker transitions between the real world and virtual world. You can experience six-degree movements with motion sensors offering agile and quick gaming experience for you.

Specifications:

• 2.89” diagonal display size (x2)
• Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
• Front hinged display, so you can flip the headset up while working
• Up to 105 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
• 4.00m cable

Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset With Motion Controllers: $399

Designed for freedom, Acer Windows MR headset offers a comfortable and easy experience with multiple apps wherever you go. With 105 degrees horizontal view and two high-resolution liquid crystal display, you can experience rich lifelike images with this headset.

Acer opened up the pre-bookings on October 3rd and offers the entire bundle packed with motion controllers at an affordable price of $399.

Specifications:

• 2.89” diagonal display size (x2)
• Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
• Front hinged display, so you can flip the headset up while working
• Up to 105 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
• 4.00m cable

All these devices are available for pre-order and are expected to release on October 17 revolutionizing the AR/VR technology forever.

Our Final Verdict

Microsoft has stepped up their game with Mixed Reality and so far from what we’ve heard- it’s all good. With a spatial OS designed to make it an integral part of Windows and lowering the costs, Microsoft has won half of the war already.

Also, AltSpaceVR is now a part of the Microsoft community and we couldn’t be happier. If that was not all, we’re also very excited for the Halo Recruit which is a brief 5 minutes experience where you’ll meet the most iconic Halo characters in MR for the very first time.

All in all, it’s a thumbs up so far.

We’ll keep bringing out the latest news for you. So stay updated with Freaksense.