Fun though virtual reality is, the equipment necessary for sampling it is simply too expensive for the technology to reach mainstream popularity. However, it looks like Microsoft could be one of the first companies to make a breakthrough in this area, thanks to a software update coming to Windows 10…
A big reason to be excited by the PlayStation VR headset released earlier this month is its relatively low price and the gear’s compatibility with the PlayStation 4, over 40m units of which have been sold. However, last week, Microsoft announced that an array of new VR headsets for Windows 10 are on the way – and they could make the technology even more widespread than Sony looks likely to manage.
Why? For a start, the headsets – to be shipped by Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo next year – will be compatible with the free Creators Update heading to Windows 10 computers in early 2017. Secondly, Microsoft has claimed that these headsets will be priced from a mere $299 ERP USB and work with “affordable” PCs and laptops – not just the high-end computers that the Oculus Rift demands.
That means that, from next year, you will likely only need to buy one extra and inexpensive piece of equipment – the headset – to begin enjoying immersive virtual reality experiences. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see Microsoft bringing out its own low-cost headset – especially given the expertise it has already honed with developing its high-end HoloLens mixed reality hardware pictured above.
