As you already know, right now in Seattle is hosting the conference Microsoft Build 2017, in which the famous Corporation to share with the developers their plans for the near future. Among other things, Microsoft finally introduced the first two models of headsets that are part of an initiative Mixed Reality Initiative. The first will produce the HP, and the second is Acer. We hasten to share with you the first details of these devices.
Microsoft prefers not to use the phrase “virtual reality”, instead using the definition of “mixed reality”. All because of the new philosophy of the company aims to combine in one device the possibility to enjoy both the benefits of virtual reality and the possibilities of augmented reality. Head of the technical Department of the company Alex Kipman (the same one that not so long ago, “buried” smartphones), at the time, created the Kinect and HoloLens helmet, insists that the company will eventually be able to blur the line between VR and AR. While Microsoft itself, the production of iron do not fundamentally want, providing that right to third parties.
Headset manufacturing company uses two HP LCD-display (note – not OLED) with a resolution of 1440 by 1440 pixels each. Diagonal displays is equal to 2.89 inches. The fastening system is similar to PlayStation VR: you fixed on the head rim to the front upper part of which is mounted an optical-display part. The angular horizontal overview is 95 degrees. The picture on the display is updated with a frequency of 90 frames per second. Headset has a 3.5 mm audio Jack with microphone support. The device connects to the computer (or, obviously, to the future console game Project Scorpio) with a cable which combines HDMI and USB 3.0. The cable length is 4 meters with an extension cord, and 60 cm without it, for example, if you work in the vicinity of the source.
Headset Acer technical characteristics of duplicate HP product, except with the difference that the cable from the headset will be one-piece 4-meter, without any extensions. Both headsets are unique in that they use an internal system to track the position in space. What does it mean? You don’t need any external camera or laser sensors to allow the system to know exactly where your head is. Is it all thanks to two built-in headset cameras (or sensors?), located at the front part thereof. HP headset will cost $ 329, the Acer device will cost wishing to $ 299.
For completeness, Microsoft also announced their own branded controllers for interacting with a mixed reality. Their position in space is also tracked with built-in infrared emitters and cameras to the headset. Of the controls the controllers contain the analog stick, triggers, trigger, couple of buttons and a round touch surface. The cost of the controllers is not reported, however, a bundle of a pair of controllers and headset Acer will cost you only $ 399.
Microsoft admits that in the very near future will also announced a mixed-reality headsets from other manufacturers. As for the gaming component of the initiative of the American Corporation, it becomes known to us very soon – at the upcoming E3 2017. There will be announced new games for consoles and, most likely, for Microsoft. We remind you that this exhibition will be held in mid June.
Microsoft introduced two models of mixed-reality headsets
Sergey Grey