Microsoft has formed a collaboration with Samsung Display for a new mixed reality (MR) headset that integrates MicroOLED technology. According to a report from The Elec, the partnership marks a transition from Microsoft's traditional focus on productivity with its HoloLens series, opening avenues for entertainment and gaming.
Technical Benefits of MicroOLED
Known as OLED on silicon (OLEDoS), MicroOLED stands out with superior power efficiency, enhanced brightness, endless contrast, and a superior refresh rate compared to traditional OLED screens. Notably, it can deliver resolutions exceeding 4000 pixels per inch in a compact 1-inch display, a technology already seen in Apple's Vision Pro for impressive resolution and color fidelity.
Samsung Display showcased its MicroOLED offerings at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024. Designed specifically for extended reality (XR) headsets, Samsung Display is expected to supply hundreds of thousands of these units to Microsoft. Sources from The Elec suggest that Microsoft aims to have the MR headset ready for market by 2026.
Shift Towards Entertainment
This collaboration indicates a strategic redirection for Microsoft from enterprise-oriented HoloLens devices to a consumer-focused headset targeting gaming and media. The new approach could diversify Microsoft's MR products and appeal to a broader audience.
The introduction of an entertainment-focused MR headset brings into question the future trajectory of the HoloLens platform. Although Microsoft will maintain its military contracts, the pivot towards consumer entertainment may suggest a downsizing in HoloLens-related developments. Industry players and users will be eager to see how Microsoft manages its parallel MR initiatives.
Samsung Display's Technology Development
Samsung Display has been advancing OLEDoS technology with its specialized M Project team, helmed by Executive Vice President Jaebeom Choi. This effort includes collaboration with Samsung System LSI for designing the silicon board for OLEDoS, with manufacture handled by Samsung Foundry and further processing at Samsung Display's A1 facility in Cheonan.
Competition in the MR space is highlighted by Samsung Mobile's choice to use Sony's MicroOLED displays for its MR headset offerings. This dynamic adds pressure on Samsung Display to excel with its offering for Microsoft, potentially affecting future collaborations and market stance.
Samsung's Apple Partnership
Earlier today I reported on Apple leveraging Samsung Display to build screens for the 2026 iPad Air model. The A3 line at Samsung Display, responsible for creating OLED panels for both iPhones and iPads, can produce 135,000 units monthly. On the other hand, LG Display's E6 lines can only turn out 60,000 units per month in total.
