#IFA2017 – Microsoft today said that it’s has been working with its partners, including Steam, to “democratize” virtual reality this holiday season. Last year, the company took a big step towards this when it announced that some of the world’s largest PC manufacturers were working with it on Windows Mixed Reality headsets. More details on the Windows Mixed Reality headsets will be shared by Microsoft at IFA 2017 later this week.
One of the company’s goals is to eliminate the need for cumbersome setups that existing high-end VR headsets with external cameras require. The upcoming Windows Mixed Reality headsets will be the first to power VR experience with built-in sensors to track the user’s physical position without needing them to purchase and install external sensors in their room.
Many of Microsoft’s hardware partners including Acer, Lenovo, and HP are going to release a variety of Windows Mixed Reality headsets this holiday season with headset and motion controller bundles starting as low as $399. They will be compatible with new PC models that will start at $499.
The Windows Mixed Reality PCs will consist of desktops and laptops with integrated graphics. The headsets will run at 60 frames per second when plugged into these PCs. The Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PCs will also consist of desktops and laptops but with discrete graphics. Headsets will run at 90 fps when plugged into these machines.
Microsoft has also confirmed today that Steam content is going to run on Windows Mixed Reality headsets as well. 343 Industries is working to bring future Halo experiences to mixed reality.
The company will talk more about its mixed reality initiatives at IFA 2017 in Berlin this week.