Microsoft is leading the charge in the world of virtual reality, with the launch of a slew of VR gaming headsets.
Dubbed Windows Holographic VR headsets, these devices are being manufactured by Dell, HP and Acer. All the three headsets will run on Windows Holographic platform.
The prototypes of the headsets being made by Microsoft's partners Dell, Acer and HP were previewed at the CES 2017.
In October 2016, Microsoft revealed that it would unveil a slew of Windows Holographic-powered headsets and now, the company has delivered on the promise.
For the uninitiated, the Windows Holographic platform is poised for a roll out in early 2017 as part of Microsoft's Creators Update for its Windows 10 OS.
In November 2016, the platform's preview showed off its capabilities and revealed that users did not require a top-notch PC to take advantage of VR.
However, the software for Windows Holographic is still under development and, therefore none of the above-mentioned VR headset prototypes shown off at the CES 2017 can use it now.
How Do The New Windows Holographic VR Headsets Look?
All the three VR headsets are based on the same concept and integrate the same technology. They each have a pair of displays that are located behind two lenses, which is a standard for most VR headsets. Each headset also has two cameras on the exterior of the headset to allow for "inside-out" room-scale VR.
How Are The Three Different From Each Other?
While the basic technological principles remain the same, HP, Acer and Dell have all chosen radically different designs for their models. Acer has taken a sporty approach to designing the headsets, with a bright red exterior.
HP, on the other hand, has opted fpr a classy and elegant black exterior. The Dell offering, however, looks clunky and bears a resemblance to Sony's VR headset.
Interestingly, these headsets, unlike the HTC Vive, do not rely on position tracking via two laser lighthouses that need to be mounted inside the room. Instead the two cameras on the headset's front are able to ascertain the space in front of the user, enabling the tracking of the user's position.
According to an EnGadget report, Microsoft representatives have revealed that the headsets are designed so that they can work on any laptop that uses integrated graphics. This ensures that even gamers on basic devices can avail the use of these headsets.
The VR headsets from Acer, Dell and HP all include specialized cameras that can integrate VR, as well as Microsoft's Windows Holographic Mixed Reality.
The specs of the three headsets have not been disclosed by any of the companies. Since Microsoft is keeping the features and specs pertaining to the headsets under wraps, consumers will have to wait a tad longer before they are greeted with more details.
Microsoft has not divulged the pricing of the three headsets, but they are expected to start at $300. The company has shared that the headsets could hit the shelves in mid-2017.
