Samsung HMD Odyssey+ vs. Oculus Rift S tech specs

Display

One of the biggest draws to the Samsung HMD Odyssey+ is the stellar set of displays. Compared to the Rift S, you get a higher resolution, more pixels per inch (PPI), and almost no SDE for a clear image. The Rift S isn't a slouch, delivering a slightly lower 90-degree FOV and a maximum 80Hz refresh rate. That's lower than the 110-degree FOV and 90Hz refresh rate in the Odyssey+, but still relatively good specs.

If you're interested in a VR headset with the best picture possible, the Odyssey+ no doubt makes more sense than the Rift S. Oculus improved the display in the Rift S quite a bit over the Rift, but it just doesn't quite match up in raw specs. The AMOLED displays in the Samsung headset are going to give you way better contrast and color. However, the Rift S lenses do offer more clarity when not looking directly at the display.

There's also the matter of the Rift S not having the ability to make physical IPD adjustments. If the space between your eyes doesn't fit a common measurement that can be accounted for with software, there's a higher chance you'll experience discomfort during extended play sessions. The Odyssey+, on the other hand, allows for physical IPD adjustments, thus fitting more people more comfortably.

Design and features

The Oculus Rift S has a halo headband that holds the display in place, with an adjustable dial on the back. The display portion hangs more down over your face than it is strapped in, allowing for a more comfortable feel. Built into the side straps are headphones with spatial audio. They allow a user to experience some pretty impressive audio while not missing out on what's going on around them. The Odyssey+, with a similar halo band with a dial on the back, uses AKG headphones that hang down off the sides. Audio quality is excellent and a lot closer to what you'd get with a separator pair of headphones.

Both headsets offer sufficient room for wearing prescription frames, and both generally remain comfortable even when worn for an hour or two. The Odyssey+ is slightly more massive than the Rift S, but not enough that it makes a significant difference.

The Rift S made the jump to using built-in sensors instead of external sensors. Five cameras on the HMD make up Oculus Insight, and it works by scanning the room and combining the data it finds with other internal sensors. The Odyssey+ has a similar inside-out tracking system with no need for external sensors, though the HMD has just two cameras. Tracking isn't quite as good, especially when the controllers are moved behind or above your head, but still good enough that you can enjoy frenetic games with plenty of movement.

VR experience

Oculus has grown its audience thanks to a generous selection of exclusive Rift S titles in the Oculus Store, as well as access to the SteamVR library. If you want to play games (without third-party workarounds) like Robo Recall, Stormland, Lone Echo, and Echo Combat, you'll want to go with the Rift S. The Odyssey+, with titles in the Microsoft Store and with SteamVR integration, does have its fair share of excellent games, but there just isn't quite the same selection of native AAA content.

When it comes to setup, the Odyssey+ and Rift S are both quite easy. All you have to do is install some software, plug in the headset, and connect the included motion controllers. Tracking is handled by cameras in the headset, so you don't need to configure any extra hardware. Note that the Odyssey+ uses HDMI and USB-A to connect, while the Rift S uses DisplayPort and USB-A. Neither HMD has a wireless solution, and you will be tethered to a PC while in use. If you are looking for a wireless VR headset, something like the Oculus Quest is a stellar option. And you can always extend your Rift S cable on the cheap.

Motion controllers are a big part of the overall VR experience, and there the Rift S is a clear winner. Oculus Touch controllers are more comfortable, they track better, and they have capacitive touch for more natural input. The motion controllers that come with the Odyssey+ are a bit different than the standard WMR controllers, but they just don't compare to what Oculus has cooked up.

When it comes to PC hardware for running VR, the better the system is, the better your experience will be. Individual games will have their own recommended hardware to run optimally, but both VR headsets also have some listed specs. Oculus recommends a PC with NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon R9 480 graphics card (GPU) as recommended specs, as well as a 4th Gen Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X processor (CPU) and 8GB of RAM.

