Updated April 3, 2023
Making sure your PC is WMR ready
- Operating System: Windows 10 May 2019 update or later
- CPU: Intel Core i5, i7, Intel Xenon E3-1240 v5, equivalent or better. AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent or better.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080, AMD Radeon RX 5700, equivalent or better
- Memory: 8 GB RAM or more
- USB: 1x USB 3.0 Type-C with power delivery or included power adapter [Note: USB 3.0 can be recognized by its blue color]
Note: If you have a Microsoft Hololens, 360 videos are not ideal because it only has a small window that is roughly 50 degrees in horizontal/vertical diameter.
Streaming
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- Launch Microsoft Edge, or Chrome.
- Go to VRPorn.com, choose a video, and press play.
- Select the VR mode icon
- Accept the prompt asking for permission to launch VR
- Put on your WMR headset and enjoy.
Disclaimer: If you are unable to stream VR video and you have Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR installed, you will need to uninstall it. Please use Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Portal instead.
Downloading
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- Open VRPorn.com on any browser
- Choose a video and download it.
- Max Quality videos (or anything above 4K), require the HEVC codecs. For the smoothest playback, we recommend purchasing the official Microsoft HEVC codecs. For a free, less performant alternative, we recommend the LAV Filters DirectShow codecs.
- Install Steam and SteamVR
- Sign up for and Install Steam (A PC gaming platform)
- Log in to Steam and install SteamVR
- Play in the PLAY’A app.
- Using Steam, install PLAY’A VR Video Player (Free)
- Run PLAY’A from your Steam Library
- Put on your WMR headset
- Navigate to the downloaded video by selecting “local files” using the bottom menu. Then use the shortcuts on the left to quickly find the download location. Once you find the video, all you have to do is select it. (See the image below).
- You may need to change the video layout using the settings (gear) at the bottom right of the video controls. To bring up the video controls, press the controller’s trigger after selecting a video. Most videos are designed to be viewed as 3D and 180 SBS. (See image below).
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‘PLAY’A Directory
PLAY’A Settings
Alternate Video Players
All WMR headsets can access Steam’s large selection of VR video players. If Play’a isn’t for you, there are still a healthy amount of alternative options. However, if you’re having a hard time choosing yourself, here are some favorites among VR fans.
For those looking for a more general-purpose VR media viewer, Whirligig Media Player is a great choice. It is one of the few VR video players that supports VR images (png and jpg) alongside standard video formats. If it had one weakness, it would be a confusing UI, but it’s still the most customizable option. Whirligig is also one of the cheaper video apps, going for $3.99 USD on Steam.
For a more premium experience, SkyBox VR is one of the best-performing VR video players. If you ever find yourself experiencing difficulty with a video, it’s usually a good idea to give SkyBox a shot. With the free edition retired, the upgraded Skybox VR now costs $14.99 USD on Steam
WMR’s Latest and Greatest: The HP Reverb G2
Windows Mixed Reality has come a long way since 2017. The recently released HP Reverb G2 offers one of the best visual experiences of any consumer VR headset. The screen door effect that plagues most other headsets is virtually non-existent, allowing users to enjoy small details that would otherwise appear blurred.
Unfortunately, the HP Reverb G2 is notorious for its poor out-of-box controller tracking compared to its competitors. However, some VR enthusiasts looking to circumvent the controller issues found an expensive workaround. Syncing the Reverb G2 with Valve Index controllers and base stations results in easily the best consumer PC VR experience money can buy.
Despite the poor controller tracking, the HP Reverb G2 has managed to find its niche. The VR headset is unmatched in experiences where controller tracking takes a backseat to visual immersion. Racing games, flight simulators, and, of course, porn are all outstanding on the new HP Reverb G2.
More About Windows Mixed Reality
In August 2017, the first Windows Mixed Reality headsets hit the market. The first of which were from HP and Acer. Running $329 and $299 respectively, these new dev kit headsets were among the first Microsoft virtual reality headsets to compete with the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive.
Microsoft calls them “Mixed Reality Headsets.” This is all part of their new marketing platform, however, they are virtually indistinguishable in technology and software features from other virtual reality headsets already on the market. They are able to play virtual reality games, videos, apps, and virtual reality porn!
tryagain2022 says
I second the SkyboxVR suggestion. It’s worth the few bucks.
chazinpuzzy says
Easy peasy!
MUCHANCE982 says
I believe this is the future and it needs to be simlified and should work in standalone mode
shaplarehena says
I am really happy to join with u