Windows Mixed Reality Overview

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Escape into the most amazing immersive experiences, right in your own home. With a compatible PC, just add a headset and motion controllers*

Get to know Windows Mixed Reality

 

 

Escape into amazing experiences with Windows Mixed Reality, combining the thrill of VR with a phenomenal sense of presence.

 

Explore this interactive video to dive into the amazing world of Windows Mixed Reality. From experiences, to simplicity of setup, to movement and navigation, in a variety of devices.

 

Learn more about the Cliff House, a customizable home for your Windows Mixed Reality experience. It’s a virtual Windows Desktop where you can place your content and apps.


 

Windows Mixed Reality Headsets

Acer Windows Mixed Reality VR Headset with Controllers

  • 95-degree field-of view
  • integrated sensors track your location and capture your movements
  • 6 Degree of Freedom (6DoF) positional tracking includes forward/back, up/down, left/right, pitch, yaw, roll
  • Just lift the visor to interact with the real world without removing the headset

HP Windows Mixed Reality VR Headset with Controllers

  • 95-degree field of view
  • requires no external sensors and no additional software
  • 6 Degree of Freedom (6DoF) positional tracking
  • doubled-padded headband, easy adjustment knob, and front-hinged display

 

Windows Mixed Reality PC Check

Do a quick check of your PC to find out if its ready for Windows Mixed Reality.


FAQs

    1. What is virtual reality (VR)? VR is a computer technology that uses Virtual Reality headsets to generate realistic images, sounds and other sensations in a virtual or imaginary environment. You can “look around” the artificial world, and sometimes move and interact with virtual features.
    2. What is mixed reality (MR)? Unlike VR, in which the viewer experiences a purely imaginary (virtual) environment, mixed reality involves a blending of the physical world with the digital world. It covers a spectrum of experiences across both holographic and immersive devices, like VR/MR headsets.
    3. What is Windows Mixed Reality?Windows Mixed Reality combines the thrill of VR with a phenomenal sense of presence, so it feels like you’re inside a world of wonder. All you need to get started is an immersive headset plugged into a compatible Windows 10 PC.
    4. Why Windows Mixed Reality over other VR devices?
      a. Windows Mixed Reality PCs and headsets are easier to set-up (10 minutes or less1), affordable, and easier to take to another house or room because no external installation is needed.
      b. Inside-out tracking is built into Windows Mixed Reality headsets give you thrilling VR experiences plus precise movement with no need to install external sensors on your walls.
      c. Windows Mixed Reality gives you a virtual home as a “start menu”, designed to help you launch both 2D and 3D experiences.
      d. Windows Mixed Reality headsets feature multiple designs, weigh less than other devices, and feature flip-up goggles.
    5. How old must you be to experience Windows Mixed Reality? There is no age limit on Windows Mixed Reality, however, many manufacturers recommend a minimum age of 12-13 years old.
    6. Can Windows Mixed Reality headsets be used by people with glasses? Yes, headsets can be used by people wearing distance viewing glasses (the ones that people wear to have good vision when driving or for distance viewing). Headsets are focused at a distance that is further away, so the experience might not be optimal for those wearing up-close viewing glasses (reading glasses are for designed for focus at ‘less than 10 feet to infinity’).

 

1 Based on average time between plugging in a Windows Mixed Reality headset to a compatible PC and the start of the Windows Mixed Reality experience. Additional time may be required to update your PC to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

 


 

*Windows Mixed Reality requires a compatible Windows 10 PC and headset, plus the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update; Based on average time between plugging in a Windows Mixed Reality headset to a compatible PC and the start of the Windows Mixed Reality experience. Additional time may be required to update your PC to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Learn more at www.windows.com/mixedreality.

To experience sound, including a Skype audio or video call, Cortana and voice dictation, compatible mic-enabled headphones with 3.5mm jack (USB won’t be able to connect to headset) have to be attached plugged in to the audio jack on the HMD. Consumers may find compatible headphones by looking for the Cortana badge or Circle icon on product packaging and websites.

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9 COMMENTS

  1. Given that the controllers for Windows Mixed Reality are being tracked by the headset, it is surprising that in most cases it works just fine. Didn’t expect that.

  2. Thank you for the answer Martin. I also see it has very limited availability in Canada so I’ll wait a bit and see. My preference is to buy from you guys if possible.

    I’m going to have to return my loaner VR headset eventually and I can’t play racing simulators on a monitor anymore so I hope you come through. VR has ruined me!

  3. Disappointed for the demo. Attempted 4 different days at 4 different times that were scheduled but the rep was not present although all 4 times were within the times the demo was suppose to be going on. When I asked the blue shirts, no one could give an answer to when the rep will be back. Wondering if there actually was a demo?

    • Hi Ed,

      I checked with the computing team at Best Buy’s head office and they said that Microsoft will continue the demo until March 1, 2018. Currently it has the same demo schedule as before:

      Friday: 3pm-9pm
      Saturday: 12pm-6pm
      Sunday: 11am-5pm

      Please take a look at this link to check which store is available for demo.

      I hope that helps,

      Martin

  4. When do you expect to add additional Windows Mixed Reality headsets? In particular, I’m interested in the Samsung Odyssey HMD that is listed on your US site, but not yet available on BestBuy.ca.

    • Hi Obi,

      I checked with the computing team at Best Buy’s head office and they said that they do not have plans to add any additional types of headsets at this time mainly because there is little functional difference between the other makes and the ones currently available at Best Buy.

      best regards,
      Martin

      • Thanks for the response Martin. Any hope they’ll reconsider? There’s a pretty significant difference in that the Samsung Odyssey is the only WMR headset with physical IPD adjustments. All the other headsets assume a 63-64 mm pupil spacing and mine is 67 as measured by my optometrist. I found it difficult to get a clear image with the HP unit I demoed at one of your stores. This is also putting aside the fact that the Samsung has a higher resolution than all the other WMR headsets which I consider a pretty significant functional difference!

        I’ve made up my mind that I want to go with the Samsung so it’s just a matter of whether or not I can get it from Best Buy Canada or must purchase it elsewhere. I didn’t consider the Acer unit as it felt too flimsy for the asking price and has the same IPD issue as the HP headset.

        Thanks again for your time. Much appreciated as your store staff’s knowledge is a bit limited when it comes to inventory decisions.

        • Hi Obi,

          I’m happy to help with any questions and since I am at head office I can usually find the right person with the answers fairly quickly. I have sent your request to the team working on WMR.

          Have a great day,
          Martin

          • Actually I received a very fast response to your question about the Samsung Odyssey. I was told that Samsung has not made it available to the Canadian market yet. The team here assured me that when it does become available they will review the product and make a decision about bringing it in at that time.

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