WMR has two performance tiers. If you want the Ultra performance tier with 90Hz refresh rate and passthrough cameras, you'll want at least a 4th Gen Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 5 1400 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 470/570 GPU. For the base WMR tier, you're looking at a 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U (for its integrated graphics) or AMD Ryzen 5 1400 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA MX150, NVIDIA GTX 1050, NVIDIA 965M, AMD Radeon RX 460/560 dedicated GPU. It will also run on integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 or better. As mentioned, these are just jumping-off points, and better hardware will only improve your VR experience.

Samsung's Odyssey+ is the best way to get into Windows Mixed Reality

The Samsung HMD Odyssey+ is a great way to get started in WMR. It's a high-quality headset with beautiful displays, comfortable build, and great audio. You might not have native access to a bunch of Oculus exclusives, and the motion controllers aren't as good, but otherwise, this is an excellent pick for just about anyone.

The Oculus Rift S is still a solid VR system

The Rift S might not quite match up to the Odyssey+ in raw specs, audio, and IPD adjustments, but it's still a great VR system. Oculus Touch controllers are stellar and far more natural feeling than the WMR controllers. And native access to all Oculus exclusives is undoubtedly a bonus.

How does Windows Mixed Reality differ from VR?

Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) is a platform birthed by Microsoft, intended as a way to get PC-based VR into more hands thanks to reduced prices and less reliance on expensive PC performance hardware. Despite the "mixed reality" title, this is genuine VR, complete with six degrees of freedom (6DoF) and tracked motion controllers.

Thanks to Steam integration and third-party workarounds by hobbyists, most VR titles that can be played on Oculus Rift S, HTC Vive, and Valve Index can also be handled by a WMR headset, as long as the PC connected has the hardware inside to power the experience.

What are the main differences between the Odyssey+ and the original Odyssey?

The original Odyssey and Odyssey+ might look the same at a quick glance, but there are some fairly major changes that are cause for the rather substantial price difference between the two HMD models.

No doubt, the biggest has to do with the display, which in the Odyssey+ now has virtually no screen-door effect. If you've had a chance to pop your head into other VR headsets, you might have noticed a fine grain over the top of the image. It might not always be evident during action sequences, for instance, but taking a second to look usually reveals the screen door. The AMOLED display is physically the same in both headsets. Still, improved technology allows for the resolution to effectively be doubled from 616 pixels-per-inch (ppi) to 1,233 ppi for a far clearer picture.

Other quality-of-life changes include a wider nose guard (40mm vs. 32mm) and wider eye box (146mm vs. 138mm), both lending to more room for your face to get comfortable, especially for anyone wearing prescription frames. You still get Samsung WMR motion controllers, there are still built-in AKG headphones, and you still get a built-in mic to chat with friends or give voice commands.

Can you still play the same games on the Odyssey+?

The Odyssey+ is a bonafide WMR headset that can handle everything the first-gen Odyssey headset handled. All WMR games from the Microsoft Store can be played on the Odyssey+, and there are likewise plenty of titles available through Steam.

Go with the Samsung Odyssey+ for a premier WMR experience

With an updated display that lacks screen-door effect and with a more comfortable fit, the new Odyssey+ is by far the best WMR headset on the market today. Thanks to rumors of a new Samsung HMD, the Odyssey+ is available at an unbelievable stock. At the same time, Samsung attempts to blow out stock. You'll get free shipping, as well as optional financing with no interest if you manage to pay it off within six months.

What you need to know

• The Samsung Odyssey+ is one of the best WMR headsets around and is selling for over 50% off right now.
• Samsung is likely selling off stock in preparation for a next-generation Odyssey, patents reveal.
• This next-generation Samsung Odyssey features double the cameras and a brand new external design.

