Microsoft saved the best Windows Mixed Reality partner announcement for last, and as of today there's a complete look at what hardware is going to be available when the Fall Creators Update goes live later this month. The last headset is being billed as a "premium" Windows Mixed Reality headset, and Samsung calls it the HMD Odyssey.
So what makes this headset "premium" compared to the others? We spent a little time with the new headset this afternoon to find out.
At first glance, Samsung's HMD Odyssey looks like any other Windows Mixed Reality headset. The "halo" head strap holding the visor with the display is in the same place as any other Mixed Reality gear, complete with the single cable coming from the headset to connect to the PC. The biggest difference, the thing you notice right away, is the built-in AKG headphones. These are special headphones built for spatial audio, so audio sounds like it is coming from different directions to increase the immersion. It's a nice addition to the headset, especially with the headphones being positional to fit all different head sizes, but worth pointing out there's no alternatives available. If these headphones break, there's no 3.5mm jack like the other headsets. If you have a set of headphones you prefer to wear, you're kind of out of luck here.
The end result is a much more comfortable headset with lenses that will deliver crystal clear visuals for every user.
Putting this headset on is a little unusual, especially when compared to the other Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Samsung did not include a top hinge in this headset, making it the only Mixed Reality headset where you can't just lift the whole display up to see the real world. The reason for this? Lots of extra padding and a special adjustment wheel for the lenses. Samsung has made it so you have fine control over the lens focus, which is important because the field of view is so much wider in these lenses. It's a little bit of an awkward trade-off, but the end result is a much more comfortable headset with lenses that will deliver crystal clear visuals for every user. Hard to argue with that.
As nice as having built-in headphones and a better focusing system will be for a lot of people, Samsung and Microsoft have worked closely together to make a lot of little things feel nicer as well. The adjustment wheel on the back of the headset to tighten the "halo" to your head feels more substantial than most other headsets, and the AMOLED panels used in the display help make sure the deep blacks and bright colors really pop in every aspect of the Mixed Reality space. This headset just plain feels like a quality experience when you're using it.
Another area where Samsung made some little tweaks is the Mixed Reality Controllers. This is arguably the most important part of the Mixed Reality experience, and Samsung has worked hard to make sure the Microsoft-provided design is more ergonomic and feels more comfortable in your hand when compared to several other Mixed Reality controllers. The controllers work exactly the same, and look almost identical to the others, but the plastic is less angular and your hands cradle the edges with ease.
While it's true this is a quality Mixed Reality headset, don't let the "Premium" tag fool you into believing this is the best for everyone. The whole point of offering a variety of options from different manufacturers is to provide something for everyone. This is one option, and its clearly focused towards people who want a great display and built-in headphones above all else. If that's no you, there are plenty of other options. If this is the headset for you, hit that pre-order link so you can get your hands on this thing on launch day!
