There was a time, believe it or not, when Microsoft was all-in on virtual and mixed reality. Not quite all-in like it is currently with AI, but enough to have created an ecosystem of apps for Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headsets and hardware.

Since officially boxing up the WMR project and stuffing it into a dark attic in 2023, related software has been hanging around, especially on Windows 10. Paint 3D, an app envisioned to replace classic Windows Paint in the age of Mixed Reality, was deprecated in 2024.

Another one of those apps is 3D Viewer, which was formerly known as Mixed Reality Viewer, which was formerly known as View 3D. It went through several name changes over the years as the WMR platform blossomed (and eventually shriveled up), and Microsoft has now moved 3D Viewer onto the deprecated list as of February 2026.

3D Viewer, which is installed by default on Windows 10 but not on Windows 11, will no longer be available for download from the Microsoft Store as of July 1, 2026. If you have 3D Viewer installed on your PC, it won't suddenly stop working on the cutoff date, but it won't be available any longer via official channels, and it will no longer receive updates.

The deprecated app wasn't just useful for Mixed Reality purposes. Users could employ 3D Viewer to inspect and render 3D models without relying on more demanding software, useful when 3D printing or animating.

Microsoft is recommending the Babylon.js Sandbox as an alternative for viewing 3D content, but it's certainly not your only option. F3D seems to be a popular free and open-source option, as is MeshLab.

Speaking of Microsoft's AI push, Copilot 3D might be what some of you are looking for as a replacement. It allows you to create 3D models with relative ease, and the model can be used for 3D printing, VR, games, and animation.

My colleague Sean Endicott gave Copilot 3D a try in 2025 and came away genuinely surprised at its ease of use. The drawback is that it's a part of the Copilot Labs initiative, which means it's still fairly experimental and limited in its scope.

Are you sad to see 3D Viewer hit the deprecated list? Did you or do you still make use of the app? Let me know in the comments section below!

In a potentially surprising move, depending on who you ask, user @GeneralKidd on X, formerly Twitter, has spotted that Microsoft has pulled one of its Halo games from the Microsoft Store, with no remaining way to access the title.

The game in question is Halo: Recruit, a short virtual reality experience that launched in 2017 for Windows Mixed Reality. At the time, it was designed to showcase Microsoft’s push into virtual and augmented reality rather than act as a full Halo release.

However, in what now feels like a familiar Satya… I mean, Microsoft pattern; Windows Mixed Reality itself was discontinued in 2023. With the platform gone, Halo: Recruit appears to have quietly vanished alongside it a coupleof years later.

What exactly was Halo: Recruit?

Whilst only a short, standalone release designed to showcase the capabilities of Windows Mixed Reality, Halo: Recruit was not received particularly poorly. It functioned far more as a technical demo than a complete game, offering a brief glimpse of the Halo universe in VR rather than a substantial experience.

Its removal from the Microsoft Store appears to have gone largely unnoticed, and it is currently unclear how long the title has been delisted. Microsoft has not provided any explanation, leaving its disappearance easy to miss unless you were actively searching for it.

Interestingly, GeneralKidd also highlighted another obscure Halo project, though this was one never officially released. This was a Pokémon Go-style concept tied to Halo 4, with ties to 7-Eleven, Doritos, and Mountain Dew?

The project, titled Halo 4 King of the Hill, reportedly revolved around scanning Mountain Dew and Doritos codes to level up your character, with 7-Eleven stores acting as real-world locations similar to gyms. The idea never progressed beyond the concept stage, but it remains one of the more unusual Halo experiments that surfaced during that era.

A frustrating trend for some games

Despite being a relatively unknown entry in the Halo franchise, it is still a shame to see it delisted without any word from Microsoft. It feels unnecessary, especially when leaving these titles listed would seemingly cause no harm.

It is a small frustration I have with situations like this. We have seen similar cases with Halo: Spartan Strike and Halo: Spartan Assault no longer being accessible on specific platforms, and it leaves a sour taste.

As a lifelong Halo fan, seeing parts of the franchise quietly disappear like this is always disappointing.

Do you think Microsoft should be more transparent about removals like this, or is it just part of the digital era we live in? Share your thoughts below — how do you feel about losing access to games you thought were safe in your library?

Microsoft's misnomered virtual reality initiative, Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), is being revived by a lone Microsoft employee.

In a post on the WindowsMR subreddit, user mbucchia — a current Microsoft engineer who has a history of custom VR work — revealed their upcoming "Oasis" driver.

It's intended to bridge WMR headsets and controllers for use with SteamVR, eliminating the need for Microsoft's proprietary Mixed Reality Portal.

This is great news for (nearly) everyone who currently has a WMR headset sitting dormant, unusable due to Microsoft's decision to deprecate the WMR platform in 2023.

Things are about to change - "Oasis" Driver for SteamVR from r/WindowsMR

Windows Mixed Reality is back ... sort of

As mbucchia explains it, "the Oasis driver is a native SteamVR driver" that works similarly to the existing drivers for PSVR2 and Valve's own Index headset.

Better yet, it will support WMR's excellent inside-out motion tracking for the controllers and full six degrees of freedom (6DoF) for the headsets.

The Oasis driver, which is "coming Fall 2025," according to mbucchia, will bypass the Mixed Reality Portal requirement.

The final Windows Mixed Reality headset, the HP Reverb G2 that I reviewed, launched in 2021. It's admittedly some high-end hardware that showed off the best of what WMR could offer, but it didn't get a lot of support.

Only a couple of years later, Microsoft announced it was removing WMR support completely in the Windows 11 24H2 update. Worse, the deprecation by Microsoft included support for SteamVR, effectively bricking a lot of perfectly usable hardware.

It's important to point out that the upcoming Oasis driver will not be open source. As mbucchia explains it in a follow-up post in the reddit thread:

In a later response, mbucchia says they "don't plan on charging as long as I don't have any related expenses." That could, of course, change in the future, but other projects from the same engineer — like OpenXR toolkit and VDXR — remain free today.

I might be alone with this opinion, but charging a few dollars to resurrect an otherwise useless piece of expensive hardware doesn't seem like that big of an ask.

As for upkeep, the Oasis driver is being designed not to require a lot of work once it's in the wild and stable. A lot of that rests on Valve's side, with its own maintenance that keeps SteamVR working with a wide range of hardware.

The Oasis driver is confirmed as working with a couple of WMR headsets so far, including the HP Reverb G1 we reviewed. Each headset will require a bit of tweaking, explains mbucchia, and a bit of crowdsourcing for each headset's data could be required.

The Oasis driver has one major restriction

The biggest letdown out of this Oasis driver news is a lack of support for any GPUs other than NVIDIA. If you have an AMD or Intel GPU, it's not going to work.

That's due to how SteamVR "interfaces with the GPU drivers," says mbucchia. It's not something they can change or control.

Sorry, AMD and Intel users. If you want to dig your WMR headset up and use it again, you'll need to seriously consider going with an NVIDIA GPU for your next PC upgrade.

The future of Windows Mixed Reality

I recently wrote a rather lengthy retrospective look at Windows Mixed Reality's run, wrapping up the coverage with a look at what could have been done to save the platform.

As I mentioned there, "Microsoft could likely have lifted restrictions on code, turning it into an open-source platform and allowing enthusiasts to take it to the next level."

Of course, that never happened. What I didn't foresee was one Microsoft engineer taking matters into their own hands and prepping a driver that will save a whole lot of perfectly functional hardware from becoming e-waste.

It will be interesting to see how well the Oasis project turns out later this year. If it all works as planned, I can see a spike in SteamVR users who are dusting off their WMR headsets for one more go. I know I'll be among them.

Microsoft turns 50 on April 4, and the celebration of everyone's favorite Windows developer has us all taking a look back at some of the company's greatest achievements (with a healthy mix of criticism mixed in).

Some of my first (and most memorable) experiences with Windows were gaming-related.

From my earliest days playing Solitaire on a Windows 95 PC before becoming so hopelessly addicted to Age of Empires II — both ranked among the best Microsoft games of all time by my colleague Rebecca Spear — that I nearly flunked Grade 7, Microsoft has been along for the ride.

Taking a big leap ahead in time, with plenty of PC gaming goodness in the middle, Microsoft was part of the VR bubble that began reinflating sometime around the mid-to-late '10s.

I'm taking a look back at Windows Mixed Reality's brief run to uncover its biggest positives as well as a few likely reasons why it didn't make it in the long run.

What was Windows Mixed Reality?

Windows Mixed Reality was first introduced at WinHEC 2016 as part of the 2017 Windows 10 Creator's Update.

WMR was one part of Microsoft's "Project Evo" initiative, and it aimed to bring low-cost headsets to market that would "raise the bar" surrounding expectations for Windows PCs.

It wasn't until CES 2017 that we got our first look at the WMR hardware — then called Windows Holographic VR before a rebrand — from Microsoft's partners.

Alex Kipman, HoloLens inventor and (at the time) Microsoft's WMR lead, took to the stage later in October wearing a WMR headset and bearing news that WMR headsets were available for preorder.

Kipman also released a lengthy blog post detailing his vision of Windows Mixed Reality:

"We are standing at the threshold of the next revolution in computing. A revolution where computers empower us to expand our capabilities and transcend time, space and devices. A revolution where we immerse ourselves in virtual worlds of our choosing and we accomplish seemingly impossible things, while making lasting memories with the people we love.

