Some of the big box retailers have already published their Black Friday deals, but there are still a few to go leading up to the November 23rd sale. But before Black Friday and Cyber Monday even begin, you can get an awesome deal on a new Windows VR headset, including controllers.
Both items benefit from free shipping, and also free pickup from participating Walmart stores.
Image courtesy Microsoft
Lenovo Explorer is one of Windows “Mixed Reality” VR headsets, which packs on-board positional tracking thanks to the headset’s optical sensors. That means you don’t have to set up anything on walls to give you the room-scale experience like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.
It does however require an adept PC to run though. You can check out our guide here to see if your computer is up to snuff to run the same graphics-demanding games that Rift and Vive can.
Like all Windows VR headsets, you can access hundreds of VR games through Steam including SUPERHOT VR, Beat Saber, Rec Room, and much more.
Lenovo Explorer Specs
Display
Size : 2 x 2.89″
Resolution : 2880 x 1440
Display Type : LCD
Lenses: FOV 110°
Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
Sensors
2 x Inside-out motion tracking cameras
Proximity
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Magnetometer
Connectivity
Y Cable with video connection and USB 3.0
3.5 mm audio jack
Dimensions
Width : 185.1 mm / 7.3″
Length : 94.8 mm / 3.7″
Height : 102.1 mm / 4″
Cable Length : 4 m / 13.1 feet
Weight
380 g / 0.84 lb
Design / Material
Design : Front-hinged
Material : Plastic (main body)
Color
Iron Gray
Play Area Requirements
Room scale (min.) 3.5m x 3.5m / 11.5 feet x 11.5 feet
While the general reception to the range of Windows 10 mixed reality (MR) headsets has been somewhat subdued, news of a price cut is the sort of thing that tends the renew enthusiasm. Consumers in the US might be interested to learn that the Lenovo Explorer mixed reality headset has had its price cut by half.
Visitors to the US Microsoft store will be able to peruse the available MR headsets and see that the Lenovo Explorer, previously the most expensive of the range, has seen its price from from $399 (USD) down to $199.
Lenovo has proven itself interested in the virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and MR markets, producing not only the Windows MR headset, but also the Google-powered Lenovo Mirage Solo and also the Star Wars-themed AR bundle that accompanied it.
The Windows Mixed Reality headsets use inside-out tracking, thus eliminating the need for external tracking sensors, and all the headsets come with bundles tracked motion controllers, and SteamVR recently pushed its compatibility with Windows Mixed Reality out of Early access, giving users access to a vast library of compatible titles.
The Lenovo Explorer has two LCD displays with a resolution of 1440 x 1440 and a refresh rate of up to 90Hz, with a 105-degree field-of-view. For sound there is a built-in audio out and microphone support for spatial audio and social VR communication.
The price drop for the Lenovo Explorer leaves the Samsung Odyssey as the most expensive Windows Mixed Reality headset, currently on sale in the Microsoft Store for $399, a reduction on its initial price of $499, though the Samsung Odyssey offers a slightly higher resolution of 1440 x 1600 per eye and a 110 degree field-of-view.
There is no word yet on if these price reductions will be coming to other regions such as Europe. VRFocuswill keep you informed on developments and other special offers.
Following on from previous coverage of the Enterprise approach for VR, and VRFocus columnist Kevin Williams, looks at the latest deployment of VR into the classroom and education structure revealed during the largest education and training event in Europe.
Many of my regular followers will be familiar with the coverage I gave last year of The British Educational Training and Technology Show (BETT). So, it was with much interest that a returned to BETT 2018 to see how this initial interest in virtual reality (VR) technology was impacting the scene.
The BETT event filled London’s ExCel exhibition and convention centre, with a multitude of the latest technology learning and teaching aids – ranging from electronic whiteboards, smart teaching tablets, new 3D printing platforms, and the latest in machine learning applications to track pupil and student advancement.
Regarding VR in the classroom, the deployment of the immersive technology was still trying to define its offering – but was a force for good. The biggest presence on the mammoth show floor was from AVANTIS, building on last year’s presence, promoting their ClassVR platform. ClassVR offers a tough, self-contained head mounted display (HMD) designed for education. The unique headset featuring a see-through camera, and the ability to wireless communicate.
