At a recent event, Microsoft announced Windows 10 Creators Update along with a slew of new features and hardware. Virtual reality was a huge factor in the company's presentation; however, it got overshadowed by the announcement of the Surface Studio.
The VR headsets announced are not designed by Microsoft, but by third-party partners. Company's such as Acer, HP, Lenovo, Dell and Asus are all in on the fun. Due to the decent number of partners, and the need to kick start the VR revolution, Microsoft is promising devices starting at the key $299 price point.
Unfortunately, the pricing is all we know of since Microsoft did not speak about hardware specifications outside of inside-out tracking. However, due to the latest reports, we expect to hear more about these VR headsets at an event in December.
HoloLens chief Alex Kipman, spoke with Polygon in an interview about the plans. Right now, the idea is to reveal more information at two WinHEC events set for Dec. 8 to 9, and Dec. 14 to 15. The company did not unveil what exactly we should expect, but we're looking for hardware specifications and just how everything connects with Windows 10 and Xbox overall.
"The device we put on stage is a working device," says Kipman "We announced this partnership at Computex and invited people in our ecosystem to participate. What you saw today was the result of the last six months."
So far, Microsoft is pushing forward with more intent when it comes down to HoloLens. The device is an important aspect in the company's push to have the Universal Windows Programs accepted by both developers and consumers. However, VR is a different breed, and for Microsoft to have a platform where it can provide content such as apps and video games, convincing the third-parties to add HoloLens' tech inside their VR devices is a must.
Now, the first batch of VR devices designed to be powered by Windows 10, will not be wireless. They will have long cords for tethering to a PC. The future is to have a line of mixed reality devices that are a blend of VR and augmented reality. We're quite far off from such a headset, but if VR takes off tremendously, it will come.
Microsoft isn't the only one planning a VR breakout. Sony is hoping its PSVR device performs well at retail, and then we have Google working on a device designed to blend VR and AR known as Project Daydream.