"Our sense of what is possible is set to be transformed as we enter a new era of computing, the era of mixed reality. We have started to see this transformation take place in the modern workplace and soon we'll see it in every facet of life. With mixed reality, our ideas move beyond the boundaries of paper, beyond the boundaries of screens, and beyond the boundaries of description. This is the fundamental promise of mixed reality. The barrier that exists between our physical and digital worlds will disappear."

Microsoft saw its WMR platform as a jumping-off point for the future of computing. Updates would push it to new limits, all while taking into account user needs and preferences.

👉 Related: What exactly is Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality?

From the start, WMR was intended to be used for everything from gaming to watching movies or TV, browsing the web, and meeting with friends in virtual chatrooms.

Here's a quick list of all the VR headsets released under the WMR banner:

• Acer AH101: Released October 17, 2017 at $399.99 (with controllers).
• Dell Visor: Released October 17, 2017 at $349.99 ($449.99 with controllers).
• HP WMR: Released October 17, 2017 at $449.99 (with controllers).
• Lenovo Explorer: Released October 17, 2017 at $349.99 (449.99 with controllers).
• Samsung Odyssey: Released November 6, 2017 at $500 (with controllers).
• ASUS HC102: Released February 20, 2018 at $399.99 (with controllers).
• Samsung Odyssey+: Released October 22, 2018 at $500 (with controllers).
• HP Reverb: Released May 6, 2019 at $599 (Consumer) and $649 (Pro).
• Acer OJO 500: Released October 17, 2019 at $399.99 (with controllers).
• HP Reverb G2: Released October 31, 2020 at $599 (with controllers).

Windows Mixed Reality got a lot right no matter how it ended

It's easy to look back on Windows Mixed Reality with a negative eye.

Its retirement as of Windows 11 update 24H2 left a lot of adopters holding e-waste, and it never really delivered on all of its promises.

However, it did a few things quite well, and in some areas was ahead of the competition.

Windows Mixed Reality was ahead of its time ... a classic Microsoft story

The first VR headset I tested was an early Oculus Rift version. The second was an HTC Vive.

Both setups required a network of base stations to be connected to your PC in order to track the movements of the headset and its controllers.

While inside-out tracking is now the norm for headsets like the Meta Quest (which is ultimately what became of the Rift after Meta bought Oculus), Windows Mixed Reality was ahead of its time in offering the feature.

I remember unboxing my first WMR headset; no base stations, no miles of cable. The headset was plug-and-play with the PC, and the tracking was all handled by built-in cameras and sensors on the hardware.

The headset keeping track of the controllers led to some wonk — especially if you moved your hands (with controllers) behind you — but it was a lot easier to set up and use for the average adopter.

Windows Mixed Reality's high visual fidelity was a selling point

In terms of visual fidelity, WMR was ahead of many other mainstream VR systems.

Dell, Acer, HP, and Lenovo all released WMR headsets in 2017 to kick off the partnered initiative, and they came with a 1440x1440 resolution.

Putting that into perspective, the HTC Vive launched in 2016 with a 1080x1200 resolution while the PSVR (also released in 2016) had a lowly 960x1080 resolution. Even the Oculus Rift CV1 topped out at 1080x1200.

Considering how important a high resolution is in VR, WMR offered a significant visual upgrade while retaining relatively affordable pricing.

The Samsung Odyssey launched in 2017, and it took everything to the next level with an AMOLED display at a 1440x1600 resolution. It took HTC another year to launch the Vive Pro with the same screen.

In 2019 and 2020, HP released its Reverb and Reverb G2 WMR headsets, pushing the resolution up to 2160x2160.

I reviewed the Reverb G2 favorably, and I'll argue that it was probably the best chance WMR had at succeeding.

Windows Mixed Reality had some of the most affordable hardware

Windows Mixed Reality headsets and their controllers were some of the most affordable ways to get into VR.

The initial run of systems from Microsoft's partners hit the market with sub-$500 price tags, and Acer's AH101 system was the cheapest at $400 for the complete kit with controllers. It didn't take long for these headsets to drop in price.

Putting that into perspective, the Rift CV1 was selling for $599 and the HTC Vive for $399. Even PSVR was a $400 investment if you wanted the headset and controllers.

The awesome Samsung Odyssey headset with its high-res AMOLED display launched at $500, but it was also prone to frequent discounts.

Besides, it was way ahead of its time. The Vive Pro with the same display launched about a year later at $1,099 for the full system, so Samsung's headset was a major steal.

Windows Mixed Reality worked flawlessly with Steam

Every PC gamer's favorite developer and retailer, Valve, was quick to implement WMR support in its SteamVR toolkit.

All you had to do in order to unlock the vast library of Steam games was install the tool on the main Steam app and download Microsoft's WMR for SteamVR app.

From there, it was just a matter of plugging in your headset and following the on-screen prompts. Any VR games you launched on Steam were sent automatically to the WMR headset.

For PC gamers looking to get into VR titles, WMR represented an affordable and fully compatible way to fully immerse themselves.

It's worth pointing out here that WMR even saved some software from extinction.

AltspaceVR was on the rocks in 2017 when Microsoft purchased it, which at the time seemed like an indicator of how serious Microsoft was about VR.

Too bad AltspaceVR ended up in the trash heap anyway when it was abandoned in 2023.

The demise of Windows Mixed Reality ... and the reasons leading up to it

The death of WMR wasn't entirely Microsoft's fault.

Looking at Statista numbers, consumer interest in VR headsets hasn't grown as quickly as expected, and worldwide demand for VR hardware and software has been eclipsed by Augmented Reality.

Those who do want a VR headset generally turn to Meta's Quest lineup of wireless, self-contained headsets, while Valve's own VR platform, Index, remains the leading hardware for PC gaming.

There are, however, a few pain points that didn't help Windows Mixed Reality's progress and attempts to gain market share.

I'm still waiting on that whole 'Mixed Reality' part

"Windows Mixed Reality" didn't really represent what Microsoft's VR platform could do. However, "Windows Virtual Reality" didn't really have the same ring to it.

Augmented reality at the time was being pushed forward by Microsoft's HoloLens, which could display information over the real world in front of you.

At the other end of the spectrum was virtual reality, which shut you off from the outside world completely for complete immersion.

The headsets were full virtual reality, with many hoping that the mixed part would arrive sometime in the future. That, of course, never panned out.

I'm not sure how much the "mixed" feature never arriving actually harmed the product, but it certainly didn't make the emerging world of VR any less complicated for those looking in from the outside.

The cheapest WMR hardware made a poor first impression

As a counterpoint to one of my earlier positive notes regarding the affordability of WMR headsets, the cost cut didn't come without side effects.

The headsets created by Microsoft's partners resulted in a wide range of quality, and I remember plenty of reports regarding Acer's budget option not faring well under heavy use.

It certainly wasn't the only hardware that had a cheap feel compared to competitors like HTC and Oculus.

Attempting to jumpstart an entirely new sector on the back of shoddy hardware is never a good idea.

Although there were WMR headsets that rivaled everything else on the market in terms of quality, the cheap stuff is what sold most, giving more people a negative impression.

It was a great way to give VR a shot without investing a ton of money, but it didn't do justice to the platform as a whole.

Despite Steam integration, WMR didn't have one killer app or game

Jumping into Windows Mixed Reality on Windows was fun at first. There was an entire house to decorate and set up, acting as your launch pad for everything WMR.

The excitement quickly waned as I found myself usually skipping any sort of intermediary software and jumping straight into the app or game of my choice.

Once SteamVR integration came along, I really didn't need to touch the WMR portal built into Windows at all. It just kind of became an annoying add-on.

Microsoft never really created that one killer app or game in an attempt to sell WMR, and it never got anywhere with Xbox integration.

Even Xbox head Phil Spencer was quoted in 2019 as saying "Nobody's asking for VR" on Xbox, though others argued it could be a perfect fit for the console.

Sony ultimately proved Spencer's point with PSVR and PSVR 2, which fizzled out due to poor sales and an overall lack of interest.

Still, I look at Valve's Half-Life: Alyx, released in 2020 to complement the Valve Index VR system, which currently sits at an Overwhelmingly Positive rating with more than 84,000 reviews.

What could have been if Microsoft had invested in turning one of its legendary brands into a VR game?

Could anything have saved Windows Mixed Reality?

Windows Mixed Reality support is officially dead if you've made the switch to Windows 11.

It's still kicking around in Windows 10, but its support is done, and besides, Windows 10 is being retired in October 2025.

That leaves a whole lot of e-waste sitting around. Microsoft could likely have lifted restrictions on code, turning it into an open-source platform and allowing enthusiasts to take it to the next level.

I don't know if anything could have saved WMR. Microsoft definitely didn't put as many resources into it as it could have, but the market appeal across all VR cooled off not long after it began heating up.

So, here we are in 2025 with Windows Mixed Reality pushing daisies in Microsoft's graveyard. Where do we go from here?

In 2024, it was reported that Microsoft is planning an MR/VR headset to take on the Apple Vision Pro, with a focus on gaming and media rather than any sort of metaverse.

That hardware, if it ever materializes, likely won't arrive until late 2025 or 2026.

It appears Extended Reality (XR) hardware — cutting-edge Goovis Art is currently being tested by Windows Central Editor in Chief Daniel Rubino, and XREAL is another favorite — is the next big push for consumer headsets.

XR offers hardware that's much less intrusive and heavy, and it delivers a better version of mixed reality than Windows Mixed Reality ever could. But, whether or not it sticks around remains to be seen.