If you've ever bought a new car before, you know the best kind to get is the previous model year. While it's not the newest release on the block, it's still a brand-new product, and it's a heck of a lot cheaper. That same concept applies to the Samsung Odyssey+ Windows Mixed Reality headset, which is now sitting at a healthy 50% price reduction at Samsung.com. Engadget spotted the price drop, and now it's up to you to take advantage of this deal if you've been sitting on the fence about jumping into VR before Half-Life: Alyx debuts in less than two months.

The Samsung Odyssey+ is one of the best Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headsets around, and it comes with full support for SteamVR. That's particularly important since more VR games are found on Steam than any other platform. It's also the home of Half-Life: Alyx, which is likely going to be the biggest VR title ever released. So what merits a price drop from $499 to $229? It's entirely likely that Samsung has a third-generation Odyssey headset in the works and could be releasing it very shortly if rumors and patents have anything to say about it.

Two patents for a seemingly next-generation Samsung Odyssey XR HMD appeared on China's regulatory website, first spotted by 91Mobiles. The fact that Samsung is heavily dropping the price of the Odyssey+ amid these new findings certainly seems to suggest that the release of this possible new headset could be imminent.

Right now, details on this new headset are light, but the patents give us enough information to speculate. Four cameras can be found inside the compound eye-style front. That's a two-camera improvement over the current Odyssey+ and likely matches functionality with headsets like the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S. It's also got a significant head strap redesign that looks even more comfortable than what's on the current-generation Samsung Odyssey+.

The platforms supported are unknown. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see Samsung release another Windows Mixed Reality headset, given the platform is still going strong and has the support of popular gaming engines like Unity. WMR headsets also fully support SteamVR and can be used like any other SteamVR-compatible headset, opening up owners to a vast library of VR titles from the get-go.

What has stayed the same with the HMD Odyssey+?

Whether you opt for the new Odyssey+ or stick with the aging original Odyssey, you're getting dual 3.5-inch AMOLED display with a 1440x1600 resolution in each. The headset has a 110-degree field-of-view (FOV) that allows you to see quite a bit of action without feeling like you're in a tunnel, and 360-degree spatial sound provided by the built-in AKG headphones only adds to the immersion. Like the Oculus Rift, these headphones are built into the side strap of the headset, meaning you don't have to deal with extra wires and bulky hardware.

Both headsets likewise have built-in microphones that work with Cortana or for a bit of trash-talking in your favorite multiplayer VR games. Overall build is just about the same — you might have a hard time telling the two headsets apart with a quick glance — but the Odyssey+ has shed a bit of weight and made some changes to the fit.

You get an adjustable headband that tightens and loosens to fit your head, and there's a wheel to adjust the inter-pupillary distance (IPD) on both headsets as well. The original Odyssey is still one of the finest WMR headsets out there, but the Odyssey+ does come with some interesting upgrades.

What are the major changes made to the HMD Odyssey+?

In terms of comfort, the Odyssey+ has a wider nose guard (40mm vs. 32mm) and a wider eye box (146mm vs. 138mm). Your face is going to feel less smushed while it has the HMD attached to it, and there's more room to fit glasses inside if you can't use VR without prescription frames.

Perhaps the biggest change is to the way the displays work. The Odyssey+ uses the same AMOLED screens inside, but there's no more screen-door effect (SDE) thanks to new Anti-SDE technology. The actual resolution provides 616 pixels-per-inch (ppi), but with this new tech, the user sees double that, about 1,233 ppi.

If you've tried PC-based VR systems before, you probably noticed how there's a fine grain over top of the image. It's not always noticeable, but it can certainly be seen if you take a second to look at the display rather than the picture. With this new technology, Samsung has effectively removed it (almost) entirely.

Can you still play the same games on the HMD Odyssey+?

The Odyssey+ is a WMR headset, meaning it's compatible with all games and experiences you could play on the original Odyssey, including those from Steam. The controllers that came with the original Odyssey will indeed also work with the Odyssey+, and the entire setup (which is quite short) involves the same steps.

