Asus Windows VR Headset Finally Launches, Priced at $430

Asus was among a handful of Microsoft partners who planned to launch a VR headset as part of Microsoft’s “Mixed Reality” platform. While those other headsets became available late last year, Asus’ own Windows VR headset is finally launching today.

Aside from Samsung’s Odyssey headset, the Windows VR headsets are largely based on the same design, with few differences beyond cosmetics and ergonomics. The Asus HC102 Windows VR headset falls into that same category, thus offering familiar core specs:

  • Resolution: 1,440 × 1,440 per eye
  • Field of View: 95 degrees
  • Refresh Rate: 90Hz

As with the other Windows VR headsets, the Asus HC102 has a pair of cameras on the front which are used for inside-out tracking, which conveniently don’t rely on external sensors. The headset also uses the same Windows VR controllers as the sibling headsets, and has the flip-up visor which is super handy.

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Acer Windows VR Headset Review

Aside from a cosmetic design which Asus mananges to call a “unique, modern and revolutionary new style” with a straight face, there doesn’t appear to be much to differentiate the headset from the others, which makes the $430 price tag questionable when its brethren headsets can readily be found 20–45% off their MSRP.

Image courtesy Asus

According to a release on Asus’ website today, the headset is said to be available for purchase starting immediately, though it hasn’t popped up just yet in Asus or Microsoft’s stores.

The post Asus Windows VR Headset Finally Launches, Priced at $430 appeared first on Road to VR.

ASUS’ Windows Mixed Reality Headset has now Gone on Sale

When Microsoft unveiled the range of Windows Mixed Reality headsets last year one of the more striking designs came from laptop manufacturer ASUS. While the launch went ahead in October the ASUS headset was notably absent having announced a delay the previous month. A Spring 2018 launch window was given at the time. Today, the company has announced the launch with the snappy title of ASUS Windows Mixed Reality Headset HC102.

Asus WMR headset

With a polygonal design on the front faceplate, the ASUS headset certainly looks the part of a futuristic virtual reality (VR) headset even though it has the same specifications as the other Windows Mixed Reality designs. Featuring a 3K (2880 x 1440) resolution display and up to a 90Hz refresh rate, the device has a front hinge for ease of use when dropping in and out of VR.

There are two built-in front-facing tracking cameras with six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) position tracking and multiple sensors — gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer — to help keep users immersed in virtual worlds. Currently there are 20,000 Windows apps and more than 2,000 Steam VR titles compatible with the system.

While the ASUS Windows Mixed Reality Headset HC102 is essentially the same as the rest its pricing is not. The device retails for $429 USD and can be pre-ordered from the B&H website. At the time of writing the HC102 isn’t listed on the ASUS store although the press release does state it should be available. In comparison to its Windows Mixed Reality rivals, there doesn’t seem to be much of a reason as to the price difference, with the HP version retailing for $230 on Amazon – prices on the Microsoft Store are still the original cost, Acer retails for $399 and Dell for $449.

Asus MR Headset Header

As to when the ASUS Windows Mixed Reality Headset HC102 will see a wider release is unknown, when it does VRFocus will let you know.

Specifications:

Lens HFoV 95° (one eye), 105° (two eyes), fresnel-aspherical lens
Refresh Rate 90Hz
Display 1440 x 1440 resolution per eye (2880 x 1440 in total)
Focal Distance 1.3m
IPD Accommodation Adjustable by SW (63mm+/- 8mm)
Eye-to-lens Distance 13mm
Tracking Cameras B+W & VGA
Sensors Gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, P-sensor
Tracking Architecture 6DoF
Audio Formats 3.5mm audio jack
Accessories Two 6DoF controllers
Connectivity HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, Bluetooth®

 

A Guide to all the Content, Prices and Details for Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality Headset Launch Today

Today’s the day. If you hadn’t realised already from the vast amount of coverage on VRFocus and everywhere else, Microsoft has now officially entered the realm of virtual reality (VR) with the launch of its Windows Mixed Reality headsets. While the name may confuse some these new devices will still be going head-to-head with products like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift even though there’s a slight difference in tech. So today VRFocus will clear things up whilst giving you a comprehensive rundown of these new head-mounted displays (HMDs) and what content they currently offer.

