At an event in San Francisco, Microsoft Operating Systems Group Technical Fellow and HoloLens inventor Alex Kipman outlined the future of Windows Mixed Reality, which Redmond seems to believe is the future of computing.
Whether or not it is remains to be seen, but either way, there will be no shortage of Windows Mixed Reality headsets this holiday season, with perhaps the most compelling option coming from Samsung.
The $500 Samsung HMD Odyssey sports dual AMOLED eye displays, complete with a 110-degree field of view (FoV). This could potentially make a huge difference in the quality of the Windows Mixed Reality experience for two reasons. First, AMOLED displays can generate deeper blacks and more vibrant colors than your average OLED or LCD screen. Second, all other Windows Mixed Reality headsets we've seen have a 95-degree FoV. The Samsung headset will be more immersive because there will be less dead space in your peripheral vision. The headset is expected to be available on November 6, 2017, and it comes with motion controllers.
Alanna Cotton, vice president and general manager of Samsung Electronics America joined Kipman in San Francisco to announce the product and spotlighted Microsoft's aim to "shape the future of virtual reality:"
When we began designing and engineering the Samsung HMD Odyssey with Microsoft, there was only one goal in mind, create a high performing headset that's easy to set up and can transport people to the incredible world of virtual reality. Powered with dual AMOLED displays which Samsung is known for, that result in vivid colors and the highest resolution in the industry, built-in spatial AKG headphones, inside-out tracking, built-in microphone, and quick, responsive motion controllers, the Samsung HMD Odyssey immerses users with a 110° field of view as they discover the new frontier of Windows Mixed Reality.Samsung is committed to working across platforms to build cutting-edge technology, and we're excited to partner with Microsoft to shape the future of virtual reality. But most of all, we can't wait for you to take the Samsung HMD Odyssey out for a spin, and see it for yourself.
The Samsung HMD Odyssey joins a set of Windows Mixed Reality announcements today, including game news from both SteamVR and Halo, and Microsoft's purchase of Altspace VR.
Hit the links below for more information, and let us know what you think of these Mixed Reality developments in the comments.
