HP was at Solidworks World today and the PC giant had some announcements to make regarding Windows Mixed Reality. Specifically, the company discussed its mixed reality headset and is launching a pro version.
When Windows Mixed Reality launched last October, HP was one of the OEMs supporting the platform with headset hardware. The original device supported Microsoft’s vision for accessible mixed and virtual reality. Like other Windows-based headsets, HP’s was relatively affordable compared to units like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
HP’s head mounted display (HMD) costs $449 and is among the most expensive Windows based options. Now, the company has announced a Windows Mixed Reality Headset Pro. The device retains many of the specs of the original model, but adds some new features.
So, users will still get dual 1440×1440 displays and supports up to 90Hz. The design is also the same, with an adjustment knob on the rear and a front-hinged display. Customers plumping for the pro version will see some important differences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AWhsBNU1jU
Chiefly, the face cushions are now replaceable, making the device easier to clean and users can replace aging cushions.
It’s a NoPro
Sure, adding the name Pro to the device is a little cheeky. Luckily, HP has not tried to convert that pro name to a higher price. The new Windows Mixed Reality Headset Pro will arrive in March and will also cost $449.
HP’s virtual reality aspirations are extending with the launch of Device as a Service for VR. The new solution is an end-to-end platform designed for enterprise level virtual reality. HP says it will support third-party HMDs.