Samsung Odyssey+ is a great VR headset made better

If you hate SDE in your VR headset and are looking for the best WMR HMD out there, the Odyssey+ will fill the role nicely. It does cost about $150 more than the original Odyssey, though, so it might not be for everyone.

Standard Samsung Odyssey is still great and it's cheaper

If you don't mind a bit of SDE in your headset and you can get away with your headset weighing fractionally more, the original Odyssey is still a great (and cheaper) choice that is able to handle all WMR content.

Samsung's HMD Odyssey Windows Mixed Reality headset was already one of the more premium designs out there, but the company is ramping things up with the new Odyssey+, a headset that looks very familiar but packs a couple of very nice upgrades.

The biggest change between the original Odyssey and the Odyssey+ is that Samsung is promising to kill the dreaded "screen door effect" – the visible lines that appear on VR displays that make it look as if you're viewing content through, well, a screen door. Samsung says it has accomplished this through its use of the headset's "exclusive" Anti-Screen Door Effect (Anti-SDE) display, which creates the perception of 1,233 PPI, which is double the display's actual PPI. The added clarity, in theory, eliminates the visibility of the fine lines that separate pixels on the display, which should boost immersion if it works as advertised.

The Odyssey+ also includes a slightly updated design that should aid in comfort for extended mixed reality sessions. Most importantly, the nose guard has been widened a bit to better accommodate a variety of face shapes. Samsung is also talking up the adjustable headband and display positions, along with the dedicated wheel for adjusting inter-pupilary distance (IPD).

Apart from the display and comfort tweaks, the Odyssey+ looks strikingly similar to its predecessor. There's a 3.5-inch 1440x1600 per-eye AMOLED display, integrated AKD premium headphones, and included controllers with six degrees of freedom tracking.

The Samsung HMD Odyssey+ is set to launch today at the Microsoft Store and Samsung for $500, but neither appears to have the headset available just yet (as of this writing). We'll update this post once it is available. For now, you can save $150 on the original Odyssey at Microsoft, bringing it down to $350.

• See at Samsung
• See at Microsoft

If you're looking to hop on the Windows Mixed Reality train and save a little cash, Samsung's HMD Odyssey headset is up for grabs at a solid discount. Samsung's offering is usually the most expensive at $499, but Samsung, Amazon, and the Microsoft Store have shaved $100 off that price tag, cutting it down to $399.

Apart from aesthetics, the currently available Windows Mixed Reality headsets don't differ much. However, Samsung's HMD Odyssey stands out from the pack by including a more vibrant AMOLED 1440x1600 displays, along with a wider 110-degree field-of-view. The Odyssey also packs integrated AKG headphones.

Since their launch alongside the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, we've seen a number of discounts available for Windows Mixed Reality headsets from Dell, HP, Lenovo and others. While Samsung's Odyssey headset is considered by many to be the leader of the pack, you can currently find other headsets at deeper discounts on Amazon. Also be sure to check out our hands-on with the Smasung HMD Odyssey for a closer look.

• See at Samsung
• See at Amazon
• See at Microsoft Store

Comparing Windows Mixed Reality headsets from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and more

Samsung may soon have a new Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headset to show if, if new FCC filings spotted by Road to VR are any indication. Called the Samsung HMD Odyssey+, the headset would be the successor to the HMD Odyssey, which was launched as part of the initial wave of WMR headsets last year.

However, don't expect any wild departures from the original. The specs available through the FCC filing point to a headset that is largely the same as the original. The per-eye resolution remains the same at 1440x1600 and a 110-degree field of view.

The main area Samsung appears to be make changes involve comfort and display tech. The display is labeled as using "AMOLED+SFS," but it isn't clear what "SFS" stands for in this case. The eye box and nose opening are also described as being wider, along with changes to cut down on fogging.