Did you use WMR? Do you still use WMR? How could it have been saved from annihilation? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Everyone is talking about the Apple Vision Pro (okay, well, they were for about 5 minutes). But as long-time Windows watchers, we sit by the sidelines, once again, watching as Apple "invents" another category Microsoft effectively pioneered with HoloLens. 

The spatial hologrammatic anchors seen in the Apple Vision Pro were present in HoloLens over half a decade ago, although increasingly, it seems like HoloLens' future is largely in peril. Microsoft also announced that Windows Mixed Reality is dead. The platform, which powered OEM Windows-based headsets from the likes of Dell and HP, will no longer receive updates. HoloLens is powered by "Windows Holographic," although the lack of interest from Microsoft seems to be hinting that the nascent product is rapidly hurtling towards the Microsoft Graveyard, squashed by the Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro. 

The truth is, I don't expect the Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro will become the "preferred" computing paradigm any time soon. One reason is cost. The Apple Vision Pro is stupidly expensive (and HoloLens was too). The other reason is comfort. Literally nobody wants to wear a computer on their face, when a phone or a laptop is simply far more comfortable, even if it's less "cool." 

What if there was an affordable method, that was also actually comfortable to wear? That's the XREAL Air glasses. 

I reviewed the XREAL Air glasses here, and have found them to be a trusty travel buddy ever since. However, it's so clear to me that there's raw potential here not being met, and a big partnership with Windows 11 and Microsoft could help both firms leapfrog the likes of Apple and Meta in this interesting, emerging compute category. 

Right now, XREAL's biggest problem is software. 

Recently, during a trip for a video game preview event (Dragon's Dogma 2 is absolutely amazing, btw), I decided to ditch my laptop and travel light. Instead, I armed myself only with my XREAL Air glasses, a Bluetooth travel keyboard, and my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with Samsung DeX (RIP Windows Phone Continuum). 

For those who don't know, Samsung DeX gives you a Windows-like environment when you connect a display to Samsung's higher-end smartphones. Connect up a mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth, and you effectively have an ARM-powered laptop. The only issue for me with Samsung DeX was... well, if I'm going to take a portable monitor with me, at that point I might as well just take my laptop. But XREAL changes all that. 

When you plug the XREAL glasses into a Samsung smartphone, Android will pick it up as an external display, and immediately start Samsung DeX. What you see inside the glasses is a huge resizable monitor, all without the bulk of an actual monitor, with incredible crispness, QHD resolution, and almost zero chromatic aberration or edge blurring. Using prescription lenses, the XREAL is the only head-mounted device I've used that is comfortable for long sessions. I watched Cyberpunk Edgerunners from Netflix on the train, and it was a truly awesome, immersive experience — truly like having your own personal cinema, without the awkwardness of carrying, or wearing a huge VR face computer. However, the downsides to actually using this method as a full laptop replacement are numerous. 

This isn't necessarily the XREAL Air's fault, since they don't exactly market themselves as a laptop replacement. The XREAL Air glasses have no internal battery or computing, they are effectively just a very clever monitor, squashed into some powerful lenses. But therein lies XREAL's biggest issue, really. The software to truly get the most out of these types of devices is either within closed platforms, like the Apple Vision Pro or the Meta Quest, or it's just... well, awful. 

Samsung DeX is not a great experience as a "laptop replacement," selecting text fields can still bring up the touch keyboard even if it's turned off. Some apps don't scale properly, if at all, when running in a "window." And productivity apps I might want to use, like Microsoft Word for mobile, are often missing tons of features that you don't notice until you actually need them. Also, some of my company web apps are just designed for a desktop environment, and won't scale on Samsung DeX even if I change the browser's settings to load up the desktop version of web pages. 

There's an absolutely vast potential in hologrammatic computing interfaces. Just consuming YouTube, Netflix, or games while commuting is great — but if XREAL was connected to an OS that had features designed in and around this type of computing paradigm, I feel like it could be the holy grail companies like Meta and Apple have long been eluded by. 

And like I said, none of this is XREAL's fault. But it is a huge pain point for the firm. XREAL's own "Nebula" app for Android tries to inject some of these features, but it's too buggy and clunky to provide a good experience right now. And even if they got it up to par from a spatial computing perspective, they'll still be bottle necked by the fact they're trying to run a desktop resolution via an Android interface, which simply isn't, and never will be, designed for desktop. Thankfully, there is an OS for OEMs out there designed for hologrammatic spatial computing in desktop environments — Windows Mixed Reality. 

Microsoft's biggest problem was hardware.

When Microsoft revealed HoloLens back in the day, it was summarily mind-blowing. True holograms, realizing the sci-fi dreams of decades of artists and authors. 

Microsoft used an impressive external capture rig to showcase the holograms, although they explained that the HoloLens total view area would be smaller in reality. In reality, indeed, it was pretty tiny. It was akin to peering at holograms through a letterbox, and arguably a downgrade from simply using a laptop or indeed any other device. 

Then came the price tag. The latest HoloLens 2, which has a larger "letterbox" viewing angle and better ergonomics, costs a whopping £3,449 in the United Kingdom, $3,500 in the United States. The price tag represents the complexity of the tech, owing to the fact it's a fully-contained, untethered Windows computer, complete with all the benefits of the Windows UWP ecosystem. 

HoloLens and Windows Holographic development has eventually ended, though. There hasn't been a meaningful update to HoloLens' overall software landscape for years — with the majority of development going towards servicing Microsoft's terminally-ill contract with the United States military. 

I can't help but feel like HoloLens, the Apple Vision Pro, and Meta Quest 3, are trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist — at least from a productivity perspective. For gaming, a fully immersive 3D VR environment offered by Meta Quest absolutely makes sense. But for hologrammatic productivity represented by HoloLens and the Apple Vision Pro, that absurd $3,000+ price tag makes no sense for the vast majority of humans, both on the consumer and business side. 

HoloLens apologists might say things like, "well, it's not for consumers!" To that, I'd argue that it quite clearly could be. Apple is certainly pitching the Vision Pro as a consumer device, and it effectively does all the same stuff HoloLens 3 or 4 might've done if Microsoft had continued to iterate. I joked on Twitter (X) to the effect of, "HoloLens engineers must be enjoying the fact that Apple just invented HoloLens." After, a former HoloLens engineer reached out and noted the fact that a large portion of the team joined Apple to work on the Vision Pro. Yet still, Apple hasn't solved the core issue that HoloLens had: Price, and comfort. These devices are huge, face computers. The human spine is not designed to accommodate this kind of imbalanced skull weight, and indeed, many Apple Vision Pro reviews remark about neck pain. The XREAL Air sports neither of these problems. 

The XREAL Air starts at $299, and the version with electromagnetic dimming (amazing tech) is $499. This is orders of magnitude cheaper than HoloLens or the Apple Vision Pro. It's also barely noticeable while being worn, too, unlike any of the main head mounted devices. Honestly, I feel as though the XREAL Air are actually more comfortable than my regular glasses. 

The issue with XREAL is its lack of viable software. The issue with Microsoft's mixed reality is a lack of viable hardware. 

Is there enough of a vision or drive left within Microsoft to support devices like this?

XREAL + Windows, it just makes sense. 

Right now, the XREAL glasses have an optional accessory called the Beam. The XREAL Beam is essentially a power bank running the absolute most bare-bones version of Android. It injects Amazon Prime, Netflix, and a basic file explorer app into your XREAL, and also provides some boosted configurability over stock Android or the Nebula app. It's unnecessary to use the Beam if you have a smartphone to plug XREAL into, of course, but sadly Android and iOS just don't cut it by themselves. 

What XREAL really needs is a platform designed for holographic computing, and spatial anchors. Windows Mixed Reality might be mothballed, but I kept thinking while using Samsung DeX with XREAL ... "I wish this was Windows right now." 

With ARM mobility processor architecture and Windows getting closer than ever before, what if there was a pocketable Windows holographic device that could connect to and power the XREAL or other similar devices? Could this finally be Microsoft's mobility play in a post-smartphone world? Could this be THE RETURN OF WINDOWS MOBILE?!?! 

Okay, maybe I'm dreaming, but the synergy here is so painfully obvious. I wish Microsoft still cared about this stuff. 

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced the deprecation of Windows Mixed Reality, marking the end of the Windows-based VR ecosystem.
• The last Windows Mixed Reality headset to come out was the HP Reverb G2, which was released in 2021.
• At least part of Microsoft's vision for virtual reality will continue on Meta Quest and Meta's VR platform.
• Microsoft recently launched Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Meta Quest and shipped Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta) to the headsets.

Microsoft recently announced the deprecation of Windows Mixed Reality. The news was hardly shocking, considering the last Windows Mixed Reality headset shipped in 2021. Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden explained, "it's clear that Mixed Reality at Microsoft is a dead venture." There isn't a true successor to HoloLens 2 on the way.

While Windows Mixed Reality is on the way out, Microsoft has not abandoned virtual reality. In fact, the company shipped several of its most popular apps to Meta Quest 3 earlier this month. Xbox Cloud Gaming came out in beta, and Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are all generally available.

We will likely never see the VR vision that Microsoft showcased on stage back in 2015, but many of Microsoft's most important apps and services will live on in virtual reality.

While I'd love to see a fully backed Windows Mixed Reality with developers on board, that seems to have been a pipe dream. But Facebook has been in the VR game for years, and Android Central named the Meta Quest 3 the best VR headset on the market. Microsoft can lean into the Quest ecosystem and get its apps in front of users' faces, all without creating and maintaining its own VR platform.