For today’s launch – if you pre-ordered the headsets will be shipping today – there will be four devices on offer with a further two coming relatively soon. Microsoft teamed up with a range of manufacturers to build the HMDs rather than build its own, creating a core specification design that they’d all adhere to, whilst the body aesthetic could be different. Hence why there’s the Dell Visor, Acer Windows Mixed Reality HMD, HP Windows Mixed Reality HMD and Lenovo Explorer out now and Samsung Odyssey and Asus Windows Mixed Reality HMD still to come.

Windows Mixed Reality Headsets Collection

Whilst touted as mixed reality (MR) by Microsoft initially the headsets will lean more towards VR. Comparing them to Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the biggest difference between these two and Microsoft’s offerings come down to tracking. Oculus Rift and HTC Vive both use what’s called outside-in tracking where users need to have external sensors to monitor headset and controller movement. Windows Mixed Reality headsets have inside-out tracking where the two cameras located on the front track where the user is and where the controllers are. Whilst this system is great for ease of use – no sensors to setup – and portability, the cameras are limited to their field of view (FoV). So if you move your hands behind your back, or over your shoulder – as some VR titles do to grab weapons – the tracking will no longer work.

Now lets look at the headsets themselves, their prices and availability.

Acer Windows Mixed Reality HMD

Acer’s entry was the first device in the range to be unveiled and comes in at the cheapest price for just the headset alone, retailing for $299 USD, or with the motion controllers the cost comes to $399. The headset comes equipped with two LCD displays with a resolution of 1440 x 1440, a 95 degrees horizontal FoV and a 4.0 meter cable. This can be ordered through the US Microsoft store or the UK store.

HP Windows Mixed Reality HMD

Next there’s HP’s version. This features exactly the same spec as the Acer just in a different body design. On the US Microsoft Store it costs slightly more for the headset and motion controllers, retailing for $449. While on the UK Microsoft Store it sells for £399.99 GBP.

Dell Visor

Dell has gone for a more striking design, with a sleek white minimalistic look. Just like the two previous HMDs specs are virtually identical with one difference, the Dell Visor has a 105 degree horizontal FoV. It’s priced at $449 on the US Microsoft Store but there’s no listing on the UK store. At present UK customers will need to go to Dell’s website where the headset and controllers are sold separately.

Dell Visor

Lenovo Explorer

The last headset that’s available to purchase now is the Lenovo Explorer. This has the same specifications as the Dell Visor, with a 105 degrees horizontal FoV, alongside the resolution of 1440 x 1440 and 4.0 meter cable seen in the rest. You can buy the Lenovo Explorer on the US Microsoft Store for $399 including the motion controllers. Again UK customers will have to go elsewhere with retailers like Currys PC World stocking the headset for £399.99.

Lenovo Explorer

Asus Windows Mixed Reality HMD

While the Asus HMD was revealed at the same time as the rest a delay was announced last month, pushing the release date of the device until Spring 2018. Specs are the same as the Acer with two LCD displays with a resolution of 1440 x 1440 and a 95 degrees horizontal FoV. The Asus does have one of the most visually interesting designs with a 3D polygonal shell. Currently only a European price of €449 EUR has been announced although it didn’t specify if that included the motion controllers.

Asus Windows Mixed Reality Headset

Samsung Odyssey

Appearing out the blue earlier this month was Samsung Odyssey which appears to be the daddy of the group. Having already created the Samsung Gear VR, the company has used this experience to differentiate its headset from the rest of the pack with a few tweaked specifications. So the Samsung Odyssey’s resolution is better, coming in at 1440 x 1600 per eye, rather than 1440 x 1440, an FoV of 110 degrees, integrated AKG headphones and an OLED display rather than LCD.