The company’s large booth saw a lot of interest, with AVANTIS running a special enclosure that represented a World War I trench. An illustration of how the VR platform can be used as a learning experience that fits into the national syllabus. The ClassVR system offered in a multiple eight-unit case for class teaching.
Another exhibitor that demonstrated their classroom ready VR platform was Redbox VR – offering their own ruggedly designed headsets, but in this case favouring a smart phone, rather than self-contained approach. The company having partnered to support the Google Cardboard standard for teaching (Google Expeditions). This partnership has resulted in a robust offering, with learning supported by a large content library.
Google’s educational aspirations (Google for Education) were on display, with the company coming to BETT 2018 with a big booth promoting more their educational support content and smart apps than their hardware. But that was also looking at their curriculum and classroom advantage. The company did not have many Cardboard HMDs on their own booth, but were promoting their latest augmented reality (AR) tools, and how their Google Maps application married to class-based learning – Google Expeditions comprising some 700 experiences.
One of the largest of the exhibitors on the show floor with a strong VR presence was Microsoft Worldwide Education, heavily promoting their Windows Mixed Reality offering in this sector of education. A wide selection of Windows Mixed Reality partners supported the booth with their headsets, including the HP VR1000, Acer AH101 and Dell Visor. Microsoft also promoted their Hololens AR solution, offering a comprehensive immersive platform solution, supported by a class-based VR and AR curriculum.
The Dell Visor in use at BETT 2018.People were also able to get hands-on with Acer’s HMD.The Dell Visor
These headsets were seen across the BETT 2018 show floor – a concentrated effort by the manufacturers to support a Enterprise approach to VR, rather than focusing, as other headset developers, on a mainly VR gaming-related business approach.
On the Acer booth the company presented several of their educational endeavours, along with putting the Acer AH101 VR headset through its paces with a number of experiences.
Asus was also at the event, partnering up with Intel showed their Asus HC120 VR headset, tied into their virtual classroom demonstration, allowing for the immersive environment to be displayed in real-time to other classmates.
Dell Technologies (also in partnership with Intel and Microsoft) had a comprehensive education presentation across their product range, promoted as part of their “Virtual Futures” initiative. Their Dell Visor VR headset in its educational colours, going through its paces as a teaching tool allowing pupils to “delve” inside their subjects, with VR-based learning.
Another of the supporters of the Windows Mixed Reality standard, Lenovo (once again in partnership with Intel) demonstrated their commitment to the VR learning opportunity, showing their Lenovo Explorer headset. But pride of place was also given to the new Lenovo Mirage Solo – freshly launched at CES that month, the Mirage supports the Google Daydream initiative.
The Lenovo Mirage SoloThe Lenovo Explorer
The brand-new Lenovo Mirage Solo integrates Google’s WorldSense 6DOF positional tracking, as well as supporting a controller. Feeling more like a self-contained mobile VR application. It could be seen that Google’s Daydream has been slow out the blocks, though Lenovo were not shy in promoting their association.
Another of those supporting multiple approaches to offering a complimentary immersive solution to the educational sphere was HP. Along with their Windows Mixed Reality support, seen on the Microsoft booth, HP presented a selection of other VR solutions including an HTC Vive Backpack VR offering.
Along with HP, many other exhibitors during BETT 2018 had HTC Vive room-scale setups on their booth demonstrating the application and opportunities that this approach had to offer. With regards Oculus VR, they were only seen on two booths, such as presented by Sensory Guru, who presented their Sensory VR – offering a wide variety of the latest VR platforms for deployment in special needs and educational services for inclusive classroom engagement.
Another exhibitor that has placed a considerable global effort into the promotion of a virtual classroom experience was VEATIVE Labs – the Singapore based operation presented a classroom application using their VEATIVE All-in-One headset, as well as a wide curriculum of specially created immersive content for students with teacher control built in. The company is also able to support other headsets, but with the VEATIVE solution is able to quickly adapt schools to the learning process.
It is the creation of this immersive content to best illustrate the power of VR learning that was also on display at this year’s BETT, with exhibitor HumanEyes Technologies demonstrating the VUZE VR camera, able to offer VR video and VR photo creation, perfect to be displayed in an educational approach.
While ClickView, provider of an online platform of curriculum-mapped videos for students, was branching beyond their conventional video content to specially created 360’ experiences building on the interactive education roots – with the ability for the teacher to build into the content questions and help shape the immersive learning approach.
