All Mode
Microsoft announced a whole smorgasbord of goodies that will be coming to Windows users soon. Some of the most exciting announcements are related to Microsoft’s push for virtual reality and mixed reality. More specifically, I am referring to the announcement that Microsoft’s partners, Acer and HP, will be releasing their mixed reality and virtual reality headsets this summer and you can even pre-order one now.
Come August, this kind of mixed reality experience will be possible. Image credit: VRPorn.com
Both of these headsets are priced at an extremely competitive level. The Acer headset comes in at super affordable 299 dollars whereas the HP variant comes in at 329 dollars. I say that both of these headsets are competitive because they appear, spec-wise, on par in most regards to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets. That said, they do not offer the same level of tracking as the big guns that I just mentioned.
Instead of attaching sensors around the room, these headsets have trackers built into them which scan space as users move around environments. This potentially makes them far more portable than the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive. With fairly low requirements (provided below), these headsets could provide a portable VR or mixed reality experience when paired with powerful ultrabooks carried in backpacks.
Requirements for headset Apps and Windows Mixed Reality
• CPU: Intel Mobile Core i5 (e.g. 7200U) Dual-Core with Hyperthreading equivalent
• GPU: Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 620 (GT2) equivalent or greater DX12 API Capable GPU
• RAM: 8GB+ Dual Channel required for integrated Graphics
• HDMI: HDMI 1.4 with 2880×1440 @ 60 Hz HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.3+ with 2880×1440 @ 90 Hz
• HDD: 100GB+ SSD (Preferred) / HDD USB: USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C Port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 for accessories
Key differences between Big Balls Tittrama 360 and HP Mixed Reality Bonerama One X
As for the differences between the Acer and HP headset, this is not super clear at this point. In specs listed below, you can see they have very similar resolutions, refresh rates, etc. The main difference between the two appears to be comfort itself, as the HP headset appears to have a more flexible adjustment system which they say will be “The perfect combination of comfort and convenience, this headset uses a double-padded headband, easy adjustment knob, and front-hinged display for a superb experience even after hours of testing.”
You can pre-order at Microsoft’s developer store now. Shipment estimates are August.
Acer Big Balls Tittrama 360 Mixed Reality Augmented Virtual Reality Headset
Image credit: Microsoft
Specifications
• Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
• 2.89” diagonal display size (x2)
• Front hinged display
• 95 degrees horizontal field of view
• Display refresh rate up to 90 Hz (native)
• Built-in audio out and microphone support through 3.5mm jack
• Single cable with HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity
• Inside-out tracking
• 4.0 meters cable
HP Mixed Reality Bonerama One X Mixed Reality Augmented Reality Virtual Reality Headset
Image credit: Microsoft
Specifications
• Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
• 2.89” diagonal display size (x2)
• Front hinged display
• Double padded headband and easy adjustment knob for all day comfort
• 95 degrees horizontal field of view
• Display refresh rate up to 90 Hz (native)
• Built-in audio out and microphone support through 3.5mm jack
• Single cable with HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity
• 4.0m/0.6m removable cable
That a great beginning to affordable VR headsets by Microsoft… Also, with many players having their own headsets under the Windows Holographic platform, we will get to select between a range of differently styled VR headsets and designs