Microsoft has also decided to venture into the increasingly-competitive field of Virtual Reality headsets by introducing its very own headsets for Windows.
Microsoft’s VR headsets use a six-degree-of-freedom tracking system, a technique that is somewhat similar to Oculus’ Rift. However, unlike the Rift or HTC’s Vive, there is no need for any separate calibration hardware to function.
“These headsets will be the first and only to ship with inside-out six-degree-of-freedom sensors,” said Microsoft’s Terry Myerson. “Unlike every other VR headset on the market today, this means there will be zero need for a separate room. Zero need for a complicated setup.”
Apart from that, Microsoft has also managed to blow the other VR companies with a very cheap price; the prices for these Windows VR headsets start at just $299. In comparison, the Rift costs $600 while the Vive is even more expensive at $799.
Microsoft says that its PC partners— HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Acer— will be shipping the headsets in Spring 2017, just in time for the upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update. This is the first time Microsoft has decided to fully step in the VR field. Previously, they have been working on an augmented reality headset called the HoloLens.
Unlike augmented reality, there are already a number of big players in the Virtual Reality field today. Facebook bought Oculus for the Rift, HTC has gone with its very own Vive VR, while Google has ventured towards mobile platforms with the recently-announced Daydream VR.
These weren’t Microsoft’s headsets. They were just showing their platform for VR. It works on any Windows compatible VR headset.
These are Microsoft’s. Designed and developed by the Surface team.