The appearance of HMDs in the educational landscape seemed to have stabilized at BETT 2018. With more practical solutions being promoted, rather than a feeling of just riding on the popularity of the tech trend. A novel approach seen at BETT was from exhibitors Rapid Electronics – along with their self-assembly programable robots and drones, the company also promoted their Airgineers VR googles, offering first-person view from their camera on their drone. The special wireless single offering a unique perspective, and is being employed in drone racing competitions. More an immersive display than true VR, it still offers a compelling experience – like the Live-Drive RC system reported in our IAAPA 2017 coverage.
And in conclusion it is the constant hunt for the next leading immersive technology trend that will shape the market that drives our attendance at the Enterprise industries events. BETT 2018 may have given a tantalising glimpse of the next trend on the horizon. Seen on a number of booths, the latest in projection systems – such as from Immersive Interactive, who presented a platform that can offer a immersive projected environment that is also interactive.
Projection based immersive experiences obviously benefit from the ability to have multiple users immersed in the same experience, and does without the need for cumbersome HMDs and restrictive motion tracking. Though only now gathering momentum it is an interesting technology to keep in sight.
That is the conclusion of our coverage of BETT 2018 – we saw a lot of promise for VR, but also saw a powerplay by Windows Mixed Reality towards being able to control the high-ground of VR application, while developers such as AVANTIS start to see their VR platforms deployed into real-world locations. Next Years’ education event will prove to be where the reality of this tech’s benefit for immersive learning will be revealed.
There will be more from Kevin Williams and The Virtual Arena very soon, here on VRFocus.
The holiday shopping season is here, and VR is getting some sizable discounts to come along with it, making the prospect of owning a VR headset even more affordable. We’re keeping an eye out for the best Windows VR headset deals during Cyber Monday 2017.
Updated 11/27/17, 12:45AM ET
Windows VR Deal Baselines
Windows VR headsets, compatible with the ‘Windows Mixed Reality’ platform, have only been out a few months, and come from a variety of manufacturers including Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung. All the headsets except for one, Samsung’s Odyssey headset, appear to be based on the same reference design provided by Microsoft, so they’re more or less the same outside of the obvious styling differences. To get a good idea of what’s at stake savings-wise though, here’s the headsets’ base prices:
The Best Windows Mixed Reality Headset Cyber Monday Deal – Lenovo Explorer
Image courtesy Lenovo
If you want to join the ‘Windows Mixed Reality’ ecosystem and don’t care about the small differences between the first generation of Windows VR headsets, the best deal so far is the Lenovo Explorer for $300 from the Microsoft Store, a $100 savings which includes the headset and controllers. The deal lasts until 11:59 PM PST on November 27th.
This is by far the cheapest Windows VR headset on offer, making it the best deal out of the lot, however Microsoft is also offering discounts ranging from $50 to $100 on the other Windows VR headsets too:
There aren’t an abundance of game bundles, or other deals coming along with the headsets this year, as it seems Microsoft has set made the deals exclusive to the Microsoft Store. There are some interesting hardware bundles though if you don’t have a computer capable of running more intense applications and games:
In just over a week’s time the annual Black Friday sales event happens, bringing with it plenty of discounts on technology that you’ve been after, just in time for the festive period. Today Microsoft has announced its Black Friday deals, which include the newly released Windows Mixed Reality head-mounted displays (HMDs).
The headsets only launched last month in conjunction with the Windows Fall Creators update for Win 10, so it’s surprising to see the devices discounted so early on in their lifespan. That’s good news for consumers however as it means they can save up to $100 USD when purchasing either an Acer, Dell Visor, HP, Lenovo Explorer, or Samsung Odyssey headset.
Additionally, so those who also need a new PC to run a Windows HMD, Microsoft has savings of up to $249 on PC bundles from Acer, Dell, and HP. If you want to know more about Windows Mixed Reality headsets, check out VRFocus’ guide on the devices.
While that’s all the virtual reality (VR) related savings available from Microsoft, the company has plenty of other deals going. There’s:
$329 off the Surface Pro i5 256GB and $229 off the Surface Pro i5 128GB
Save $199 with the purchase of Surface Laptop and the new Harmon Kardon Invoke speaker
Xbox One S will start from just $189, plus save $50 off Xbox One S 1TB and 500GB bundles
Last months launch was a fairly subdued affair, even though Microsoft had secured plenty of big name VR experiences for consumers to play. These included zombie shooter Arizona Sunshine, SUPERHOT VR, Space Pirate Trainer, Fantastic Contraption, Skyworld and many more. No official sales figures have been released just yet so Microsoft maybe hoping to bolster these numbers with Black Friday savings.