Samsung HMD Odyssey: Hands on with a 'premium' Mixed Reality headset

The platforms listed for the Odyssey+ include WMR and SteamVR, but this is likely a reference to WMR's compatibility with SteamVR.

In any case, with the headset's appearance at the FCC, it's likely we'll know much more about it soon. For now, Samsung's current HMD Odyssey headset is available for $399.

• See at Amazon
• See at Microsoft

Available for $499, the Samsung Odyssey is now available to buy directly from Samsung, the online Microsoft Store, and at retail Microsoft Store locations, Samsung has announced.

Samsung's Odyssey headset is seen by many as the leader of the pack among the current lineup of Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Outside of aesthetics, each current Windows Mixed Reality headset offers very similar specs. Samsung's offering stands out by offering more vibrant OLED 1400x1600 displays and a wider, 110-degree field-of-view. The Odyssey also includes integrated AKG headphones.

Microsoft added support for Windows Mixed Reality in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, launching alongside a wide array of headsets from partners like Acer, HP, Lenovo and Dell, alongside Samsung. If you're on the fence, check out our hands-on with the Samsung HMD Odyssey for a closer look at the headset. Otherwise, you can pick one up for yourself from Samsung or Microsoft (just don't expect to see the headset in Europe).

• See at Samsung
• See at Microsoft

Speaking with The Verge, a Samsung spokesperson said that the Odyssey Windows Mixed Reality headset will be released in the U.S., but it won't be coming to Europe. There's no indication as to why Samsung is skipping the European market, but it's a move that will likely come as a disappointment to some.

Samsung's Odyssey headset is largely seen as the frontrunner among the current lineup of Windows Mixed Reality headsets. While most of the headsets feature very similar specs, Samsung's offering stands out from the pack with OLED 1400x1600 displays and a wider, 110-degree field-of-view. The Odyssey also packs its own set of integrated headphones. The headset also comes at a premium of $499.

Microsoft only just added support for Windows Mixed Reality in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, which launched this week alongside a lineup of headsets from hardware partners like Acer, HP, Lenovo, and Dell. Samsung's headset is set to launch on November 6 in the U.S. for $499.

Samsung HMD Odyssey: Hands on with a 'premium' Mixed Reality headset

Windows Mixed Reality is Microsoft's hottest investment of 2017, extending the traditional desktop experience to a fully-realized virtual world. With its official debut kicking off this fall, a wide range of third-party hardware partners are already investing in the platform, with headsets from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung.

Several devices from this varied range are now available for preorder, with some notable differences that may help determine which device is best for you. Each headset sports differing designs, features and price tags, however, with only minor discrepancies. We've broken down the specifications for each of the Windows Mixed Reality headsets, taking a closer look at what expect from each of the devices.

How every Windows Mixed Reality headset stacks up against each other

Vision

Display

At the core of every Mixed Reality headset is a screen, which is used to output all images of the virtual space. On most headsets, this is comprised of two high-resolution displays mounted beside one another for each eye, however, some manufacturers have opted for their own differing approaches.

• Acer WMR headset: 1440 x 1440 per eye (2880 x 1440 combined), LCD, 90Hz.
• ASUS HC102: 2880 x 1440 single display, LCD, 90Hz.
• Dell Visor: 1440 x 1440 per eye (2880 x 1440 combined), LCD, 90Hz.
• HP WMR headset: 1440 x 1440 per eye (2880 x 1440 combined), LCD, 90Hz.
• Lenovo Explorer: 1440 x 1440 per eye (2880 x 1440 combined), LCD, 90Hz.
• Samsung Odyssey: 1440 x 1600 per eye (2880 x 1600 combined), AMOLED, 90Hz.

Field of View

When it comes to virtual reality (VR) headsets, one of the greatest drivers of immersion is the field of view. The higher the degrees of the field of view, the more content you'll be able to see, making for a much more immersive experience. While the cheapest Mixed Reality headsets offer 95 degrees of sight, some higher-end headsets offer an improved angle up to 110 degrees.

