Project Scorpio And Xbox One To Welcome Mixed Reality Headsets In 2018
Microsoft has been promising to bring mixed reality experiences to Windows 10 with the Creators Update scheduled for this Spring, along with a spattering of lower-cost headsets starting at $299 from the likes of Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. But what about its Xbox One game system? Microsoft confirmed this week that mixed reality experiences will also find their way to the Xbox One and, later, Project Scorpio.
Details are light in this regard, so we'll have to wait to find out more details. In the meantime, Microsoft announced a developer edition mixed reality headset created in partnership with Acer. Microsoft made the announcement at this year's Game Developers Conference. Every game developer that attended the event will receive an Acer developer edition headset sometime in the coming months.
It is not clear when and if this particular model will trickle down into the consumer space, or if Acer will release something different for home users. Either way, here is a look at the specs:
Users will be able to interact with Windows 10 in a number of different ways using mixed reality. While much of the experiences teased to this point have focused on virtual home offices and productivity chores, the press image of Acer's snazzy looking headset connected to a Predator laptop suggests that gaming is very much a focus here as well.
One thing that separates these mixed reality headsets from the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive is the use of inside-out tracking technology. This allows headsets to track user movements without the use of external cameras or motion control sensors. That means a greater range of movement and less clutter in the home. It also helps reduce costs since there is less hardware involved.
Microsoft is encouraging game developers interested in building mixed reality content for Windows to sign up at ID@Xbox.com.
Details are light in this regard, so we'll have to wait to find out more details. In the meantime, Microsoft announced a developer edition mixed reality headset created in partnership with Acer. Microsoft made the announcement at this year's Game Developers Conference. Every game developer that attended the event will receive an Acer developer edition headset sometime in the coming months.
It is not clear when and if this particular model will trickle down into the consumer space, or if Acer will release something different for home users. Either way, here is a look at the specs:
- Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440x1440
- Display refresh rate up to 90Hz (native)
- Built-in audio out and microphone support through 3.5mm jack
- Single cable with HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity
Users will be able to interact with Windows 10 in a number of different ways using mixed reality. While much of the experiences teased to this point have focused on virtual home offices and productivity chores, the press image of Acer's snazzy looking headset connected to a Predator laptop suggests that gaming is very much a focus here as well.
One thing that separates these mixed reality headsets from the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive is the use of inside-out tracking technology. This allows headsets to track user movements without the use of external cameras or motion control sensors. That means a greater range of movement and less clutter in the home. It also helps reduce costs since there is less hardware involved.
Microsoft is encouraging game developers interested in building mixed reality content for Windows to sign up at ID@Xbox.com.