With all these extra’s the Samsung Odyssey comes in at $499, the most expensive of the lot. It can be pre-ordered here with a release date of 6th November 2017.

Samsung Windows Mixed Reality headset image 1

PC Specs for Windows Mixed Reality

So you’ve seen the headsets so what about the PC to run it on? Well Microsoft has ensured that they won’t need a massively powerful PC, with the minimum being an Intel Core i5 7200U processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, 10GB of free disk space, and an Intel HD Graphics 620 or DX12-capable GPU. These specifications will provide 60 frames-per-second (FPS) performance. If you go up to the Ultra PC specs below you’ll get 90 FPS. You can also check your PC if unsure with Microsoft’s PC Check App.

Windows Mixed Reality specs

Windows Mixed Reality Content

So you’ve got your new headset, now you’re going to need some content to play on it. Microsoft has ensured that there’s a few videogames and apps available to start you off, with more on the way thanks to Steam compatibility.

Games:

  • Arizona Sunshine – £33.49 / $39.99
  • Superhot VR – £20.99 / $24.99
  • Fantastic Contraption – £16.74 / $19.99
  • Skyworld – £33.49 / $39.99
  • Space Pirate Trainer – £12.49 / $14.99
  • Form – £12.49 / $14.99
  • Ghostbusters VR – Now Hiring Episode 1 – £5.79 / $6.99
  • Halo: Recruit – Free
  • Heroes of the Seven Seas – £5.79 / $6.99
  • Dreadhalls – £8.39 / $9.99
  • Stunt Kite Masters – £8.39 / $9.99
  • inVokeR – £12.49 / $14.99
  • Land of Dinosaurs VR – £2.49 / $2.99
  • Racket: Nx – £16.74 / $19.99
  • Tee Time Golf – £12.49 / $14.99
  • BingoClass – Free
  • HeadSquare – £4.19 / $4.99
  • Dark Legion – £14.24 / $16.99
  • Headbutt Factory – £16.74 / $19.99
  • Hypercade – £4.19 / $4.99

Apps:

  • vTime – Free
  • Pixvana 360 Video Player – Free
  • Sliver.tv – Free
  • Ryot – Free
  • Littlestar VR Cinema – Free
  • Inception VR – Free
  • NextVR – Free
  • Free The Night – Free
  • theBlu: Season 1 – £8.39 / $9.99
  • MoveStudio – Free
  • The Rose And I – Free
  • Films & TV – Free
  • YouKu VR Pro – Free
  • Holograms – Free

Ok that’s your lot, well almost. There’s one important issue that VRFocus hasn’t covered and that’s the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. You’ll need this to make the headsets work and the rollout begins at 10am PT/6pm BST today. Handily Microsoft has released a blog post to walk you through manually checking if your device is part of the first phase rollout.

Defining Windows Mixed Reality Ultra: VR for the Core Audience

It was recently revealed that many of the Windows 10 Mixed Reality head-mounted displays (HMDs), including those from Lenovo and Acer, would operate with integrated graphics chips without the necessity of a dedicated GPU. However, alongside the launch of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and Windows Mixed Reality will come ‘Windows Mixed Reality Ultra’: a defining aspect of the Windows Mixed Reality technology that hasn’t yet been fully discussed.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update dateAccording to Microsoft, Windows Mixed Reality will be presented on two distinct fronts. There will be a standardised offering to those with less technical knowledge or unable to upgrade their PCs, while those who are more intimately involved in PC gaming or virtual reality (VR) will have the option of experiencing superior software with Windows Mixed Reality Ultra:

“Windows Mixed Reality PCs will consist of desktops and laptops with integrated graphics. When plugged into these devices, our immersive headsets will run at 60 frames per second. Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PCs will consist of desktops and laptops with discrete graphics. When plugged into these devices, our immersive headsets will run at 90 frames per second.”