Xbox Cloud Gaming on Meta Quest 3

The Xbox team does not seem to value native VR titles, but Microsoft has released Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta) on Meta Quest. The app lets you stream hundreds of games to the headset's large virtual screens. It's a bit like having one of the best TVs for Xbox strapped to your face.

The Xbox Cloud Gaming app can be used when fully immersed or with Passthrough mode. Neither of those will provide a social gaming experience for people you share a room with, but Xbox Cloud Gaming with Passthrough mode feels more like playing on a TV than locking yourself in VR for your whole gaming session.

Notably, Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games from the cloud, so it's not the same as playing native games. The games are also limited to a virtual screen rather than taking advantage of VR, but that's okay. The Meta Quest store has a ton of games that take full advantage of the headset's hardware. Xbox Cloud Gaming is a bonus, especially if you already have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.

Xbox Cloud Gaming coming to Meta Quest seems like a solid compromise that brings popular Xbox titles to Meta Quest without Microsoft having to invest many additional resources. Xbox Cloud Gaming already works on phones, tablets, PCs, and some consoles. Now, it works in VR as well.

Microsoft Office on Meta Quest 3

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel were added to the Meta Quest Store earlier this month. Those apps allow you to span your workflow across multiple virtual monitors and work with passthrough mode to let you see your office as you work. The apps even work with a Bluetooth mouth and keyboard to blend physical accessories with virtual applications.

Nicholas Sutrich, Senior Content Producer at Android Central, shared a brief video on the Office apps after they launched.

Word, PowerPoint, and Excel are part of the first wave of Microsoft 365 apps and services to ship to Meta Quest. Outlook, SharePoint, and even Windows 365 Cloud PCs will come in the future.

Microsoft making its biggest productivity apps available on Meta Quest is a welcome gesture. Virtual work and the Metaverse may not have exploded the way people once thought they would, but the Meta Quest 3 could convince a few people to work in mixed reality. Microsoft 365 support for Meta Quest means Microsoft can stay in front of people's eyeballs without maintaining its own VR platform.

Meta Quest 3 vs HoloLens 2

Meta Quest 3 and HoloLens 2 are different headsets, but part of Microsoft's vision of augmented reality lives on in Meta Quest 3. Meta and Microsoft approached augmented reality from different directions, but the end result is similar enough that everyday users can feel like VR mixes with the real world.

HoloLens 2 has a see-through visor and a variety of sensors that allow you to overlay virtual content over your real-world surroundings. It's a clever setup for industrial work, but it isn't the best for a gaming headset. While augmented reality is useful, especially in professional settings, there are times when you want to be fully immersed in VR.

Rather than make a headset with a see-through screen, Meta placed several cameras on Quest 3 for the headset's passthrough mode. The cameras are good enough to read text on a phone and see the world around you. Your surroundings aren't as clear as when using HoloLens 2, but the cameras are good enough.

Meta's approach to augmented reality means you can mix virtual reality and reality when you want and swap to full immersion any time you'd like. That's a better setup for a consumer-focused headset.

Meta Quest 3 does not replace the enterprise features of HoloLens 2, but it does a much better job as a consumer headset. It seems that was the right strategy, as Meta Quest 3 is one of the hottest gifts of the holidays, and Windows Mixed Reality was just deprecated.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has added Windows Mixed Reality to the list of features it is deprecating in Windows.
• The company says support for Windows Mixed Reality devices will be removed in a future version of Windows.
• This includes support for SteamVR using Windows Mixed Reality VR headsets.

Microsoft has announced that it is deprecating Windows Mixed Reality, with plans to remove the feature in an upcoming release of the OS. Windows Mixed Reality was Microsoft's attempt at building out a VR ecosystem for Windows PCs, but unfortunately this effort has been mostly inactive for a number of years.

While there have been several VR headsets built for Windows Mixed Reality, most of them launched between 2017 and 2021. It's been a long while since OEMs released new VR headsets for Windows Mixed Reality, likely because SteamVR is a much more successful platform with a much wider selection of games.

Unfortunately, Microsoft says the deprecation of Windows Mixed Reality also includes support for using a Windows Mixed Reality headset with SteamVR, along with the dedicated Mixed Reality Portal app which acted as a launch environment for VR apps and games built for Windows Mixed Reality.

HoloLens 2 is Microsoft's only surviving "Windows Mixed Reality" device, however even the HoloLens product has gone through turbulent times recently. It's clear that Mixed Reality at Microsoft is a dead venture, with HoloLens 3 being canceled and no current plans to ship a true successor. Even Xbox is uninterested in VR.

It's fair to say the writing has been on the wall for Microsoft's VR platform for many years. The company went all in on VR and Mixed Reality devices just 5 years, but has now given up on that venture. It's a shame too, because some of the Windows Mixed Reality devices were actually pretty good, and some made VR relatively affordable.

The HP Reverb G2 was the most recent Windows Mixed Reality headset, which got a surprising refresh in 2021. Outside of that, we've not had any Windows Mixed Reality headsets ship from any OEM since 2019. 

It wasn't too long ago that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was fully immersed in the buzzword-a-thon that was the metaverse. Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook fame famously rebranded his entire company to Meta, to showcase the company's focus on building its very own internet. We'd meet, work, and play in Zuckerberg's very own virtual reality playground, powered by the firm's Quest headsets. Come 2023, and literally tens of thousands of layoffs later, it seems the company's "Meta" branding will serve as nothing more than a painful reminder. 

Microsoft doesn't talk too much about the metaverse these days either. The bulk of its recent redundancies revolved around the troubled Mixed Reality department, which houses Windows Mixed Reality and HoloLens. Previously buoyed by a massive military contract, armed forces testers reportedly said that Microsoft's headsets would get people killed in the field, while reporting sickness and other irritations from its military-grade HoloLens HMD. 

While mixed reality technology is nowhere near viable for military use on the ground, one area where it is far more sensical is in the home. Meta Quest 2 headsets, Sony's PlayStation VR, and other manufacturers have built a small but growing VR game industry, where a few big players have made quite a hefty sum of money. Sure, it pales in comparison to mobile, PC, and console game ecosystems, but today's VR ecosystem could be compared to the early video game industry of the 90s, where budgets for games were smaller, owing to a smaller install base. 

Today, a report from the IDC (via Bloomberg) projects that Sony's PSVR2 headsets are projected to sell 270,000 units in its first month of sales. For comparison's sake, Xbox's doomed motion controller Kinect sold 8 million units in its first two months of sale. It's a clunky comparison, though, given that Kinect was orders of magnitude cheaper. PSVR2 retails at a mammoth £530 in the UK, making it more expensive than an Xbox Series X itself. Unlike the fully wireless Meta Quest 2, it also requires a cable, and a £480 PlayStation 5 to power it. But these are the sacrifices necessary to offer a premium, high-quality VR experience. The problem is, it seems like nobody wants it. 

A big metaversal distraction

During the pandemic, I recall covering deals during Black Friday and Christmas, hunting down the best savings for all of you lovely readers out there. This was during the big chip shortage too, where PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles were practically gold dust. Even Nintendo Switch consoles were hard to come by, despite having chips that were far easier to source. Anecdotally, one product I rarely found to be out of stock was Facebook's Meta Quest 2. 

There's a big debate online about the business viability of VR as a platform. Facebook has increased the price of its headsets, which to me is a sign that the software attach rate just isn't there. Generally speaking, with console hardware like this, the products are sold for thin or sometimes even break-even margins. The idea is that you get people through the door, then sell them software digitally via your stores. PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and Meta all use this formula for their platforms, but there's a pretty obvious flaw when trying to apply this business model to VR. 

On PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, you can spend hours upon hours inside a single game. VR by comparison, for most people, is only comfortable in short bursts. Motion sickness is a prevalent issue on VR, and it's still not something any of the major platform holders have been able to solve easily. Even without motion sickness, fatigue, and weariness from strapping what amounts to a small computer on your face, it's nowhere near the leisurely kind of experience you get playing a game on a sofa. VR is a big, physical commitment, which obviously creates barriers to entry. This is before we discuss price, room space requirements, and other barriers. 

And like I said, what makes console gaming so lucrative as a business model is that software sell-through. The Activision-Blizzard merger with Xbox has put a big highlight on just how lucrative a single franchise can be on console. Last year, the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 generated over a billion dollars in revenue in just two weeks. The entire Meta VR platform, including all the game sales and hardware sales, generated annual revenue of $2.1 billion for the entirety of 2022. 

Now, this is just a single game on consoles. Include games like Fortnite, other Call of Duty games, Apex Legends, FIFA, Overwatch, and the various other big-name microtransaction-driven titles that all send Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo a beefy 30% cut of all their revenues. VR simply doesn't have anything comparable to that right now, making it increasingly hard to justify the investment. And even if it did, the amount users may want to invest in a platform they only spend a few hours a week on is going to be far lower than that of a console or mobile game. For a console to be a viable business model, digital store purchases need to be far higher than what is likely to be possible with today's clunky, uncomfy VR tech. 

Meta posted a staggering $14 billion loss during 2022, trying desperately to make this work. And this is with a far cheaper headset than the PSVR 2, while also being completely wireless. It's hard to envisage how Xbox could have done anything differently here. 