The Black Friday deals are available through the Microsoft Store, starting from 23rd and running through to 27th November, 2017.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Microsoft and Windows Mixed Reality headsets, reporting back with the latest updates and deals.
Wer hätte gedacht, dass die neuen Mixed-Reality-Brillen so schnell im Preis gesenkt werden. Die Lenovo-Explorer-Brille kam vor einer Woche auf den Markt und nun bietet Saturn die Brille inklusive Controller bereits für 349 Euro an. [Update] Auf Nachfrage hat uns Saturn telefonisch und schriftlich bestätigt,dass der Lieferumfang wie abgebildet ist und die Motion Controller zum Paket gehören.
Lenovo Explorer für 349 Euro bei Saturn
Wenn ihr in die Windows-Mixed-Reality-Welt einsteigen wollt, dann ist die Lenovo-Explorer-Brille sicherlich keine schlechte Wahl. Sie teilt sich mit den Brillen von Acer, HP, Dell und Co. die gleichen Spezifikationen und ist aktuell 100 Euro günstiger zu bekommen als die Konkurrenzprodukte.
Leider ist in der Windows-Mixed-Reality-Welt aber noch nicht viel los. Im Store von Microsoft gibt es derzeit nur wenige Titel und ein Support für SteamVR wird erst zum Ende des Jahres erwartet. Dementsprechend könnt ihr auch mit dem Kauf noch abwarten, denn die Chancen stehen gut, dass die Brillen bis zum SteamVR-Release noch weiter im Preis fallen werden.
Gestern war es endlich soweit und eine neue Generation an Virtual-Reality-Brillen hat die Bühne betreten. Die Brillen von Lenovo, Acer, HP, Asus, Dell und Co. basieren alle auf der gleichen Technik, welche durch Microsoft lizenziert wurde. Deshalb besitzen bis auf das nicht in Europa erscheinende Headset von Samsung alle Brillen identische Spezifikationen, wobei sich hin und wieder die Angaben zum Field of View unterscheiden. Diese Unterschiede können durch das Design entstehen oder durch unterschiedliche Messmethoden. Doch zurück zum Thema: Wir schauen uns heute das Lenovo Explorer Mixed Reality Headset an. Das mag zwar nicht repräsentativ für die Brillen der anderen Hersteller ist, aber wir gehen von keinen gravierenden Unterschieden zwischen den aktuell auf dem Markt befindlichen VR-Brillen aus.
Lenovo Explorer: Verarbeitung und Aufbau
Die Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brille von Lenovo ist in einem schlichten Schwarz gehalten und lediglich drei schlichte Logos zieren die Frontseite. Die Polsterung am Gesicht, an der Stirn und auch am Hinterkopf lässt sich abnehmen und gegebenenfalls reinigen oder ersetzen. Leider ist die Polsterung an den Seiten jedoch relativ schmal, was bei uns dazu führte, dass bei allen Testern ein wenig Licht eindringen konnte, was zu unschönen Reflexionen führt. Je nach Kopfform wird dieses Problem unterschiedlich stark auftreten, doch die Rift, Vive und PSVR schirmen ebenfalls häufig nicht vollständig ab.
Ein Scharnier zwischen Kopfbügel und Brille sorgt dafür, dass ihr die komplette Front um 90 Grad hochklappen könnt. Wenn ihr also einen Blick in die echte Welt wagen wollt oder müsst, geht dies mit den Windows Mixed Reality Headsets extrem komfortabel. Bei den ersten Klappversuchen ist etwas mehr Kraft nötig, als man vermuten würde, doch nach wenigen Stunden hat sich die Halterung eingespielt.
Befestigt wird die Brille ähnlich wie die PlayStation VR. Ein Ring sorgt für den nötigen Halt und verteilt angenehm das Gewicht, wodurch die Brille sich nicht frontlastig anfühlt. Über einen Drehknopf am Hinterkopf der Brille kann der Anwender schnell die Größe verstellen, wobei sogar ein extrem kleiner Umfang wie beispielsweise bei Kindern möglich ist.
