If you're an owner of the Microsoft Xbox One video game console, then chances are you might be wondering if this system supports virtual reality in the same way as the PlayStation 4. Well, it does support for VR, but not VR games. We're going to explain what's up.
The new application will be available on Dec. 12.
In the past, Microsoft partnered with Oculus VR where the Oculus Rift and the Xbox One are concerned. The idea was for Xbox One owners to stream their games through the Oculus Rift in a type of VR theater mode. No, it's not VR, but the view should be similar to when watching a movie at the theater.
This is a big deal, probably not as huge as playing real VR games, but at least it allows Oculus Rift owners who are also owners of an Xbox One, to take advantage of some of the cool features when playing on their console.
It should be noted that everything is done over a home network, so it's not as straightforward as one would have liked, but that's fine as long as it works.
"The new Xbox One Streaming to Oculus Rift app connects to your Xbox One via your home network," according to the Microsoft blog. "Once connected, your console's video output is streamed to your Rift headset and projected onto a massive screen in your choice of one of three immersive VR environments: 'Citadel,' 'Retreat' and 'Dome.'"
As for the name of the app, it's called "Xbox One Streaming to Oculus Rift", which is quite a mouthful. Xbox Owners will have the option to download the app come Dec. 12, 2016.
At the end of the day, it's best to watch movies via the theater mode from the Oculus Rift. Video games are usually a hit and miss, but in movies, that's where they shine the most.
If we look deeper into this reveal, we can see that it adds fuel to fire that Microsoft might partner up with Oculus VR on an Oculus Rift headset designed for Project Scorpio. Then again, Microsoft might decide to venture away from Oculus VR and work alongside its PC partners instead.
The company has announced VR headsets for Windows 10 computers, and the prices start at $299. These headsets do not require a powerful computer to deliver 4K content, but seeing the price starting at an affordable point, we can see Microsoft choosing to venture down the VR path with its partners, due to the fact that these VR headsets contain HoloLens' technology.
Whatever the case may be, Project Scorpio is a year away, so anything can change by then.