A choice between VR and cloud should be obvious

We're at the zenith of another major shift in technology right now. The past few years have seen the buzz around blockchain and NFTs, and then the metaverse, both of which vanished like a sock in the dryer. We seem to have happened upon something far more corporeal with the rise of artificial intelligence models, which Microsoft is baking heavily into all of its products even as I write this. Powered by ludicrously massive cloud arrays, AI models like ChatGPT promise to make searching the web easier, coding faster, and day-to-day chores less, well, choring (perhaps I should use AI to expand my vocabulary). In any case, it's within that massive Azure cloud that Xbox found its business viability with the powers that be at Microsoft. 

For the longest time, Xbox was this near vestigial limb at the firm, with some investors even calling for it to be spun off. Nobody is calling for that now. 

Xbox has found its footing in Microsoft's business brain, with cloud services like PlayFab and Game Stack powering many of the world's biggest titles. Microsoft has also invested heaps of time and money in building out Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows you to stream console-quality titles to virtually any device. It's truly the antithesis of the VR ecosystem, with its restrictive ecosystems of withheld content, patchy interoperability, and sky-high price tags. Xbox Cloud Gaming costs $15 per month, and you can run it on practically any device you already own, providing you have 5GHz WiFi set up that is. 

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has been criticized for a previous promise to deliver "high-quality VR" with the Xbox Series X|S generation, given that it never materialized. The truth is that Spencer, unequivocally, made the right bet. 

Ultimately, Xbox was faced with a choice. If it wanted to do VR justice, it would need to be investing at the levels that PlayStation is, if not more, to deliver a high-quality experience. That's a bet that thus far doesn't seem to be paying off. Instead, Microsoft opted to target the fastest-growing gaming market (mobile), with a service that could be additive to the current Xbox gaming ecosystem and its developers. Developers don't have to commit many dev hours to verify their titles for Xbox Cloud Gaming, and they're even paid upfront for joining the program. 

There are a few games making heaps of cash on VR platforms, which includes titles like Beat Saber, but for VR to be successful, it needs hundreds more Beat Sabers. We're decades away from that being a possibility, in my view.  

We're decades away from mixed reality being a primary leisure modality

I am one of the very few mortals who have experienced HoloLens first-hand. It was an exciting vision of what could be. A room of virtual windows, a canvas for ultimate room-sized multitasking at scale. The perfect office environment, destroyed by its atrociously tiny letterbox viewfinder. Reports suggest HoloLens 3 may never see the light of day, and it's not entirely surprising. Meta, the biggest player in VR today, has also reportedly canceled two upcoming VR headsets too. It's not a stretch to envision that PSVR could also end up sidelined as well. 

It's a shame because there is something awesome about VR. Mining and building in Minecraft VR feel so natural and intuitive — until it makes you feel sick, that is. 

All the reports suggest Sony's PSVR2 is probably the best VR headset experience you can get right now, it's just so damn expensive that very few people will likely get the opportunity to try it. I can't help but feel like this is going to end up being a huge distraction for the firm, whose talented game developers could be working on regular games that will sell more than a few thousand units. I feel like their industry-leading hardware teams could have built a successor to the awesome PS Vita instead, which would doubtless have sold more than 270,000 units in its first month. Sony could also have worked to make something of that cloud partnership with Microsoft it announced, which ultimately seemed to lead nowhere. 

I think there probably is a future where VR is comfortable, convenient, and affordable enough to have a space in most people's lives. But I doubt the necessary breakthroughs in the tech will come from today's players in the space. Whether it's better wearable-grade batteries or more power-efficient lightweight computing paradigms, I suspect we're still a few decades away from anyone being able to mainstream and make a viable business out of VR. This is why Xbox was ultimately right in staying away from the space, fully armed with the knowledge from the Windows Mixed Reality team just how far from commercial viability it is. 

What you need to know

• In the latest update in the massive Microsoft layoffs, we now have a better idea of how deep the cuts run in Microsoft's Mixed Reality team. 
• The team behind AltSpaceVR and also the Mixed Reality Tool Kit have been laid off in their entireties. 
• Potentially, these layoffs throw serious doubt on the future of HoloLens, which is currently struggling to retain its military contract with the U.S. government. 

The scale of the Microsoft layoffs keeps revealing itself through social media posts, as we get to grips with just how deep and broad Microsoft is looking to restructure. 

This past week, Microsoft revealed its joining Amazon, Google, and others in laying off thousands of employees. The cuts reduces Microsoft's global workforce by 5%, which grew rapidly to take advantage of opportunities that were presented during the pandemic. With work-from-home culture ending, inflation spiraling, and Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine disrupting energy markets, Big Tech is scaling back to keep shareholders happy in a tough economic environment. 

Microsoft is rearranging its bets for the future of the company as a result. Despite having acquired AltSpaceVR back in 2017, Microsoft culled the entire team behind the virtual reality workspace project this past week. As a result, AltSpaceVR will shutter for good in March, effectively ending Microsoft's "metaverse" efforts with it. Supposedly, Microsoft Mesh will be AltSpaceVR's successor, but it remains to be seen just how serious the company is about the so-called "metaverse," despite CEO Satya Nadella's buzzword-laden speeches on the topic at recent events. 

In addition to the death of AltSpaceVR, Microsoft has also culled the entire team behind the popular MRTK framework. MRTK is Microsoft's "Mixed Reality Tool Kit," which is a cross-platform framework for spatial anchors in virtual reality spaces. MRTK was built for Unity VR integrations, and works with Meta's headsets with a focus on HoloLens. 

HoloLens has been scaled back already in recent years following the departure of its chief architect Alex Kipman. Microsoft has been pursuing a HoloLens contract with the U.S. military, which was recently scaled back by the U.S. Congress, owing to reported problems with the program. 

For Microsoft to cull the entire team behind MRTK, which was due to release a new version just next month, it paints a picture of a company that perhaps no longer believes in virtual reality. There are many who believe the "metaverse" represents the next big opportunity in human-computer interfacing, but even Facebook, who rebranded its entire company to Meta in the belief of this technology, is scaling back in this area as well — laying off 11,000 staff back in November. 

What you need to know

• Insider published a new, lengthy article where Alex Kipman, Terry Myerson, and Tom Keane are accused of poor behavior towards staff.
• The article dives deeper into how CEO Satya Nadella’s policies while improving the culture at Microsoft have not solved many problems, including “tokenism” and gender-related issues related to pay.
• Company insiders say a culture of executive misconduct has remained constant and pervasive at Microsoft.

Thanks to a new explosive report from Insider (formerly Business Insider), Microsoft is coming under heat. In the article, executives at Microsoft, both current and former, are accused of bad behavior, including “verbal abuse and sexual harassment.” And while CEO Satya Nadella, who himself had a very public blunder about gender pay a few years ago, has made improvements, the article claims there are still “golden boys” who escape any severe repercussions for their behavior.

According to Insider’s reporting, which is behind a paywall, Alex Kipman, who invented Microsoft’s HoloLens mixed-realty headset and currently oversees the company’s metaverse efforts, bears the brunt of the criticism. One story involves Kipman in 2016 or 2017, wearing a VR headset that was also mirrored on a nearby monitor, where everyone in the room could see what he was viewing. The content was not very work-safe, and it made many of the women in the room “very uncomfortable.”

From the Insider report: “In the video that filled the screen, several young women in skimpy clothing frolicked on a bed; an overtly sexualized pillow fight ensued. An employee who was present, speaking with Insider later, described the scene as “VR porn.” The assembled staffers exchanged confused glances, and a couple of them walked out.”

Kipman is later accused of fostering “a culture that diminishes women’s contributions.” 

In another instance, Kipman rubbed a woman employee’s shoulders despite her looking “deeply uncomfortable” and did not lay off even after the employee “shrugged her shoulders, apparently trying to make him stop.”

Perhaps even more damning, managers went to great lengths not to leave women around Kipman. There is even an accusation that Kipman had to have “chaperones” from human resources during meetings (Microsoft denied the practice). And last year, more than 25 employees contributed to a report about Kipman’s inappropriate behavior, although no actions were taken.

Indeed, a blessing in disguise was the pandemic, as it meant no one had to work with Kipman in person, according to one former executive who worked with him.

Myerson and Keane also called-out

Insider’s report goes after some other former executives, including Terry Myerson, who oversaw Windows, and Tom Keane, a corporate vice president of the company’s Azure cloud-computing business.

Myerson’s case is the most interesting as he seemingly (and suddenly) decided to leave Microsoft in 2018. There was never a formal explanation given as to why he was going, and rumors swirled around about the failure of Windows Phone, issues with Windows 10, and other unconfirmed causes.

However, Insider states that Myerson had a “meltdown” backstage at a Microsoft event shortly before he left, where he publicly criticized “everyone” in a yelling fit. It was such an issue that it reportedly caught the eye of Nadella, and three people with knowledge of the issue claim that his behavior played a significant role in his departure.

Keane is also accused of similar actions, including making a staff member cry in the middle of a public meeting. Other employees noted Keane ran things like a dictator such that staffers called him “King Tom” behind his back due to his demands of obedience. 

In January of this year, after a 30-day unexplained hiatus, Keane was reassigned within Microsoft, although he still oversees hundreds of employees.

Microsoft still has a ways to go

It should not be too surprising that a company the size of Microsoft would take years to change around such issues, but it may come as a bit of a shock that things are still this bad for apparently many employees.

While Nadella talks the talk, more needs to be done, especially around the “talented jerks” who still work there. Even in that 2014 public gaffe when discussing women and raises, Maria Klawe, who was on the board, was asked to resign over the incident (she later did the following year).

