Microsoft’s HoloLens isn’t slated for an update until 2019, but that doesn’t mean Mixed Reality is dead. Partner devices from Lenovo, Dell, Asus, and Acer will release soon, and all will use the Windows platform.
Press will get a final peek at that platform on October 3rd at the Windows Mixed Reality Event in San Fransico. The invitation promises Microsoft “will elaborate on our vision and showcase our final Windows Mixed Reality experience coming this holiday to Windows 10 PCs.”
Rather than focusing on just Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality encompasses both. The headsets will eventually merge real and virtual worlds to create an experience where both can interact in real-time.
Alex Kipman will be heading the event, and though he didn’t pioneer of the term, he is the brains behind the HoloLens. He’s expected to give an update on the progress of the headsets and possibly reveal some new ones.
It’s likely we’ll also hear more about the content coming to the platform. Details about the games and apps available for the platform would give users a better idea of what to expect. Assumedly, press will also get to experience those once more.
A Virtual Productivity House
So far, content for the platform seems to hinge around VR and Microsoft’s Cliff House. The virtual home acts as a hub for games and media, but previous videos also display a productivity focus.
Using WMR, users can pin browser windows, emails, and weather to the wall, and work at the virtual desk. All of the different headsets will work with each other to provide multi-player and collaboration experiences.
Unfortunately, reports so far suggest the controllers need some work. They’re slightly too thick and use LEDs rather than room-scale tracking like the Rift or Vive. It would be great, then, to see some new third-party controllers, but we’ll have to wait until next month to find out.
