HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset
| HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted Display |
| Developer | HP |
| Release Date | October 17, 2017 |
| Price | $329 standlone, $449 with controllers |
| Website | http://store.hp.com/us/en/cv/mixed-reality-headset |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows 10 – Creators Update (Developer Mode enabled) |
| CPU | Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7 1700 (6 Core, 12 threads) |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 965Ml AMD Radeon RX 480M (2GB) equivalent or greater DX12 and WDDM 2.2 capable GPU (Laptop); NVIDIA® GTX 980/1060 AMD Radeon™ RX 480 (2GB) equivalent or greater DX12 and WDDM 2.2 capable GPU (Desktop) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | >10 GB additional free space (Both LAPTOP PC, DESKTOP PC) |
| Memory | 16GB or greater (Both LAPTOP PC, DESKTOP PC) |
| Display | |
| Display | 2.89" diagonal (x2) |
| Resolution | 1440x1440 per eye (2880x1440 combined) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz when paired to HDMI 2.0 port / 60Hz when paired to HDMI 1.4 port |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 95 degrees horizontal (Fresnel-Aspherical) |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6 degrees of freedom plus inside-out tracking |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Camera | 2 front-facing cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB |
| Device | |
| Weight | 834 grams |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and proximity sensor |
| Size | 338.84 mm (W) x 176.02 mm (L) x 127.76 mm (H) |
| Cable Length | 4.0 meter (Long) / 0.6 meters (short) |
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In October last year, Microsoft announced that it has partnered with tech giants like Acer, HP, Asus, Dell, and Lenovo, to create virtual reality headsets. The developer version of the HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset is ready, and developers can pre-order from the Microsoft Store.
Introducing the HP Windows MR Headset
The HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset isn’t the only hybrid reality headset that is soon to be released. Many other tech companies such as Acer, Lenovo, Dell, and Asus are also working along similar lines. Interestingly, there are many similarities between the three gadgets. That’s because, all three mixed reality headsets are being built using the same virtual reality and mixed reality software, with the same technical specifications, and based on the same reference design given by Microsoft.
The HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset is available for pre-order, but only for developers. Microsoft also provides the necessary tools for developers to create apps and games for the headset. The developer edition of the HP Windows MR Headset is available for $329.
Hardware
The HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset uses the double-padded headband design, instead of the three-way strap design, that most people are familiar. The headset is designed to ensure convenience and comfort. The headband design, foam pad on the segment that rests on the forehead, easy adjustment knob, and the hinge mechanism to hold the display component, offer the best immersive experience without straining the neck or head. The headset can be worn for many hours without pain or stress on the muscles.
The mixed reality headset comes with two 1440 x 1440 high-resolution displays. The biggest benefit of using the high-resolution display is that the risk of experiencing the screen door effect is quite minimal.
The HP Windows MR Headset costs slightly more than the Acer model. That’s because HP has made a few changes of its own to the standard design. The HP headband features a knob to adjust the grip of the headset. Furthermore, the HP Windows design offers increased nose space and head strap padding.
The HTC Vive and Oculus Rift – two of the best HMD headsets – use external sensors to capture the surrounding. On the other hand, the HP Windows MR Headset comes fitted with front-facing cameras. These embedded, room-sensing, cameras offer 6 degrees of freedom. Now, the users can move left, right, up, down, forward and back. HP Window offers truly immersive mixed reality experience using both positional and rotational (orientation) tracking.
Apps and Games
Many interesting concepts have seen premature deaths because there was not enough encouragement and incentive for their adoption. To encourage rapid adoption of this relatively new technology, the makers are planning to introduce numerous Windows Mixed Realty games and apps that can run on a wide range of HMD headsets and personal computers (PC).
Input Options
The HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset comes with a wide range of input options such as keyboards, mice, gamepads, and gaze, gestures, motion, and voice controller input options. The positional and rotational tracking features built-in the headset and motion controllers offer the users the freedom to give form to their imagination. Users can create the content they envision; the only limitation is the user’s imagination.
Development Kit
Microsoft’s Universal Windows Platform is a boon to the developers. Developing new apps and games has never been easier and simpler. With the necessary skill set and a single set of APIs that Microsoft offers, developers can create amazing apps and games in no time. To join the community of developers, access the developer tools, check the system recommendation, and read the documentation, developers can visit the Windows Dev Center.
Release Date and Cost
HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset is set for release in August 2017. For now, the mixed reality headset is meant only for developers. The consumer version isn’t far behind. Microsoft plans to roll out the consumer versions of the MR headset before the holiday season. The developer version of the HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset is priced at $329. It’s posted on the Microsoft website that the personal computer (PC) specifications for the headset given on the website might vary.
Technical Specifications
| Part | Spec |
|---|---|
| Display | 2 x High-resolution liquid crystal display (1440 x 1440) |
| Display Size | 2 x 2.89-inch diagonal display |
| Headset Design | Headband with front hinged display |
| Field of View (FOV) | 95 degrees FOV |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 90Hz |
| Audio (Output) | Built-in audio out feature |
| Audio (Input) | 3.5mm jack mic input |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0 for data connectivity and HDMI 2.0 for display connectivity |
| Cable Type | 4.00m/0.60m cable (removable) |
| Tracking Technology | Inside-out tracking |
Recommended System Requirements (for developers)
- Operating System: Windows 10 – Creator Update (Developer Mode enabled)
- Processor: Desktop: Intel Core i7 (6+ Core) or AMD Ryzen 7 1700 (8 Core, 16 threads) | Laptop: Intel Core i7 OR AMD Ryzen 7 1700 (6 Core, 12 threads)
- Graphic GPU: Desktop: NVIDIA GTX 980/1060, AMD Radeon RX 480 (2GB) equivalent or greater, DX12 and WDDM 2.2 capable GPU | Laptop: NVIDIA GTX 965Ml, AMD Radeon RX 480M (2GB) equivalent or greater, DX12 and WDDM 2.2 capable GPU
- Graphic Drivers: Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.2
- Thermal Design Power: 15W or greater
- HMD Connectors: HDMI 1.4 or Display Port 1.2 for 60 Hz HMDs | HDMI 2.0 or Display Port 1.2 for 90 Hz HMDs | 1x available graphics display port for HMD
- Resolution: SVGA (800 x 600)
- RAM: 16 GB or greater
- Bit Depth: 32 bits of color/pixel
- Storage: More than 10 GB of additional free space
- Connectivity: USB: 1 x USB port for HMD | USB 3.0 (Type A) | min. 900mA USB power supply; Bluetooth 4.0 or greater for connecting accessories
References
2. https://www.cnet.com/products/hp-windows-mixed-reality-headset/preview/