But if there is one takeaway from Insider’s continued reporting, Alex Kipman’s time at the company may be short-lived, and if not, it should be. This isn’t the first damaging report on him, as Insider also did recent exposes on his leadership over HoloLens, with the division being called a “s--t show.”

What you need to know

• Apple reportedly used augmented reality and mixed reality prototypes running Windows as a proof of concept for the technology.
• The early AR and VR devices were reportedly used in a board meeting in 2016 that included former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and then–Disney CEO Bob Iger.
• Companies often use preexisting technology to create prototypes, and the story does not indicate that Apple would ever ship Windows on a device.

Rumors of augmented reality or virtual reality devices from Apple have been around for years. Reports claimed that the company once had a device planned for release as early as 2019. That headset was delayed several times, and the most recent rumors suggest that Apple may have an AR piece of hardware ready for 2023. But before Apple went too far down its AR journey, the company had to convince its board that the technology was worth spending time and money on.

A report by The Information detailed a meeting of Apple board members in 2016 to look at the prospect of augmented reality. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and then–Disney CEO Bob Iger were reportedly in attendance.

According to The Information, the prototype headsets used to show the concept of VR and AR to Apple's board members were far from polished. That isn't surprising or irregular, of course. Prototype devices are about illustrating a concept rather than resembling finished products. Still, the report shared some interesting and funny tidbits about the early days of Apple's AR and VR efforts.

The prototypes were reportedly "cobbled together from off-the-shelf parts" and ran a version of Windows, presumably Windows Mixed Reality. Apple used HTC Vives and other VR headsets as a base for their prototype, according to the article.

At least one of the headsets was apparently so large that Apple had a small crane set up to allow board members to wear the device without hurting their necks. While WMR headsets from 2016 were larger than newer pieces of hardware, a crane would not have been needed for an HTC Vive from that period. Assuming the report is accurate, Apple must have added quite a bit of weight to the headset to justify the use of a crane.

The fact that Apple had hardware running Windows isn't as noteworthy as it may appear at first glance. It makes sense that the company would rely on preexisting hardware and software to show the concept of AR and VR to its board members.

What you need to know

• As happens every month, Steam has released its Steam Hardware & Software Survey results, this time for March 2022.
• Windows 11 continues to steadily expand its reach.
• Windows Mixed Reality continues to cling to a little under 5% of the VR headset space's market share.

Every month, without fail, Steam releases stats on its users' hardware and software selections. March 2022's results don't hold many surprises, especially with regards to Windows 11.

The latest operating system from Microsoft continues to claim the souls of more PCs, now having inserted itself into 16.84% of Steam's population (a 1.25% change from the month before). Windows 10 64-bit remains dominant with 74.69% market share, but the fact remains that Windows 11 keeps gaining ground month after month, albeit at a slow but steady clip.

Another Windows product that achieved a little traction in March was Windows Mixed Reality. The headsets shot up to 4.86% market share, representing a 0.17% gain over the month prior. Meanwhile, the Oculus Quest 2 remains high and mighty with 47.35% of Steam users under its control.

In other stats, NVIDIA continues to dominate the GPU game with 77.13% market share, which shouldn't come as a huge surprise given how many of the best graphics cards are made by the company. And in the CPU sector, Intel has resecured a nice 69%, leaving AMD in charge of just a little over 30% of Steam's userbase's processing power.

As always, any month could throw a curveball and radically alter the current figures, so stay frosty for when April 2022's results roll around. Maybe there will even be a month when Windows Mixed Reality inches above 5%.

Over the last few days, a lot of info about Microsoft's plans around mixed reality and, specifically, HoloLens has come out due to reporting of Business Insider. The biggest news is that HoloLens 3 is reportedly canceled, and Microsoft is teaming up with Samsung for a consumer push into mixed reality.

Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw told BI, "Microsoft HoloLens remains a critical part of our plans for emerging categories like mixed reality and the metaverse," and that Microsoft remains "committed to HoloLens and future HoloLens development." Doubts remain.

But the issue around Microsoft's plans for a consumer-based mixed reality device always falls back to one thing: The failure of Windows Phone. Let's talk about why HoloLens would never make sense for consumers and how Android, sadly, could be Microsoft's best bet. And what are the chances of a cloud-based Windows wearable PC?

HoloLens is too much for consumers (in all the wrong ways)

HoloLens 1 and 2, priced over $3,000, has always been cost-prohibitive for consumers. There was always hope that the cost would come down as the tech improved, and that hasn't happened.

But it's more than just the dollar amount that matters. HoloLens is remarkable because it's a fully functional, self-contained Windows PC. Indeed, you can connect Bluetooth peripherals like a mouse and keyboard up to it because it is just a Windows PC that you wear on your head. Apple's rumored $2,000 MR/VR headset, which may debut later this year, reportedly has a similar architecture but runs "rOS" (reality OS), so the idea had merit.

But both devices aren't proper augmented-reality (AR) glasses that people would wear all day in the same way Google envisioned Google Glass all those years ago. They're both big, too bulky, and too expensive.

However, everyone already carries around a pocketable computer: The smartphone. It makes little sense to have two computers (one on your head, one in your pocket), as it drives up costs and the headset's size.

Microsoft is aware of this challenge. Back in 2013, we reported on "Project Fortaleza," which were described as "augmented gaming glasses" that relied on a semi-transparent OLED display. According to BI, it even had a "puck you wear on your belt," which would have powered it. Fortaleza was indefinitely put on hold sometime in the next year, reportedly due to patent restrictions.

Apple's long-rumored AR Glasses (not to be confused with its rumored MR/VR headset) also reportedly work similarly, but with an iPhone instead. The iPhone is where Apple's investment into its own silicon makes sense, as the M1 series of chips are powerful enough to handle all the processing. It's also easy to imagine Apple would leverage its wrist-born computer, the Apple Watch, as an in-between device for your phone and glasses, perhaps even as an input device. But Apple Glasses are not expected to launch until 2024 or even 2025, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Of course, this leads us to Microsoft's core problem: It has no phone OS. Once the company put the ax into Windows 10 Mobile, it lost total control of any future "Microsoft Glasses" where the phone acts as its brains. It could try to shrink HoloLens down until they are just regular-looking glasses, but that seems implausible for the next decade, at least.

Enter Android and Samsung ...

Samsung needs a win against Apple

One of the more interesting bits to come out of BI's most recent report was more details about the Microsoft-Samsung partnership. Referencing the canceled HoloLens 3 (Project Calypso):

This new headset "would likely use Android," and that "canceling of Calypso moves Microsoft away from Windows as the core of what could be its next big push into augmented reality."

This collaboration is a big deal and likely a more significant win for Samsung than Microsoft. While many of the particulars around the headset are still unknown, this partnership should result in Samsung having a viable competitor against Apple Glasses, perhaps even launching earlier. Previous reporting noted that the Samsung partnership is set to wrap in 2023 with an unveiling in 2024.

What's unclear is what Microsoft gets out of this venture. While Samsung is undoubtedly leveraging Microsoft's AR experience from HoloLens, sensors, and more, it doesn't seem this would be some future Microsoft "AR OS" platform that other OEMs could adopt. It now appears that much of the Windows software built around Microsoft mixed reality over the previous seven years is for nothing. It's not even evident if Microsoft's own Surface Duo line of phones would be a part of this AR effort.

Once this is all understood, it's a bit clearer why there is alleged dissent amongst the ranks of Microsoft employees. According to BI, all the people working on HoloLens 3 (Calypso) have been reassigned to other work within Microsoft or left the company. But besides the experience and knowledge gained, Microsoft, in the end, evidently does not have a viable consumer or even enterprise-level solution for the market.

That's devastating, and signifies a meandering strategy.

While the move to Android for Microsoft mixed reality may be the best long-term bet, Redmond went from having HoloLens where it controlled the hardware and software to whatever it is doing with Samsung, where it may not control either.

Microsoft's future "edge" cloud-based AR headset?

If there is one thing Microsoft loves these days, it's the cloud, so it makes sense the company would consider a wearable edge device where all the computing is handled offsite. Streaming Windows already happened in 2021, and game streaming is already live for consumers, so why not adopt the same model for mixed reality?

While there is nothing concrete yet in development, Microsoft is purportedly considering such a device, according to a source at Business Insider. The source, however, acknowledges that the "device is in early planning and may still change significantly."

It's unclear whether such a headset would be enterprise-only or if Microsoft would consider it for the consumer market. But going on what's past is prologue, an edge-based wearable seems unquestionably enterprise-first. After all, while intriguing and efficient, such a setup would have little to no relation to one's smartphone, including apps, making it an entirely different experience. Sure, it could likely handle some intense processing and maybe be positioned towards gaming, but it appears unlikely as a consumer-focused competitor to Apple or, ironically, Samsung.

But one intriguing use-case is if these headsets could be your future PC.

Lenovo's ThinkReality A3 glasses already go down this route by creating holographic virtual Windows displays, but it relies on a powerful laptop to power it all (including a beefy GPU). What if you substitute the PC hardware for the cloud, and you could use the glasses for your screen? Toss in a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and you could have yourself a very mobile Windows computer with all the power of a cloud-based server.

There's no reason Microsoft couldn't adopt this strategy to bring Windows OS into the future, but this assumes the project ever gets beyond the planning stages.

