INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Windows Mixed Reality (MR) can be a confusing concept
Is it virtual reality (VR), like the Oculus Rift, or it is more like augmented reality (AR), which Microsoft has already dabbled in with its
HoloLensThe answer is that it’s a bit of both – though far more like the former than the latter.Microsoft’s blended version of VR and
AR is a new platform that's designed to immerse more users in the digital experience with lower-priced and less graphically-intensive
To this end, the software maker has worked with leading computer manufacturers like Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo and Samsung to develop a more
accessible head-mounted display (HMD) standard with a fewer ground rules.Similar to high-end VR headsets like the Oculus Rift, you wear a
head-mounted display with two built-in screens to peer into a virtual world
And – especially now that Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR has released – you can interact with your virtual world using handheld
controllers or an Xbox One controller
And, even if games aren’t your thing, Mixed Reality on SharePoint will make life for professionals way more interesting.Instead of HTC
Vive Lighthouses, Oculus Waypoints or other infrared beacons, however, Windows Mixed Reality headsets use integrated headsets to scan the
Mixed Reality headsets can also run at low-end graphical settings, so that even the best Ultrabooks can generate digital worlds for users to
enjoy.More recently, the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (which you can download and install right now) has beefed up Microsoft’s support for
Windows Mixed Reality devices. Cut to the chaseWhat is Mixed Reality Microsoft’s blended VR/AR standardWhen is Mixed Reality out October
17What will Mixed Reality cost Headsets start at $299 or AU$599 (about £225)Windows Mixed Reality release dateWindows Mixed Reality has
been a top priority for Microsoft since last October, and the upcoming release of the Fall Creators Update on October 17 will cement Mixed
Reality as a standard feature of Windows 10.This is when Windows 10 will officially add support for Mixed Reality headsets
As we mentioned above, the Fall Creators update is now available to download and install, so follow our guide if you want to experience
Mixed Reality right now.Windows Mixed Reality priceThe biggest differentiator between headsets for Windows Mixed Reality and those designed
for VR is that the former can cost half as much
With prices for Mixed Reality headsets starting at $224/AU$638/£225), Microsoft’s new platform competes more closely with mobile VR
devices – like the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View – than with the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.Adding motion controllers doesn't
dramatically up the cost – a few manufacturers, like Acer, are bundling a complete headset package for $399 in the US
For a full price breakdown, let’s look at all the headsets currently available.Acer Windows Mixed Reality HMDAcer was one of the first
companies to come out of the gate with a Windows Mixed Reality headset
It offers a display resolution of 1440 x 1440 per eye
Users can flip up the screen to quickly return to the real world – this is a regular feature of most, if not all, headsets in its class
Acer’s headset is also among the cheapest, at $399 (£400, AU$638) with a pair of wireless motion controllers.Dell VisorThe Dell Visor
(and all Mixed Reality headsets, really) have a lot in common with Acer’s, but we’ll go over the specs nonetheless
It boasts two 2.89-inch, 1440 x 1440-resolution LCD displays that you can, once again, flip up for a quick exit from the virtual world
There are a few extra creature comforts in the shape of removable foam inserts, cable management loops and an easily adjustable headband for
The Dell Visor is available worldwide for $449/£430/AU$799, all of which include motion controllers. HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset
Developer EditionHP’s take on the Windows 10 MR headset looks much more Tron-like than the others
It keeps up with its rivals thanks to a 2880 x 1440 combined resolution and 90Hz display, but its field of view is a narrower 95 degrees
HP’s Mixed Reality headset is available now for $224 in the US, in the UK at £380 and for AU$799 in Australia. Lenovo ExplorerThe Lenovo
Explorer features all the same specs and comforts as the other Mixed Reality headsets
Its field of view also runs smack in the middle of the pack at 105 degrees
The good news is it’s more affordable than Acer’s at $299 (£400, about AU$398) with motion controllers included. Asus Windows Mixed
Reality HeadsetAsus differentiates its MR headset with a futuristic geometric front facade
Looks aside, it has all the same specs as its rivals, although its field of view is on the low side at 95 degrees
Asus has only revealed European pricing for its headset at €449, which means it’ll cost about $530, £400 or AU$670
You can register now for pre-order info. Samsung HMD OdysseyThe Samsung HMD Odyssey is the latest Windows MR headset on the block, and
it’s both the most advanced as well as the most expensive device of its class
For starters, it packs larger 3.5-inch AMOLED displays for more vibrant, lifelike images
Built-in AKG headphones also add in the immersive soundscape of 360-degree spatial sound
Costing a cool $499 (about £377, AU$638) with controllers included, the Samsung HMD Odyssey shipped later than the other Windows Mixed
Reality Headsets on November 6, 2017. Windows Mixed Reality requirementsUnlike virtual reality, you won’t need a killer rig to jump into
The minimum specs required for a Windows Mixed Reality PC are lightweight enough for most modern Ultrabooks to power a headset.At the very
least, you will need the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, an Intel Core i5-7200U processor or better, 8GB of DDR3 dual channel RAM or
better, 10GB of free disk space, an Intel HD Graphics 620 or DX12-capable GPU, and HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 as well as USB 3.0 Type-A or
Type-C.Keep in mind that the above specs are only good enough for a 60-frames-per-second (fps) experience
To get to 90fps, Microsoft suggests a system specced with at least a desktop-grade Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 5 1400 3.4Ghz – or
another quad-core processor
You'll also need a discrete GPU at least on the level of an Nvidia GTX 1050.Tw23DhP7pjaGRsD6GZsB9E.jpg#
