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{{Stub}}
{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image=[[File:Acervrheadset.png|350px]]
|image=[[File:Acervrheadset.png|250px]]
|VR/AR= [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR= [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type= [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type= [[Head-mounted display]]
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|Resolution= 2880 x 1440 (1440 x 1440 per eye)
|Resolution= 2880 x 1440 (1440 x 1440 per eye)
|Pixel Density= 706 ppi
|Pixel Density= 706 ppi
|Refresh Rate= 90Hz
|Refresh Rate= 90Hz <ref>VRcompare. Acer AH101 Specs. Retrieved from https://vr-compare.com/headset/acerah101</ref>
|Field of View= 95 Degree Horizontal
|Field of View= 95 Degree Horizontal
|Optics= [[Fresnel lenses]]
|Optics= [[Fresnel lenses]]
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|Website= https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/series/wmr
|Website= https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/series/wmr
}}
}}
== Introduction ==
The [[Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset]] is one of the first [[head-mounted display|head-mounted displays]] (HMDs) developed in partnership with [[Microsoft]] for Windows Mixed Reality. It is part of a new line of [[virtual reality]] (VR) headsets for the [[Windows 10 VR]], and one of the first to have a prototype ready for testing. The [[VR Headsets|VR headset]] takes advantage of the [[VR]] and [[augmented reality]] (AR) capabilities provided by the [[Windows 10 Creators Update]].
The [[Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset]] is one of the first [[head-mounted display|head-mounted displays]] (HMDs) developed in partnership with [[Microsoft]] for this company’s flagship operating system (OS). It is part of a new line of [[virtual reality]] (VR) headsets for the [[Windows 10 VR]], and one of the first to have a prototype ready for testing. The [[VR Headsets|VR headset]] takes advantage of the [[VR]] and [[augmented reality]] (AR) capabilities provided by the [[Windows 10 Creators Update]].
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Microsoft refers to this range of headsets as [[mixed reality]] (MR). The mixed reality headset targets developers and VR/AR enthusiasts. It creates a virtual space where the user can interact with the OS by, for example, projecting Windows apps on the wall or in the middle of thin air.
Microsoft refers to this new range of headsets as [[mixed reality]] (MR), blurring the boundary between AR and VR. The mixed reality headset targets developers and VR/AR enthusiasts. It creates a virtual space where the user can interact with the OS by, for example, projecting Windows apps on the wall or in the middle of thin air.


Acer’s VR headset uses positioning technology from the [[HoloLens]] project, avoiding the necessity of external infrared illuminators. Indeed, one of the core reasons for Microsoft to introduce its mixed reality headsets is the complexity of setting up virtual reality hardware, which could deter its adoption for some users. Microsoft aims to simplify the setup process - Acer’s headset is designed to be simply plug-and-play - and deliver virtual experiences to users in an affordable manner.
Acer’s VR headset uses positioning technology from the [[HoloLens]] project, avoiding the necessity of external infrared illuminators. Indeed, one of the core reasons for Microsoft to introduce its mixed reality headsets is the complexity of setting up virtual reality hardware, which could deter its adoption for some users. Microsoft aims to simplify the setup process - Acer’s headset is designed to be simply plug-and-play - and deliver virtual experiences to users in an affordable manner.
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The headset also comes bundled with two motion controllers for $399. This means that Acer VR headset costs the same as the more advanced Oculus Rift.
The headset also comes bundled with two motion controllers for $399. This means that Acer VR headset costs the same as the more advanced Oculus Rift.
 
 
Its model number is '''AH101''' or '''AH101-D8EY'''.
 
== Features ==
== Features ==
Moving away from [[infrared tracking]] [[positional tracking]] technology that involves wall hacking or placing trackers on a crowded desk, The Acer Mixed Reality headset is built upon the evolution of Hololens [[inside-out tracking]] technology.  
Moving away from [[infrared tracking]] [[positional tracking]] technology that involves wall hacking or placing trackers on a crowded desk, The Acer Mixed Reality headset is built upon the evolution of Hololens [[inside-out tracking]] technology.  
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== Software ==
== Software ==
The Acer Windows 10 Mixed Reality Headset requires the Windows 10 Creator Update to function.
The Acer Windows 10 Mixed Reality Headset requires the Windows 10 Creators Update to function.
 