Microsoft mixed reality: So many questions

There is one takeaway from all this reporting from Business Insider: Microsoft's roadmap for mixed reality is very unclear now, with many questions being raised, such as:

1. If there is no HoloLens 3, what happens to current devices, customers, software, support, and sales? Does Microsoft leave them in the lurch?
2. What happens to Windows Mixed Reality built into Windows 10 and 11? / Are there no plans for bringing the OS into the future?
3. What does Microsoft get out of the Samsung deal? Can Microsoft use the device with its Surface phones?
4. Is Microsoft handling the Android software AR for Samsung? If so, who owns that: Samsung or Microsoft?
5. How does this all affect Microsoft's vision for the metaverse, including Mesh for Teams, gaming, and more?
6. Does Microsoft plan to let Xbox, Surface, and mixed reality teams collaborate on a product? If not, why?

For all these reasons, Microsoft should consider defining what is happening behind the scenes for its mixed reality plans in the coming year. Existing HoloLens customers will want to know if the product is a dead end, and investors will want to know how Microsoft intends to address this forthcoming generational shift in computing.

As of now, Microsoft's push into mixed reality appears chaotic and disordered. That may not be the case, and maybe BI has the wrong information. If that is accurate, Microsoft needs to correct the record and hint at what it sees as the future of Windows and mixed reality.

HoloLens has been in the news this week for all the wrong reasons. A wide-ranging report has claimed that Microsoft's Mixed Reality division is dogged by internal in-fighting and poor leadership and that a prospective HoloLens 3 has been canceled. Mixed Reality lead Alex Kipman seems to claim that both are untrue, but given the lack of real movement, one has to wonder.

For those who don't know, HoloLens is Microsoft's augmented reality headset that enhances your field of view with hologrammatic representations of windows from, well, Windows. Using a headset and a Bluetooth-connected keyboard and mouse, you can go screen-free, adding as many windows and programs as the headset's RAM will allow. Famously, the U.S. military spent billions on Microsoft's HoloLens division, to explore ways the headset could be used to augment soldiers in the field. Microsoft has also demonstrated its metaversal workspace, dubbed Mesh, and made a range of soft VR purchases, such as AltspaceVR.

However, the bulk of mindshare rests firmly in one space in which Microsoft's Mixed Reality very barely exists: Gaming. If Microsoft has any real serious aspirations in the Mixed Reality space, it really needs to look to consumers to shift mindsets, similarly to how gaming blew up PCs in the '90s.

Windows Mixed Reality has no value with consumers

As a kid of the '90s, I recall my first experiences with computers at school. Word processing was fine, but it was really MS Paint that really sparked my imagination and made me curious about where the technology could go. Xbox's mission statement is, "When everybody plays, we all win," and I feel like HoloLens could use a healthy dose of that.

Sure, Windows Mixed Reality has dabbled with games here and there. You can play Minecraft Bedrock in VR. You can also use Windows Mixed Reality headsets with SteamVR. But this is bare-bones basic stuff. We haven't seen any first-party efforts to make a dedicated VR game. Beyond Minecraft, we haven't seen Microsoft adapt any of its existing games for VR either. Microsoft previously said that the Xbox Series X|S would support VR, before walking the plans back.

Right now, most of Microsoft's Mixed Reality aspirations revolve around business-to-business applications, and I think this is a pretty shallow strategy. It's easy to persuade a random boardroom exec that the "metaverse" is the next big thing with a flashy pitch, but I'd argue that with VR and AR, cracking consumers is the true test of whether this new tech has any real value outside of pure hype. Right now, there are certainly signs that it is pure hype.

Time to bring the "metaverse" to the "actualverse"

This week, Facebook's share price cratered, marking the largest single-day plummet in U.S. company history. Over $200 billion was wiped off Facebook's market cap, as investors react poorly to privacy woes affecting their ad business. On top of that, Facebook's rebrand to "Meta" doesn't seem to be resonating either. The company is bleeding away billions of dollars to grow its Oculus headset business, in an all-or-nothing attempt to redefine the internet itself. You may have heard of the latest tech fad "Web3," which loosely describes a diaspora of NFT and blockchain tech, merged with VR and AR. But if Facebook's share price is any indication, Wall Street isn't buying the bullshit.

It's somewhat reassuring to listen to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella talk about the "metaverse." Unlike the general consensus on what the metaverse "is" Microsoft takes a more grounded view. Microsoft refers to Minecraft as a metaverse, for example, in their attempts to reframe the idea of Web3 away from virtual reality, and back to actual reality.

Facebook needs the world to believe that the metaverse is a VR-exclusive thing, because the only hope it has for growth is prying you away from platforms like iOS. Apple's new privacy controls have wiped billions off Facebook's value, as the quality of its ad-targeting algorithms nosedive. Facebook is hoping that it can take you away from your phone or tablet — with privacy features it can't control — and push you towards a device that actively prevents you from using your phone by literally strapping itself to your face.

In reality, nobody actually wants to wear a thing on their head for any serious length of time. The Oculus Quest 2 (now Meta Quest 2) is by far the most comfortable headset out there, but it's still a fatiguing, exhausting device to use cognitively and physically. And yes, over time you can get used to it, but only enthusiasts are going to want to deal with that aspect of it.

The real opportunity Microsoft has here is that HoloLens isn't anywhere near as fatiguing to use. Being able to see through the virtual world ensures your mind remains grounded. AR also has unique potential for gaming and consumer fun — from digital art apps, to virtual chess, to stuff like Dungeons & Dragons, and beyond. Yet Microsoft has done nothing to explore this, and of course, HoloLens remains prohibitively expensive, costing thousands of dollars.

Microsoft could reframe the metaverse narrative

Anyone suggesting that the metaverse or VR is going to replace phones or TV gaming is either misguided or a Facebook shareholder. Facebook needs VR to replace phones so it can ramp up the information it has on you, but the reality is that most of us won't be using one of these massive, laggy, low-battery life headsets for basic internet things like social media or work.

VR and AR experiences have their place, but it's time to shelve this thought process that any of these features is going to replace existing paradigms anytime soon. The convenience of working from a laptop just outstrips Facebook and Microsoft Mesh's dumb avatar workspaces. And the convenience of gaming on a sofa from your TV or on your phone is more comfortable than strapping a headset to your face. Yet still, VR is great in short bursts. Beat Saber is a great game for burning calories, and Half-Life: Alyx proved that VR games with high production values can become incredible and memorable experiences, rather than a transitory novelty.

I think it's a mistake for Microsoft to focus entirely on business applications for Windows Mixed Reality. If Microsoft introduces their platforms to the world through half-baked, expensive, and forced business applications like cringe cartoon 3D Teams meetings, everyone using them is just going to resent the entire platform. Introduced to people through the medium of fun and creativity has to come first, in my view, and Xbox could potentially help out here.

Microsoft's metaverse mentality is far healthier than Facebook's. Facebook wants to control the internet itself, but Microsoft wants to bring the content to you, no matter where you are. Right now, Facebook's Meta aspirations seem like a bit of a joke, but there's a chance that they, or even Apple, might someday figure it all out. They aspire to redefine the internet itself, where VR is the default rather than supplementary, and platforms are wholly closed and controlled by a few megatech corps.

Microsoft seems to want to reframe the narrative about what actually constitutes a metaverse, through the lens of their open-platform Windows ethos. Microsoft already lost mobility to closed platforms. And sure, there's no guarantee that virtual reality will ever blow up in the same way, but what if it did? Microsoft has an opportunity to avoid the same situation with Mixed Reality down the line. If they're actually serious at all about all of this stuff, they need to reach consumers in the interim — and to do that, it needs gaming, it needs creativity, it needs Xbox.

CES 2022 has so far been a maelstrom of desktop and laptop PCs, monitors, processors, and graphics cards here at Windows Central. Sony's unveiling of the PlayStation VR2 specs, official name, and first game on Jan. 4 sort of passed me by, only hitting my feed the next morning. It was definitely the biggest VR news to come out of the exhibition, overshadowing Panasonic's lightweight, compact MeganeX headset compatible with SteamVR.

The original PSVR experience was a relatively inexpensive portal into a virtual world for those already with a PlayStation 4. No knock there, I enjoyed PSVR a lot. The PSVR2, on the other hand, looks ready to become a main competitor in the full VR space, competing with the likes of the HP Reverb G2, Valve Index, and the Oculus/Meta Quest 2.

This got me thinking about Microsoft and its Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) platform, which has been sitting (mostly) stagnant for the last couple of years. The PSVR2 has the right specs to be a big hit with all fans of VR, and the current strategy of "let it ride" for the WMR platform isn't really an intriguing alternative for those shopping around.

Updating PSVR for the next generation

The PSVR2 wasn't a secret — new controllers were unveiled March 2021 — but CES 2022 was the first time that Sony confirmed some concrete specs for the head-mounted display (HMD) and PSVR2 Sense controllers. Judging by the numbers, it's clear that Sony isn't taking a light approach to VR integration with its PlayStation 5 console.

Official PSVR2 specs are rather impressive, and it seems like reception has so far been highly positive and optimistic. Not only is the head-mounted display (HMD) a marvel of high-res OLED screens with HDR, foveated rendering, and wide FOV, it will offer adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD), haptic feedback, and eye sensing. It's also going to come with next-gen PSVR2 Sense controllers also with haptic feedback, touch detection, and adaptive triggers.

VR fans are still waiting on a firm price to see whether they will invest, but that's a hardware combination that should move plenty of units. Considering most VR-ready PCs cost somewhere around $1,000 or more, the $500 cost of the PS5 is already out ahead of most PC-VR systems.

