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As virtual and augmented reality technologies are evolving, tech giants are shifting their focus towards developing hybrid headsets that offer both experiences. Just a few days back, reports of Apple working on a hybrid AR/VR headset emerged.
According to the latest reports from Korea Times, another tech giant and arch Apple rival, Samsung, is spreading its wings in the AR/VR market. The company is planning to launch a hybrid AR/VR headset in collaboration with Microsoft.
Samsung and Microsoft already partnered up earlier last year when the Seoul-based tech giant announced its Odyssey PC VR Headset would be powered by Windows ‘Mixed-Reality’.
Samsung’s Wireless and Hybrid AR/VR Headset
Image: Samsung
Although Microsoft’s tagline of “Mixed-Reality” encompasses a wide range of products, so far the manufacturers have only been able to deliver high-end headsets with majority virtual reality functionalities and no appreciable AR capabilities. A Samsung executive told Korea Times that the company will overcome this issue in their next headset product featuring both AR and VR capabilities equally.
This hybrid AR/VR headset will be coming with complete wireless and standalone functionalities and is said to be powered by Microsoft’s ‘Mixed-Reality’ platform. The Samsung official also said that the company will be using its own hardware from displays to sensors and has clearly asked Microsoft to use Samsung-fabricated processors for its Windows Mixed Reality and Windows Mixed Reality Ultra.
The official spokesman said “Samsung Electronics is working on developing cordless and high-priced headsets supporting both VR and AR. Definitely, Samsung plans to use in-house application processors, OLED displays and sensors. But more importantly, Microsoft has lowered its demand for royalties as it is taking a multi-pronged approach to delivering a rich ecosystem of games and applications that will entice users.”
He further added “VR was once tapped as the next hot technology. However, despite sizable investment in it, the technology failed to resonate with consumers. Now, Samsung thinks the mixed reality market is a bit more promising than VR or AR in wider usability and adaptability. As we achieved in the ‘phoneblet’ market, Samsung has stronger intent in the consumer market with the firm’s new devices supporting mixed reality technology.”
Samsung plans to unveil its hybrid AR/VR headset later this year in August during the IFA technology fair in Berlin. The standalone AR/VR headset will allow users to get access to their favorite VR Porn anytime and anywhere on-the-go.
what about the AR that microsoft was building?