Windows 10 VR: Difference between revisions - VR & AR Wiki - Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Wiki

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==Windows 10 VR headsets==

Besides the low-cost of the Windows 10 VR headsets (Figure 2), another characteristic that distinguishes them from other headsets like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive is the inside-out tracking sensors that obviate the need for external cameras or other tracking systems <ref name=”7”> Robertson, A. (2016). Microsoft announces new VR headsets for Windows 10, starting at $299. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/26/13418156/microsoft-windows-10-holographic-virtual-reality-headset-announced-price</ref>. Furthermore, these headsets need to be tethered to PCs, which provide the computing power and contrasting with the HoloLens, which is a full-blown computer in a headset <ref name=”8”> Shah, A. (2017). Microsoft's first tethered Windows 10 VR headsets to ship in March. Retrieved from http://www.pcworld.com/article/3158222/virtual-reality/microsofts-first-tethered-windows-10-vr-headsets-to-ship-in-march.html</ref>. The simplicity of the plug-and-play in the new headsets could help it being adopted by the general audience since there is no need to set up multiple cameras, trackers, and wires <ref name=”9”> Hills-Duty, R. (2017). Acer reveal upcoming Windows 10 VR headset. Retrieved from https://www.vrfocus.com/2017/04/acer-reveal-upcoming-windows-10-vr-headset/</ref>.

Besides the low-cost of the Windows 10 VR headsets (Figure 2), another characteristic that distinguishes them from other headsets like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive is the [[inside-out tracking]] sensors that obviate the need for external cameras or other tracking systems <ref name=”7”> Robertson, A. (2016). Microsoft announces new VR headsets for Windows 10, starting at $299. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/26/13418156/microsoft-windows-10-holographic-virtual-reality-headset-announced-price</ref>. Furthermore, these headsets need to be tethered to PCs, which provide the computing power and contrasting with the [[HoloLens]], which is a full-blown computer in a headset <ref name=”8”> Shah, A. (2017). Microsoft's first tethered Windows 10 VR headsets to ship in March. Retrieved from http://www.pcworld.com/article/3158222/virtual-reality/microsofts-first-tethered-windows-10-vr-headsets-to-ship-in-march.html</ref>. The simplicity of the plug-and-play in the new headsets could help it being adopted by the general audience since there is no need to set up multiple cameras, trackers, and wires <ref name=”9”> Hills-Duty, R. (2017). Acer reveal upcoming Windows 10 VR headset. Retrieved from https://www.vrfocus.com/2017/04/acer-reveal-upcoming-windows-10-vr-headset/</ref>.

Microsoft announced that the VR headsets are “Capable of mixed reality with the Windows 10 Creators Update.” The front cameras could possibly provide a live feed of the real world, with virtual imagery embedded on an overlay, something analogous to how Pokémon Go works on phones <ref name=”10”> Parrish, K. (2016). Windows 10 Creators Update bundles VR and AR, partner headsets start at $300. Retrieved from https://www.digitaltrends.com/virtual-reality/windows-10-creators-update-vr-ar-headsets-spring-2017/</ref>.

Microsoft announced that the VR headsets are “Capable of mixed reality with the Windows 10 Creators Update.” The front cameras could possibly provide a live feed of the real world, with virtual imagery embedded on an overlay, something analogous to how [[Pokémon Go]] works on phones <ref name=”10”> Parrish, K. (2016). Windows 10 Creators Update bundles VR and AR, partner headsets start at $300. Retrieved from https://www.digitaltrends.com/virtual-reality/windows-10-creators-update-vr-ar-headsets-spring-2017/</ref>.

The Windows 10 VR headsets will be detected as soon as they are plugged into a Windows 10 PC. Drivers will also be installed automatically. Next, an area in which the users can play has to be set up, and the VR headset will scan and map the room, issuing a warning if the user steps out of the active area <ref name=”8”></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>.

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>.