Windows Mixed Reality: VR Entertainment For Everyone With These 5 Innovative, More Affordable Headsets!
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality headsets have become a major part of entertainment electronics and will play an even more significant role in the future.
Just a few years ago, VR systems used to be very expensive, and Oculus was one of the first pioneers to bring this type of entertainment to households globally.
Slowly, these devices have become more and more affordable with headsets by HTC, Microsoft, and even an add-on for the PlayStation 4.
Now, a new player joins the game of VR consoles: Windows Mixed Reality!
There will be a total of five mixed reality headsets by different manufacturers.
Mixed Reality refers to the fact that the console will have augmented- and virtual reality features, as well as everything in between.
About the Mixed Reality Headsets
The new, more affordable Windows headsets had been announced over a year ago, but the first real models were now presented at the IFA expo in Berlin.
Prices will start at around $299 but depend on the manufacturer, plus additional $100 for a bundle package with motion controllers.
The headsets are created by Microsoft's PC maker partners Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo.
They all share the same platform and concept of Windows Mixed Reality, but each manufacturer has created his own twist with the design.
Apart from that, all have the same technical specifications:
- Two high-resolution 1,440x1,440-pixel LCDs with up to 90Hz native refresh rate
- Front-hinged display for quickly lifting the viewer up and out of the way
- Built-in 3.5mm jack for audio and microphone support
- Single cable with HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 for video and data
- 4-meter (13.1 ft) cable
Different manufacturers, different designs
There are only relatively small differences between the 5 different headsets from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo, and they mostly differ in their design.
Acer stated that their overall aim was to make VR affordable, and to "democratize technology".
Therefore their headset sticks to a more traditional design, it might not have the highest quality components or intricate details but it works well according to early testers.
Asus has taken a completely different approach and chose to stand out with their unique design.
They created a 3D polygon structure by utilizing a technology that is normally being used in digital architecture.
It's lightweight and sleek, but the price is around 449€ / $535 (including motion controllers).
Dell created a headset that focuses on comfort.
It looks simple and sleek and is very easy to adjust for different people. It's also very comfortable due to the padding that takes pressure off of nose and cheeks. It will cost around $349 alone, or $449 including controllers.
HP is going for a rather futuristic design with a focus on comfort.
The black headset can also be adjusted quickly and easily, its strap and insides are padded, and the cutout for the nose has been widened to ensure more comfort.
The HP headset is priced at $329, $30 more than the most affordable Asus model.
Lenovo's Headset aims to be one with the most unique features.
The company even stated that they are aiming to become market leaders in the virtual- and mixed reality field, so they have come up with a unique headset.
The sleek and futuristic "Lenovo Explorer" can actually be tilted upwards so that you can quickly lift up the glasses instead of having to take them off altogether.
The headset will be priced at $349 or $449 as a set with controllers.
Games and Apps
Now for the most important question: which games will you be able to play with the Microsoft Mixed Reality system?
All 20,000 Universal Windows Apps can also be used in mixed reality - the headset will become a monitor that's simply attached in front of your face. HoloLens apps are compatible too, as well as games from the company Steam.
Microsoft even announced that they are "working with 343 Industries to bring Halo experiences into mixed reality."
When starting Windows Mixed Reality, you first find yourself in a house where each room stands for different activities within the platform.
You can watch videos from the living room, play games, use the internet browser in the office and more.
Users can navigate through the house either through walking or teleporting.
The Windows Mixed Reality platform will launch in October - we'll see how these new headsets will perform on the market!
© Sirwinchester
to democratize technology by making it affordable and accessible. Wish Apple would do that...
Good point actually
It looks like in the picture the lady is in that she is cleaning. Wouldn't that be a fun VR game? ;) We did a virtual reality game once and it was pretty interesting. Took a little time to get used to it!
Hahaha, that would be a little too much of a real life experience maybe!
And yes, VR can be very fun and has a lot of potential.
Glad to see these both lowering in price but also the designs look pretty cool. I guess the next rating I would care about is how comfortable they are to wear just like that's a bit thing with head phones.
You're right, that's actually an important factor, especially if you plan to play for some time.
Can't wait for the entertainment industry to fully adopt VR. One day I think people will look back on fixed point of view media, as we view old black and white silent films.
One thing is for sure, being completely immersed in a game or movie, is really going to make it hard to pull away and take care of business.
So true! I think VR and AR will play such a huge role in the future of entertainment that we can't even imagine.
You described everything I needed to know. Thanks.
I think that soon, there will be another machine against VR. It is maybe something to do with nerve system.
What do you think ?
Yes, there are actually already Brain Computer Interfaces where you can control games and virtual objects with your thoughts instead of a controller!
It's called nerve gear or something !! :D
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VR was just a concept design a few year back and now they are up and fully functional.
Not long before we enter the Matrix XD
Thanks for sharing! Cheers :)
yes, the whole industry is developing incredibly quickly!