Bei den beiliegenden Controllern setzt Lenovo wie auch Acer, HP, Asus und Dell auf die Standardausführung von Microsoft, jedoch mit einem kleinen Firmenlogo versehen. Die Controller beherbergen kleine LEDs, die nicht nur für das Tracking genutzt werden, sondern auch den aktuellen Status anzeigen.
Insgesamt macht das System einen guten Eindruck. Die Verarbeitung ist sauber und die Brille fühlt sich nicht zu billig an. Mit der Verarbeitung und den Materialien der Oculus Rift kann die Brille von Lenovo allerdings nicht mithalten.
Das Besondere am Aufbau der Brille ist definitiv das Inside-Out-Tracking, auf welches alle Windows Mixed Reality Headsets zurückgreifen. Die Kameras an der Frontseite sorgen für einen stressfreie und schnelle Benutzung, auch wenn man die Brille mit zu Freunden nimmt.
Eine Handvoll VR
Das Windows-Mixed-Reality-System ist extrem portabel und alle benötigten Teile passen in eine Hand und somit in jeden Rucksack. Zudem sorgt das aktuelle Windows Creators Update dafür, dass zukünftig jeder Windows-10-PC bereit für den Anschluss der Brillen ist. Nie war es einfacher, Virtual Reality der Welt zu präsentieren. Doch was wäre das Leben ohne Schattenseiten? Der Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brillen liegen keine Bluetooth-Dongle bei, weshalb ihr immer einen Dongle mitführen oder darauf hoffen müsst, dass eure Freunde mit Gaming-Notebooks ausgestattet sind.
Zudem verpasst Lenovo eine große Chance und liefert die Brille ohne integrierte Kopfhörer aus. Zwar setzen viele Gamer gerne auf ihre eigenen Kopfhörer, doch der Komfort leidet deutlich unter dem Anschluss von zusätzlicher Hardware.
Das Tracking erwies sich im Test als äußerst robust, auch wenn Personen durch den Raum laufen. Obwohl das Headset solche beweglichen Hindernisse erkennen könnte, werden diese beim Zocken jedoch nicht visualisiert.
Doch die Brille trackt nicht nur ihre eigenen Position, sondern auch die Position der Controller. Generell klappt dies im Test gut und der Tracking-Bereich ist deutlich höher als der Sichtbereich. Doch wenn ihr beispielsweise nach links schießt und nach rechts schaut, wird die Pistole nur noch ungefähr in die Richtung schießen, die ihr beabsichtigt habt. Sofern die Controller den kompletten Sichtbereich der Brille verlassen, verwandelt er sich quasi in einen Gear VR Controller und nur noch das Rotational Tracking bleibt erhalten. In der Praxis ist uns dies zwar noch nicht negativ aufgefallen, doch die aktuelle Softwareauswahl ist auch extrem begrenzt.
Was jedoch hin und wieder vorkam: Es kann passieren, dass die Brille ihren Raum nicht wiedererkennt. In diesem Fall müsst ihr die Grenzen des Spielbereichs neu einrichten, falls ihr Room Scale benötigt.
Die Controller
Ja, die Controller leuchten! Sogar richtig hell! Doch nicht nur optisch wissen die kleinen Eingabegeräte zu gefallen. Zwar erreichen sie nicht die hochwertige Verarbeitung und den Komfort der Oculus Touch Controller, doch verkrampfen müsst ihr die Hände auch nicht. Da die Controller sowohl über ein Touchpad als auch über einen Thumbstick verfügen, sollten Oculus-Touch-Inhalte wie auch HTC-Vive-Spiele sehr gut übertragbar sein.
Beim direkten Vergleich mit den Touch Controllern zeigte sich außerdem, dass die Vibration bei den Mixed Reality Controllern deutlich schwächer ausfällt. Dies liegt vermutlich nicht nur am Motor, sondern auch an der Position. Aktuell vibriert direkt der Trigger am Zeigefinger, doch an dieser Stelle baut man keine feste Verbindung zwischen Controller und Hand auf. Der Haltegriff des Bedienelementes selbst vibriert nicht gesondert.
Zum Betrieb der Controller werden pro Einheit zwei AA-Batterien benötigt, diese liegen dem Paket auch bei.