• Acer WMR headset: 95 degrees.
• ASUS HC102: 95 degrees.
• Dell Visor: 110 degrees.
• HP WMR headset: 95 degrees.
• Lenovo Explorer: 105 degrees.
• Samsung Odyssey: 110 degrees.

Motion

Tracking

In its current implementation, all Windows Mixed Reality headsets allow for six degrees of freedom, which allows the user to move in all directions and orientations within a three-dimensional space. These headsets also adopt "inside-out tracking," which allows positioning to be calculated internally, without the need for additional external sensors.

Sensors

Windows Mixed Reality headsets take advantage of an array of sensors to provide a consistent and immersive experience. Alongside some core sensors to improve tracking, certain headsets offer additional features to offer an enhanced experience.

• Acer WMR headset: Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and proximity sensor.
• ASUS HC102: Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and proximity sensor.
• Dell Visor: Accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer.
• HP WMR headset: Accelerometer, gyroscope, and proximity sensor.
• Lenovo Explorer: Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and proximity sensor.
• Samsung Odyssey: Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, proximity sensor, and IPD sensor.

Connectivity

Audio

For many Mixed Reality experiences, audio is another crucial element to create an immersive environment. For many headsets, manufacturers encourage users to use their own external headphones. Samsung's Odyssey is the only device that offers users integrated headphones from AKG, which are built directly into the headset's surrounding head strap.

• Acer WMR headset: 3.5mm combo jack.
• ASUS HC102: 3.5mm combo jack.
• Dell Visor: 3.5mm combo jack.
• HP WMR headset: 3.5mm combo jack.
• Lenovo Explorer: 3.5mm combo jack.
• Samsung Odyssey: Integrated AKG headphones, in-built microphone array.

Ports

A hard-wired connection to a Windows 10 PC is a requirement for all Windows Mixed Reality headsets launching this fall. Right now, all headsets adopt an HDMI 2.0 port for transmitting a low-latency video signal, whereas a USB 3.0 connection is used for other data, including tracking information. Both of these cables are four meters long out of the box, which allows for a fair amount of movement in almost any Mixed Reality setup.

Size

Dimensions

Each Windows Mixed Reality headset also sports a unique design, which in turn, affects the size of the headset. The length, width, and height of each headset all change based on the head-mounting method, visor design, and several other factors. These are the dimensions for the headsets provided by manufacturers.

• Acer WMR headset: 195.8 mm (W) x 94.8 mm (L) x 106.59 mm (H).
• Dell Visor: 210 mm (W) x 330 mm (L).
• ASUS HC102: Unspecified.
• HP WMR headset: 338.84 mm (W) x 176.02 mm (L) x 127.76 mm (H).
• Lenovo Explorer: 185.1 mm (W) x 94.8 mm (L) x 102.1 mm (H).
• Samsung Odyssey: 202 mm (W) x 131.5 mm (L) x 111 mm (H).

Weight

While you might not feel it from the outset, after spending time in Mixed Reality, the weight of a headset will quickly come into play. Although distribution and padding are elements to consider when determining how a headset feels, the true value shows how differences in materials and designs affect the final weight.

• Acer WMR headset: 350 grams.
• ASUS HC102: "Under" 400 grams.
• HP WMR headset: 834 grams.
• Lenovo Explorer: 380 grams.
• Dell Visor: Unspecified.
• Samsung Odyssey: 645 grams.

Availability

Release date

The first wave of Windows Mixed Reality headsets hit store shelves on October 17, 2017. This is the first opportunity to get hands-on with the platform in your own home, ahead of more features and devices dropping in the months to come. Some headsets, such as the Samsung Odyssey and ASUS HC102, drop after the initial launch.

• Acer WMR headset: October 17, 2017.
• ASUS HC102: Spring 2018.
• Dell Visor: October 17, 2017.
• HP WMR headset: October 17, 2017.
• Lenovo Explorer: October 17, 2017.
• Samsung Odyssey: November 6, 2017.

