Microsoft

The controllers don’t feel nearly as nice to hold as Oculus Touch, however. They include similar features to Touch: each has a home and menu button, a front trigger, a lower “grip” trigger, and an analog stick. (Microsoft’s design also adds a trackpad right beside the stick.) But the shape felt a little too big for my hand, and the Windows button placement was low enough that I had to hunt for it, although I’m sure I’d get used to that with frequent use. Manufacturing partners could tweak the design, but I’m not confident that will make it much better, since the Acer headset I used was distinctly uncomfortable as well. … [Read more...] about Microsoft’s Mixed Reality controllers work like Oculus Touch — without the cameras

While relatively little is known about the headsets, the six-degree-of-freedom tracking system sounds similar to Oculus’ Santa Cruz prototype, which also includes inside-out tracking. They are distinct from Microsoft HoloLens, an augmented or “mixed” reality headset that projects virtual objects into the real world. While the headsets don’t need external trackers, the one we saw on stage today still looks to be wired, not totally self-contained like Santa Cruz. … [Read more...] about Microsoft announces new VR headsets for Windows 10, starting at $299

Microsoft is opening preorders today for the first Windows Mixed Reality development kits. The virtual reality headsets from HP and Acer are supposed to ship this summer, and can be found in the Microsoft Store. Acer’s kit will cost $299, while HP’s version — seen above — will sell for $329. … [Read more...] about Microsoft’s first VR development kits are available for preorder, will ship this summer

Lenovo is also creating its own Mixed Reality headset that Microsoft describes as “incredibly affordable” without providing exact pricing. Lenovo’s headset includes built-in sensors for inside-out tracking, and a rather basic design. Lenovo’s headset will also debut later this year, alongside others from Acer, HP, and Dell. … [Read more...] about Microsoft reveals Dell and Asus Windows Mixed Reality headsets

Next week, Microsoft is having an event in San Francisco. The official purpose of this event is to show off "what's next for Windows and the enterprise." That's a little vague; it could mean a new version of Windows, or a new update, or anything in between. But Alain Crozier, president of Microsoft France, told employees earlier this week that Windows 9 was going to be shown off at the event, as spotted by ZDNet France. … [Read more...] about Microsoft mistakenly affirms that Windows 9 will be revealed next week