Wenige Titel zum Start
Microsoft sorgte am gestrigen Erscheinungstag für einen holprigen Mixed Reality Start. Die Brillen der Partner sind teilweise nur schwer zu bekommen und auch die Windows-Plattform hat Microsoft erst gestern auf die passende Version für den Mixed-Reality-Spaß gebracht. Die Anzahl an Spielen im MS-Store ist noch sehr überschaubar. Obwohl Klassiker dabei sind, die jeder gespielt haben sollte, dürfte schnell die Luft raus sein, wenn Microsoft nicht nachlegen kann und/oder sich das SteamVR-Update verspätet. Aktuell lassen sich mit den Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brillen nämlich ausschließlich die Spiele aus dem Microsoft Store spielen.
Auch bei den exklusiven Inhalten scheint Microsoft eher schnell etwas recycled zu haben, als einen ernsthaften Anreiz zu schaffen:
Der Store beziehungsweise die Integration einer Heimat in der Virtual Reality ist Microsoft mit dem Cliff House und dem Mixed-Reality-Portal sehr gut gelungen. Ihr könnt jederzeit alle Inhalte direkt in der VR kaufen und aktivieren oder ihr nutzt die Oberfläche auf dem Desktop. Steam und Oculus bieten jedoch eine ähnlich gute Lösung an. Einen kurzen Einblick in das Cliff House erhaltet ihr hier:
Bildeindruck
Die Windows Mixed Reality Headsets von Lenovo, Acer, HP und Dell setzen auf LC-Displays mit einer Auflösung von 1440 x 1440 Pixeln pro Auge. Theoretisch also eine ganze Ecke mehr Pixel als bei der Rift und Vive. Doch im Test ergibt sich daraus kein besserer Bildeindruck.
Das Field of View der Lenovo-Explorer-Brille ist deutlich runder als das Field of View der Rift und somit erhält man ein wenig das Gefühl, als würde man durch eine Klopapierrolle in die Mixed-Reality-Welt schauen. Vergleichbar ist das Sichtfeld mit dem von Gear VR und Daydream. Doch trotz kleinerem Field of View und mehr Pixeln ist weiterhin eine Struktur (Raum zwischen den Pixeln) zu erkennen und Texte sind in der Entfernung nur schwer lesbar. Zwar ist die Struktur geringer sichtbar als bei der Rift und die Lesbarkeit der Texte ist höher, doch diese Verbesserungen verpuffen durch den kleineren Sichtbereich.
Hinzu kommt, dass der Sweet-Spot der Linsen deutlich geringer ist. Wenn ihr mit den Augen in die Randbereiche der Sichtbereiches blickt, dann wird es bei der Lenovo-Brille schnell sehr unscharf. Ebenso reicht eine kleine Bewegung der Brille aus, um den Sweet-Spot zu verlieren. Im Vergleich: Die Rift und die HTC Vive bieten ein deutlich stabileres Bild und somit auch einen insgesamt besseren Gesamteindruck.
Es mag also stimmen, dass die Mixed-Reality-Brillen theoretisch ein besseres Bild anzeigen können, doch der enge Sweet-Spot und das kleinere Field of View zerstören den Plan. Positiv ist jedoch anzumerken, dass die LC-Displays einen sehr guten Job machen und wir im Direktvergleich zur Rift mit identischem Spiel keine spürbaren Unterschiede feststellen konnten. Heißt: Kein Verschmieren bei schnellen Bewegungen und die Farben und Schwarzwerte sind definitiv in Ordnung.
Fazit
Microsoft zeigt mit den Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brillen, dass Virtual Reality auch portabel sein kann, ohne im Preis zu explodieren. Die Lenovo-Explorer-Brille wird für 449 Euro inklusive zwei Controllern angeboten und für diesen Preis erhaltet ihr ein hochwertiges Mixed-Reality-System, das sich vor der Rift, Vive und der PSVR-Brille nicht verstecken muss.
Beim Bildeindruck kann zumindest die Lenovo-Explorer-Brille allerdings nicht mit der aktuellen Konkurrenz mithalten, auch wenn die Auflösung höher ist. Das kleine Field of View und der enge Sweet-Spot verderben zwar nicht den Spaß, doch hier bietet die Konkurrenz etwas mehr.