Pricing

Windows Mixed Reality headsets start at $299, with higher-end devices and various accessories available at an additional cost. Picking up the Windows Mixed Reality controllers is also recommended, for further immersion when it comes to interacting in a virtual space.

• Acer WMR headset: $299 standalone, $399 with controllers.
• ASUS HC102: Expected $449.
• HP WMR headset: $329 standlone, $449 with controllers.
• Lenovo Explorer: $349 standalone, $399 with controllers.
• Dell Visor: $349 standalone, $449 with controllers.
• Samsung Odyssey: $499 with controllers.

Your take on Windows Mixed Reality

Are you planning to pick up a Mixed Reality Headset this fall? Which one? Make sure to drop your thoughts on the devices in the comments, alongside the headset you're hoping to get hands-on with.

• See Acer headset at Microsoft
• See Dell headset at Microsoft
• See HP headset at Microsoft
• See Lenovo Explorer at Microsoft
• See Samsung Odyssey at Microsoft

Over the last few months, I have been exposed to Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) platform built on Windows 10. Whether it is talking to partners, app developers, or Microsoft, I've been trying to wrap my head around the concept.

While it is too early to declare WMR a consumer hit versus just a fad, there are a few things that I know are vital if you are thinking about diving into the experience.

Microsoft outlines its plans for Windows Mixed Reality

Samsung's Odyssey is the best head-mounted display (HMD)

While a few companies are making HMDs for WMR, it's the just announced Samsung Odyssey that delivers the best experience. Indeed, Microsoft calls it the "premium" WMR headset, and it delivers.

Samsung HMD Odyssey: Hands-on with a 'premium' Mixed Reality headset

With dual-AMOLED displays with a slightly wider field of vision than other headsets, and built-in microphone and headphones, the Odyssey is the most comfortable and pleasant one to use. Meanwhile, other HMDs will require you to plug in headphones and add a microphone to use Cortana, which starts to make them a bit clumsier even if they are cheaper.

Sure, the Odyssey is priced at $499 (it includes two motion controllers), which is higher than the $299 for the Acer HMD (with no controllers), but if you can swing the cost, it will be worth it.

The only people who I don't recommend getting the Odyssey are developers. With no flip-visor to go from coding on the PC to the Windows Mixed Reality experience, you may get frustrated with having to remove the headset when working constantly.

Preorder at Microsoft

You need motion controllers

What's cool about WMR is it takes any input method that a Windows 10 PC takes, such as a pen, Xbox game controller, mouse, or keyboard. That ability to keep cost down while maintaining familiarity is fantastic.

But if you want the right experience, you need the excellent motion controllers that each HMD company is offering.

The reason is simple: Motion controllers are made for mixed reality. Mice, keyboards, and game controllers, by comparison, are meant for a 2D world.

Motion controllers feel ergonomic to hold, are not heavy, have lanyards, and the controlling effect in the virtual world is very natural to use. I equate motion controllers to using chopsticks when eating instead of a fork. Sure, a fork gets the job done like a power shovel, but chopsticks are more precise, accurate, and refined.

Once you play your first game with motion controllers and you look down to see your virtual hands in this new world, your brain instantly gets what's going on. Combined with the joystick and Windows keys found on the motion controllers these are must-haves if you are doing Windows Mixed Reality.

WMR gaming is great

Seeing as many of the WMR games are coming from the world of Steam VR, there are some excellent established titles already on the market.

I even tried the new Halo Recruit, which is more of a demo than a full game experience. Still, it was awesome. The game puts you in a training room where you get weapons and target experience against many of the classic Halo baddies. Seeing those enemies that close, in that much detail and that immersive was outstanding. Being able to use my dual-motion controllers as pistols, which I could see in this virtual world, was a blast.