== Apps ==
== Apps ==
The Acer Windows 10 Mixed Reality Headset allows basically any apps on Windows 10 Creator Update to run. As of November 2017, selected VR software from Valve´s Steam VR catalog will be available.
The Acer Windows 10 Mixed Reality Headset allows basically any apps on Windows 10 Creator Update to run. As of November 2017, selected VR software from Valve´s Steam VR catalog will be available.
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While the Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset does not break into ‘next-gent’ territory, it could become an entry-level device for VR since the minimal requirements are lower than high-end VR headsets. On the other side, the Oculus Rift costs the same as the Acer Windows HMD and has an advantage over content currently available.
While the Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset does not break into ‘next-gent’ territory, it could become an entry-level device for VR since the minimal requirements are lower than high-end VR headsets. On the other side, the Oculus Rift costs the same as the Acer Windows HMD and has an advantage over content currently available.
Below, the main characteristics of the hardware are evaluated regarding pros and cons.


===Display===
===Display===
'''Pros''' - Acer’s VR headset has a display resolution of 1,440 x 1,440 per-eye and a field of view of around 100 degrees. The image quality is considered good with a noticeable increase in sharpness compared to the Rift and HTC Vive.
Acer’s VR headset has a display resolution of 1,440 x 1,440 per-eye and a field of view of about 100 degrees. The image quality is sharper compared to the [[Rift CV1]] and [[HTC Vive]].


'''Cons''' - The ‘screen door effect’ is still visible, although reduced. This could be the result of using an LCD display that “in some ways has a more uniform screen door structure than the PenTile subpixel layout of the Rift and Vive.” However, the lack of inconsistencies in color and brightness from one pixel to the next - known as mura - results in a reasonable step up in clarity. Also, quick head movements when combined with high-contrast scene elements reveal a bit of ghosting effect, although this is not particularly noticeable unless one looks for it.
The ‘screen door effect’ is visible. However, the lack of inconsistencies in color and brightness from one pixel to the next - known as mura - results in a reasonable step up in clarity. Also, quick head movements when combined with high-contrast scene elements reveal a bit of ghosting effect, although this is not particularly noticeable unless one looks for it.


The Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset display uses Fresnel lenses with medium grit ridges that are between the ones used in the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. In high contrast scenes, god ray artifacts can be seen.
The Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset display uses Fresnel lenses with medium grit ridges that are between the ones used in the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. In high contrast scenes, god ray artifacts can be seen.
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'''Cons''' - The design of the Acer Windows headset and the materials used give it more of a toy feeling instead of being a premium product. Also, It can be difficult to keep the eyes in the sweet spot of the lenses. Due to the weight of the headset’s cord, sometimes the device goes off-balance to the right side, needing adjustment and tightening of the headstrap.
'''Cons''' - The design of the Acer Windows headset and the materials used give it more of a toy feeling instead of being a premium product. Also, It can be difficult to keep the eyes in the sweet spot of the lenses. Due to the weight of the headset’s cord, sometimes the device goes off-balance to the right side, needing adjustment and tightening of the headstrap.
===Headphones===
'''Cons''' - There is no integrated headphones. The user will need to plug a 3.5 mm headphones or use a wireless pair. With the cord being positioned on the right side of the Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset, this could interfere with larger headphones. Earbuds might be the better option for the Acer Windows VR headset.


===Visor===
===Visor===
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== References ==
== References ==
{{Creative Commons text attribution notice|cc=zero|url=https://www.xvrwiki.org/wiki/Acer_Windows_Mixed_Reality_Headset}}
* http://sea.pcmag.com/consumer-electronics-reviews-ratings-comparisons/15364/news/hands-on-acers-windows-10-mixed-reality-headset
* http://sea.pcmag.com/consumer-electronics-reviews-ratings-comparisons/15364/news/hands-on-acers-windows-10-mixed-reality-headset
* https://www.vrfocus.com/2017/04/acer-reveal-upcoming-windows-10-vr-headset/
* https://www.vrfocus.com/2017/04/acer-reveal-upcoming-windows-10-vr-headset/