Wer also eine kleine, leichte und einfach zu installierende VR-Brille sucht, der kann theoretisch bedenkenlos zu einem Mixed Reality Headset von Windows greifen, wenn das SteamVR-Update verfügbar ist. Bis dahin gibt es nur wenige Inhalte und Interessierte können bis dahin abwarten, ob die Preise fallen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Es geschehen noch Zeichen und Wunder und wir freuen uns, dass wir euch heute doch noch eine Mixed Reality Brille für Windows 10 vorstellen können. Die Lenovo-Explorer-Brille lässt sich im Set mit den Microsoft Motion Controllern im Handel erwerben. Das Paket kostet derzeit ca. 449 Euro. Zur aktuellen Liefersituation informieren wir euch in diesem Artikel.
Das ist im Mixed-Reality-Paket
Wer die Pakete der Oculus Rift und der HTC Vive kennt, der wird erstaunt sein, wie handlich Virtual Reality durch das neue Inside-Out-Tracking wird. Es sind keine externen Tracker mehr zum Betrieb nötig und dementsprechend steckt auch nicht viel im Karton. Wie bei allen ab heute erhätlichen Windows-Mixed-Reality-Brillen lässt sich das Display nach oben klappen, um dem Anwender eine freie Sicht auf seine Umgebung zu ermöglichen.
Bei den Controllern setzt Lenovo auf die Standard-Ausführung von Microsoft, die mit einem kleinen Lenovo-Schriftzug versehen sind. Die Controller werden per Batterien mit Strom versorg. Die benötigten AA-Batterien liegen dem Paket bei.
Der erste Blick in die Kiste offenbart jedoch nicht nur wenige Kabel und Einzelteile, sondern auch eine sehr schlanke Form der Brille. Im Vergleich zur PlayStation-VR-Brille ist das Headset von Lenovo deutlich schmaler und leichter.
Bei den Linsen kommen die üblichen Verdächtigen zum Einsatz: Fresnel-Linsen. Diese ermöglich zwar ein scharfes Bild bei einem hohen Field of View, doch dafür sorgen sie auch für Spiegelungen in den Ringen bei großen Helligkeitesunterschieden. Zudem besitzt das Headset einen Näherungssensor, der dafür sorgt dafür, dass die Brille weiß, ob ihr sie gerade verwendet, oder ob sie sinnlos auf dem Tisch verweilt.
Wir werden die Mixed Reality Brille von Lenovo nun weiter unter die Lupe nehmen und melden uns zeitnah mit weiteren Inhalten zurück.
Microsoft held a special ‘Windows Mixed Reality’ event today in San Francisco, using to showcase to make several big announcements, all of which firmly cement the company’s ambitions for the virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) space. All with the intentions of making it more affordable, accessible and social for consumers. With a new Samsung headset, the acquisition of social VR platform AltspaceVR, developers now having access to a SteamVR preview, and a passing mention of a little experience called Halo: Recruit.
So where to start. Well the Samsung Odyssey headset wasn’t too much of a surprise with images of the device leaking last week and a Microsoft store page appearing earlier today that detailed specs, release date and a price. It features dual AMOLED displays which Samsung is known for, built-in spatial AKG headphones and dual microphones, 110 degree field of view (FoV) and inside-out tracking.
A surprise however came by way of AltspaceVR, with Microsoft announcing that it had acquired the VR social app that had closed its doors back in August. So not only will the platform comes to Windows Mixed Reality it’ll still support cross-platform compatibility with other headsets.
Adding another update to previously known news, Microsoft will be bringing SteamVR support to Windows Mixed Reality very soon. Starting today developers will be provided access to a SteamVR preview so they can tryout their experiences with consumers gaining access to the preview this holiday.
And what would a Microsoft event be like if it didn’t feature at least something Halo related. So the company unveiled Halo: Recruit which is due for release this month alongside the headsets. It might not be a full Halo experience but it certainly sounds like it’ll appeal to fans.
There’s were a few other morsels of info flying around this evening so check out VRFocus’ full rundown of the announcements in the below video.
Many of my regular followers will be familiar with the coverage I gave last year of 
The company’s large booth saw a lot of interest, with AVANTIS running a special enclosure that represented a World War I trench. An illustration of how the VR platform can be used as a learning experience that fits into the national syllabus. The ClassVR system offered in a multiple eight-unit case for class teaching.
Projection based immersive experiences obviously benefit from the ability to have multiple users immersed in the same experience, and does without the need for cumbersome HMDs and restrictive motion tracking. Though only now gathering momentum it is an interesting technology to keep in sight.
