Windows 10 VR: Difference between revisions

Windows 10 has received new virtual reality capabilities with the Windows 10 Creators Update. With this Windows update, Microsoft joins the list of technology companies that are invested in the virtual reality (VR) business. It allows for a device manufacturer to build a VR headset powered by Windows 10. Microsoft announced that companies like HP Inc, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, and ASUS would produce VR headsets based on the new Windows 10 feature <ref name=”1”> Vanian, J. (2016). Here’s how Microsoft is bringing virtual reality to Windows 10. Retrieved from http://fortune.com/2016/10/26/microsoft-virtual-reality-business/</ref> <ref name=”2”> Griliopolous, D. (2016). What Windows 10 means for VR and AR. Retrieved from http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/what-windows-10-means-for-vr-and-ar-1317919</ref>.

3D and virtual reality are at the heart of Microsoft’s plans for Windows 10, as the date of release of several low-cost VR headsets - designed to run the flagship OS - comes closer. Furthermore, these headsets will be capable of producing what Microsoft is calling ‘Mixed Reality’ experiences, in which the headsets can display both the physical and digital world, and intermix the two for user interaction <ref name=”1”></ref> <ref name=”3”> Heath, N. (2016). Next spring, Microsoft will be releasing Windows 10 Creators Update, a 3D-focused revamp for its flagship OS. Retrieved from http://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-10-to-get-3d-makeover-for-new-299-vrar-headsets/</ref>.

These Windows 10 VR headsets will arrive in 2017 and contain built-in sensors to enable inside-out, six-degrees of freedom for simplified setup. It also allows the user to more easily move around has he experiences the virtual worlds. The devices will sell for $300 and unlike other VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift, they will work with affordable laptops and PCs <ref name=”1”></ref> <ref name=”3”></ref>.

A powerful VR headset like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive requires powerful computers that are generally more expensive than what the average consumer would spend. Not only that, but the headsets themselves are expensive - something that can limit the market for virtual reality. The technology hasn’t been widely adopted yet and it is still a novelty rather than a mainstay. Therefore, to expand the VR market to the average consumer, Microsoft is investing in low-cost VR headsets powered by Windows 10 <ref name=”1”></ref> <ref name=”4”> Estes, A. D. (2016). Microsoft wants to make VR cheap and easy with Windows 10. Retrieved from http://gizmodo.com/microsoft-wants-to-make-vr-cheap-and-easy-with-windows-1788234777</ref> <ref name=”5”> Fuscaldo, D. (2017). Microsoft to include augmented reality in Windows 10 (MSFT). Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/news/microsoft-include-augmented-reality-windows-10-msft/</ref>.

Some of the possible uses for VR and augmented reality (AR) headsets running Windows 10 were demonstrated during a Microsoft event in New York, in October of 2016. At the event, the company’s AR headset HoloLens was used to display Microsoft’s Edge browser. One of the forthcoming Windows 10 VR headsets was also shown and used to demonstrate a virtual space with virtual shelves stocked with apps and 3D models. The Edge browser appeared as a large window in this view (Figure 1). The last demonstration was Holotour, which is an interactive tourism site that allows various locations to be visited in VR <ref name=”3”></ref>.

The headsets will work with Cortana, allowing the users to give commands or interact with content. Initially, they will support nine languages but more will be added. Other Windows 10 apps will be compatible with the headsets, like Skype. With the Creators Update, a “Movie and TV app” with 360-degree videos that can be viewed on the VR headset is available. The Edge Browser also has VR support, based on the WebVR standard. Besides all of this, Microsoft is also porting some HoloLens apps to the VR headsets <ref name=”8”></ref>.

Before the headsets are available to the public at the end of 2017, they will be available to developers in order to write and test applications based on the Windows VR platform <ref name=”8”></ref>. Acer is one of the companies that partnered with Microsoft to create its line of the VR head-mounted displays and is one of the first to have a prototype for testing - the Acer's Windows 10 Headset <ref name=”9”></ref>.

To complement the headsets, there will be motion controllers available - the Windows Mixed Reality Motion Controllers <ref name=”11”> Hills-Duty, R. (2017). Pre-orders for Windows 10 VR development kits available. Retrieved from https://www.vrfocus.com/2017/05/pre-orders-for-windows-10-vr-development-kits-available</ref>.