Of course, this important difference will affect many VR videogames and experiences. Existing VR content distributed via Steam will require a Windows Mixed Reality Ultra compatible PC, but some more lightweight VR experiences – akin to those currently available on mobile VR platforms – may well be acceptable at the 60 frames per second standard.

Essentially, Windows Mixed Reality Ultra is Microsoft’s answer to the existing high-end PC VR HMDs, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, while the standard Windows Mixed Reality offering is designed to lower the barrier for entry. This, surely, can only be a good thing?

You can find out more about the recent announcements regarding the launch of Windows Mixed Reality in the video below, and VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on Microsoft’s entrance into the field of VR.

Windows Mixed Reality Collection Aims to Cover all Bases

This week has finally seen Microsoft properly discuss the upcoming launch of its Windows Mixed Reality (MR) platform which its building with manufacturing partners Acer, HP, Asus, Lenovo and Dell. For the company’s IFA press conference today, Microsoft unveiled what it calls the Windows Device Collections, a fancy way of bundling similar products together for a nice rounded look. So there’s a Premium Collection for the top end devices, a Gaming Collection for – you guessed it – gamers, and several more. Naturally MR got a look in with the Mixed Reality Collection, with Microsoft pointing out some of the differences between the headsets that may sway consumers.

As you may expect most of those differences revolved around aesthetic design. Each manufacturer has gone for a particular look, with Dell opting for a minimal white design while Asus has taken a much more striking approach with a polygonal look. While the other three have gone for a more generic design, with Acer adding a splash of colour to make it pop.

Windows Mixed Reality Headsets Collection

As the headsets are all based off of a Microsoft core design, how they actually work and their internals are virtually identical. The tech giant did try and point out some fundamental differences, some more obvious than others. The flip hinge on the Acer headset was noted during the press conference – although looking at the design of each one they all bear the hinge.

Supposedly the Lenovo has a focus on comfort, ideal for long play sessions – so does that mean the rest aren’t? The Dell was noted to have swappable face pads should users get all hot and sweaty, but again if the other’s don’t there won’t be any sharing or local multiplayer fun. The one feature of note was for the HP headset, which has a quick release cable – handy if it gets snagged or trodden on.

So has Microsoft already tempted you into buying a Windows Mixed Reality headset? Prices start from $299 USD for the Acer, with bundles including the motion controllers starting at $399. Plus there’s the fact that Steam support has now been confirmed, adding a wealth of titles to the launch.

As ever, keep reading VRFocus for the latest updates.

Take a Closer Look at the ASUS Windows Mixed Reality Headset

There’s been plenty of news this week regarding Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headsets. Whether it’s unveiling Steam support for the platform or the manufacturers showcasing their final designs, there’s going to be plenty of hardware being launch this holiday season. With the IFA event taking place in Berlin, Germany, Asus has decided to roll out details for its model.

With a polygonal design that’s far more striking than those from HP, Dell, Lenovo and Acer, inside Asus’ headset is still the same specification as the rest. Featuring two 2.89-inch displays at 1440×1440 resolution per eye with a refresh rate of 90Hz, the headset comes in at reasonably light 400g and a 95 degree field of view (FOV).

Asus Windows Mixed Reality Headset

With the two built-in cameras at the front there’s no need for any external sensors, not only making setting up quicker and easier, but it should allow for greater freedom to wander about – bar the cable length of course. With a balanced crown design Asus is looking to provide a comfortable fit, hoping to negate ‘VR Face’. The headset has also been built with quick-drying anti-bacterial materials claims Asus, which should help when swapping headsets between users.

Asus has said it’ll be priced at €449 EUR, which equates to roughly $535 USD. That’s a little bit more than the price Dell recently announced, with its headset going for $449 including the motion controllers, or without for $349.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Asus and Windows Mixed Reality, reporting back with the latest updates.