Among news of the Surface Studio, Windows 10 Creators Update, and mobile phone woes, you may have missed the Windows Holographic platform. Microsoft’s contribution to the VR world isn’t a headset of its own, but a virtual version of its favorite OS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu09UWqS8-Q
The idea is to provide OEMs with the tools to create a great experience and Lenovo is chief among them. Today at CES 2017, the Chinese multinational gave a first look at its upcoming headset.
Lenovo VR Headset Specs
Of course, some will say that the VR market is starting to get over saturated already. All of the major players seem to have some stake in it, from Google, to Valve, to Sony. However, Lenovo’s headset seems to fit snugly in its own little niche.
For starters, the headset is much smaller than Valve’s HTC Vive and Facebook’s Occulus Rift. Lenovo is aiming for 350g, versus the Vive’s 555g, the Rift’s 450 and PSVR’s 610.
The Verge reports that it’s also “noticeably smaller” and has a comfortable, PSVR-like design. Despite its size, the Lenovo headset has some impressive specs.
It’s display is made from two 1440×1440 OLED panels. That’s higher than both the Vive and the Rift, which are considered the most premium on the market. However, it doesn’t look like the headset will try to compete directly with those contenders.
Lenovo’s device will sit atop the Windows Holographic platform, giving access to every app on the store. Some HoloLens applications will also be converted, bringing mixed reality to the virtual reality world.
This feature is thanks to the headset’s dual front cameras, which pair with inside-out, six-degree tracking. This allows for a room-scale experience without the need for multiple camera posts.
The headset won’t come with its own controller, opting instead for third-party compatibility. The Windows Holographic demo featured a long, remote-style controller, so it’s possible that will make a reappearance.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to say just how good the headset will perform. Lenovo isn’t ready for test runs yet, only allowing press to try the headset on and have a look. The price point will be under $400, which is a nice, inexpensive middle ground.
It’s not clear when exactly this yet-unnamed headset will release, but it has considerable potential.