Social could be huge

Microsoft is not defining what WMR is just yet. It can be used for gaming, productivity, or watching movies. Instead, the company wants to put this platform into the hands of users and creators to see where they take it.

Alex Kipman, who oversees Microsoft's Mixed Reality ambition and who invented HoloLens, was asked what he thought the killer app was for WMR. He replied with social apps, such as AltspaceVR, which the company just bought.

He may be right.

Humans are pathologically social. We need to share everything and express ourselves consistently with others, even if it is with total strangers on the internet with fake names.

But social on mixed reality is different than your standard messaging apps on your phone. The ability to see the other person – even if just a 3D avatar – while sharing a common space is a whole different experience that is much more personal.

While you may not need to hang out with your neighbor in a mixed reality app, it's different story if the person is across the planet, a traveling family member, or someone you never met in real life.

In fact, I might as well announce that starting later this year Windows Central will begin hosting virtual reader meetups where you can hang out with me, and the other Windows Central editors, including Zac Bowden and Jez Corden.

Try to get powerful hardware

Microsoft has two tiers for Windows Mixed Reality. One is for computers with integrated graphics, the other – Ultra – is for PCs with dedicated video cards.

Combined with a $299 headset, that means almost anyone with a Windows 10 PC – even a dual-core Ultrabook – can get in on the action.

But make no mistake, a higher-end PC rig is a better experience. WMR Ultra setups get 90 frames per second (FPS) versus the 60 FPS for integrated graphics. The computer with the faster video card will have quicker loading times and a smoother experience.

The test rigs Microsoft uses sport a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of RAM and a NVIDIA GTX 1080 video card. Much of that is because developers are using these to write mixed reality apps, compile and then play them, so consumers do not need such a system.

Finally, while you can use WMR with a laptop for cooling, performance, and fan noise, the desktop will likely be the better experience. It's pretty great that you can still do it all on an HP Spectre x360 too if you want.

More to come

There's a lot left to learn about Windows Mixed Reality. The genre is undefined now on purpose. Microsoft is merely putting all the tools with some experiences out there to see what people and developers create. If gaming is the most used feature, that is where Mixed Reality goes. Likewise, for social experiences or productivity.

Everything you need to get started with Windows Mixed Reality

Since Windows Mixed Reality is just an extension of the Windows 10 OS, users can expect regular updates and new features to experience with those two significant updates every year. Things like multitasking in immersive games, improved performance, new hardware, and added abilities are all on the roadmap, making its launch later month just the beginning.

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.

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!

See at Microsoft

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:"

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.

Preorder at Microsoft

Hit the links below for more information, and let us know what you think of these Mixed Reality developments in the comments.

• Halo: Recruit brings the Halo universe to Windows Mixed Reality
• Microsoft has purchased Altspace VR
• Microsoft outlines its plans for Windows Mixed Reality
• SteamVR goes live this holiday season

It appears that U.S. Cellular will be offering a Windows Phone 8 device later this month. Or at least according to a recent tweet they will.

U.S. Cellular currently has one Windows Phone in their smartphone lineup, the ZTE Render, a Windows Phone 7.5 device.  Which Windows Phone 8 device will find its way to U.S. Cellular is still a bit of a mystery. Last year it looked like the HTC 8S was headed to the wireless provider and more recently, the Samsung Odyssey seems to be the odds on favorite.  

Then again, Nokia could sneak in at the last minute or we could see U.S. Cellular offer more than one Windows Phone 8 device.

We've reached out to U.S. Cellular to see if they could shed some light on the matter and if we hear anything else, we'll pass it on. For now, it's a wait and see game.

Thanks, Dillion, for the tip!

Update: It appears that the Samsung Odyssey is the Windows Phone 8 device of choice for U.S. Cellular.  @TheWinPhan received the response below from @USCellularCares that sheds a little more light on things.  The time table for the release still sits somewhere between "soon" and "sometime this month".