All Mode
It seems that the next few months are really going to be quite exciting for virtual reality. Microsoft’s plans for its foray into the virtual and mixed reality platform are slowly coming to fruition. Recently, the company made some major announcements pertaining to the development of its mixed reality platform. Also, Dell announced it will be launching its Windows-based mixed reality headset next month in October.
Now, other partners – Asus and Lenovo – have come forward and revealed more official details regarding their Windows-based mixed reality headsets.
‘Lenovo Explorer’ Mixed Reality Headset
Image Credit: Lenovo
Back at the CES expo earlier this year, Lenovo gave us the first glimpses of its Mixed Reality headset. The company has now given an official name to this headset as Lenovo Explorer. The company has confirmed that Lenovo Explorer arrives in October at a price of $349.
However, buying the complete bundle at $449, which comes with the Windows Mixed Reality Controllers, makes a lot more sense as it gives users access to a broader and immersive experience. The Lenovo Explorer headset comes with built-in camera sensors which pair directly with the controllers and delivers 6-DoF inside-put positional tracking capabilities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7qp_44hnFQ
Lenovo has confirmed that the Explorer headset will come with support for more than 100 apps and games on the day of launch. Additionally, users can also use the Xbox Controllers to play games and can use Microsoft Office to set-up their own virtual office environment. The Explorer will also have support for Microsoft’s Cortana Digital Assistant.
Other specs of the Lenovo Explorer are similar to all other Windows Mixed Reality headsets. This means it will have 1440 x 1440 pixel resolution for each eye and 2.89″ diagonal display size so that you are going to have a great time watching all your VR porn videos. The display will have a refresh rate of 90Hz and 95-degree horizontal FOV. Additional features include built-in audio, 3.5mm audio jack support, inside-out tracking and HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity.
Take a short tour of all the things you can do with the Lenovo Explorer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUBJGr4ooJE
Asus Mixed Reality Headset
Image Credit: Asus
The Asus Mixed Reality headset is unique in that it hosts a 3D polygonal pattern on the front visor itself. For the wearer’s convenience, the visor can be flipped-up to easily switch between virtual and real worlds. The ergonomics of the Asus VR headset are designed quite beautifully and fits comfortably on the face weighing less than 400g.
Moreover, the design engineers at Asus have made sure that proper air circulation and ventilation is maintained for hour-long operation. The headset also packs breathable materials to keep the skin cooler and also makes use of quick-drying and anti-bacterial surfaces that keep the device hygienic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=ZwxloWy2wTo
Being a Windows-based mixed reality headset, all other technical specs are similar to the Lenovo Explorer as above. The retail price of Asus mixed reality headsets is €449 EUR which is approximately $500 U.S.
A further fuel to this great news is that the Lenovo Explorer will be coming with integrated graphics and potentially won’t require any external graphics …. All these offering in the Windows 10 Mixed Reality headsets are really quite interesting and I just can wait for them to hit the market…
I am expecting something like google glass which does not block your eyes entirely. That would be a winner for me.