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
Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset
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
Both headsets are tracked internally, instead of using external cameras or sensors, which makes them quite agile and convenient to use.
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.
You can check it out in the video below.