Microsoft acquired the struggling Altspace VR platform, to inject a bit of social networking into proceedings. They also unveiled the Samsung HMD Odyssey headset, which is by far the most premium of the WMR headset range. They offered a glimpse at Halo Recruit, an all-new VR experience set in the Halo universe, and they also demonstrated the multi-tasking powers of Cliff House, WMR's virtual home space.
We were on the ground in San Francisco, bringing you some hands-on impressions with the new Samsung headset and Halo Recruit, but if you want to watch the presentation for yourself, it's now available on YouTube (via The Verge.)
HoloLens inventor and Technical Fellow Alex Kipman leads the presentation, with guests including 343i's Halo CVP Bonnie Ross and Windows Chief Terry Myerson. Microsoft is banking heavily on the idea that Mixed Reality represents the next big paradigm shift in computing, in a world where Microsoft utterly failed to capitalize on the shift to mobile.
It remains to be seen whether WMR will truly take off, but Microsoft seems to be all-in. One thing's for certain - it's going to be interesting to see how this plays out.
For more information from the October 3, 2017 announcements, hit the links below.
- Samsung Odyssey HMD revealed for Windows Mixed Reality
- Microsoft has purchased Altspace VR
- Halo: Recruit brings the Halo universe to Windows Mixed Reality
- Steam VR arrives on Windows Mixed Reality this holiday season