Where is Windows Mixed Reality headed?

While the VR industry as a whole continues to slowly grow, the Windows Mixed Reality ecosystem is stagnant. When WMR launched, it was full of headset options ranging from budget to premium. Those days are long gone; if you want to get into WMR, you have very few options to choose from. That's not necessarily a bad thing — too much choice in such a small space can be a problem — but it does seem like WMR has been forgotten by most manufacturers that helped with the original 2017 launch.

HoloLens continues to make an impact on the industrial and commercial sectors, but it's really only HP that's holding the torch for consumer WMR. Its Reverb G2 is truly the champion of Windows Mixed Reality, and it's essentially the only WMR headset that the average VR user can buy these days.

It offers a spectacular visual experience with the highest resolution in mainstream systems, a robust audio system with similar setup to the Valve Index, a comfortable fit with adjustable face gasket, and full compatibility with SteamVR. It's one of our picks for the overall best VR headsets, but it does have some major flaws when compared to some of the other VR systems on the market.

Most notable is the lack of quality motion controllers. The controllers that ship with the Reverb G2 are modified versions of the very first WMR controllers released in 2017. They're entirely unremarkable, with OK ergonomics, poor haptic feedback, and a lack of adaptive triggers and touch sensing. Don't get me wrong; they're a huge step up compared to the e-waste that shipped with the original WMR headsets. However, they just don't measure up to the likes of Oculus/Meta Touch, Valve Knuckles, and the forthcoming PSVR2 Sense controllers.

WMR does have the bonus of being versatile. It can only run on PC, but it has access to SteamVR (and Oculus using the Revive software workaround) and Microsoft Store titles. There's an enormous collection of VR games that you can play on WMR, and the PSVR2 will be starting over fresh with a huge hill to climb. PSVR2 will be beholden to the PS5, though the USB-C port for connecting back to the PS5 will likely leave it open to being used on PC. Even the original PSVR can be used with a PC with the right workaround.

The release of Windows 11 introduced a new, more streamlined home environment called "Infinite Expanse" that sucks up far fewer resources than the standard WMR Cliff House or Skyloft. But it also added a setting that boots SteamVR anytime you launch WMR, giving you the option of bypassing entirely the WMR home environments. This gives most VR users even less reason to touch WMR's content. Every WMR user I know heads straight to SteamVR, which is perfectly capable of delivering everything the average VR user wants.

PSVR2 has a lot going for it, and we've yet to even see the headset's design. I can't say I'm not intrigued. Its price will almost undoubtedly be less than what Valve is charging for its full Index system, there's no threat of an Oculus/Meta library lockout should you make a wrong step on Facebook, and you get high-end motion controllers included in the package. The OLED display with HDR support, eye tracking, and the new fully realized Sense controllers are a huge draw. As long as the library of games can keep up with the hardware, the PSVR2 is going to be a hit.

Growing the Microsoft metaverse

Announced at CES 2022 was an expanded partnership between Microsoft and Qualcomm to develop custom chips for augmented reality (AR). This is expected to benefit both consumer and enterprise sectors, integrating software like Microsoft Mesh (which is coming to Teams this year) and the Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer platform.

The metaverse push might not ever live up to the hype, but it signifies that Microsoft is far from abandoning its mixed reality ambitions. It's just not the effort that most VR and WMR users are looking for.

Xbox still isn't getting VR anytime soon, and while HP seems dedicated to keeping it alive with frequent updates to its Reverb headset, I can easily foresee a future where the Reverb G3 ships without the Windows Mixed Reality branding and lives on SteamVR only. Would that be such a bad thing?

Last year I spent a bunch of time with the HP Reverb G2 after I did a hands-on preview of it coming out of the box. Those first impressions and the full review from late 2020 (which I'm updating here) were positive, with the original Reverb G2 receiving a four-star rating and a Windows Central Recommended Award. It remains clear that HP benefited from its collaboration with Valve, creator of the mighty Index.

The original HP Reverb from 2019 was a solid effort, though ultimately, it was focused on professional environments and was soon overshadowed by more modern VR systems. It was also cursed with poor tracking and Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) controllers, the weakest of all the best PC-based VR headsets.

In October 2021, HP announced that it was refreshing the Reverb G2, this time keeping the name the same but making three major physical tweaks to deliver a better overall experience. This coincides with a host of smaller ease-of-use changes that Microsoft has made for Windows 11 and the WMR portal. For this re-review I'll refer to the refreshed 2021 Reverb G2 as the G2-V2 and the original 2020 G2 as the G2-V1 to avoid confusion.

In a VR ecosystem inhabited by the Facebook-tarnished Oculus/Meta Quest 2, the expensive Valve Index, and the decent Vive Cosmos, where does the Reverb G2 fit in? Here's what you need to know before you drop $450 on this sharp new VR system.

High-end specs

HP Reverb G2: Price, availability, and specs

The HP Reverb G2 belongs to the Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) family, a platform created by Microsoft with a vision of holographic computing that includes the HoloLens and HoloLens 2. The platform also includes the Mixed Reality Portal, Microsoft's software that acts as a basecamp for anyone who dons a WMR headset.

At launch, WMR included several basic headsets from manufacturers like Dell, ASUS, Acer, HP, and Lenovo, with higher-end models from Samsung's Odyssey lineup coming later and clearly creating some distance between the original units. HP stepped up its game two years ago with the first Reverb, a headset that was mainly intended for development and professional work.

Since then, WMR remained mostly quiet while high-end VR systems like the Valve Index and HTC Vive Cosmos were launched. Let's examine how the HP Reverb G2 measures up against the other top PC-based VR systems (and the original Reverb). Note that the V1 and V2 versions of the Reverb G2 have the same core specifications as listed below.

The HP Reverb G2-V2 is now available to buy straight from HP for $449. Since it's so difficult to tell the two headsets apart without actually having them in-hand, it's no doubt best for now to stick with the official HP website if you're keen on getting the G2-V2 and not some leftover stock of the G2-V1.

You can still find plenty of Reverb G2-V1 models at various online retailers, though they all seem to be above the list price that's currently available at HP.

HP Reverb G2: Recommended PC specs

The boosted resolution of the HP Reverb G2 means it will require some modern PC hardware, but there are two modes — full resolution and half resolution — you can run for the best results. No matter what, for a processor (CPU) HP recommends at least a modern Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. That's a Xeon E3-1240 v5 or better for those on the workstation side. To complement, at least 8GB of RAM is recommended.

To run at full resolution, optimal results are going to come from the best graphics card options available now. However, you can go as low as NVIDIA's GTX 1080 or AMD's RX 5700 on the consumer side and NVIDIA's Quadro P5200 on the workstation side.

As for half resolution, HP says you can run as low as an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580 on the consumer side and an NVIDIA Quadro P3200 on the workstation side. For this review, the Reverb G2 is connected to a PC with AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU, NVIDIA RTX 2070 SUPER GPU, and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. That should be enough to get a high-end experience no matter what.

Our roundups of the best laptops for VR and the best pre-built desktop PCs for VR might have some of the best options in a market where high-end individual PC parts are a hard sell.

Lightweight and balanced

HP Reverb G2: Hardware

The Reverb G2 hasn't just seen lens and audio improvements compared to the original Reverb. The G2 has done away with the fabric front for a more serious look, and it has added two extra tracking cameras on the sides of the display box. The headband has seen a bit of a redesign, notably adding the ability for the display to flip up — allowing you to get a quick peek at your surroundings without using the built-in "Flashlight" function or messing up the headband's fit — and adding a whole lot more padding for the back of your head.

It all snugs up with two Velcro straps on the side and one on the top. There's now more padding around the face gasket compared to the first Reverb, and all foam is the same antimicrobial stuff as you find on the Index. New to the Reverb G2-V2 is an extra gasket piece. It's a thin strip of plastic that inserts between the HMD and the standard foam gasket; it's installed as standard from the factory, giving the same 15mm of eye relief as on the G2-V1. Strong magnets hold all these pieces firmly in place, but removing them is easy.

Pulling out the extra gasket and replacing the foam gasket drops the eye relief down to 9mm. With the closer eye relief you might find that some prescription frames are too large to fit inside. The last thing you want to do is scratch any of the lenses, so take care. I was able to continue using one set of prescription frames, while the others were too much of a risk. The new face gasket go-between does fit on the older G2-V1, but all it does is add eye relief up to about 21mm.

I love how light and balanced the Reverb G2 is when secured. It's considerably lighter than both the Index and Vive Cosmos, which is particularly important when it comes to hardware that's strapped to your face. It tends to stay put even when moving more than usual. That's likely because you can really snug up the straps without discomfort, all thanks to the thicker foam. And even with a standard fit, there's absolutely no light bleed from outside. The nose gasket and foam do a great job of keeping your view pure.

Audio still comes from built-in hardware along the headband, but the G2 has had help from Valve this time around. These are immediately familiar if you've tried an Index. Rather than headphones, I'd class these as speakers that sit about 10mm away from your ears. They can fold back to be out of the way, they adjust up and down for ear height, and they can be completely removed without harming the integrity of the headband. If you are going with an outside audio solution, do note that the headset has no 3.5mm audio jack. It's Bluetooth or bust here.

One of the main things a lot of VR users do for room-scale fun is to add extra cables to increase tether length. That might not be as much of an issue here for a lot of people (myself included), as the Reverb G2 has a stock 20-foot (6-meter) cable. Some AMD users had connectivity issues seemingly related to the motherboard and cable when using the G2-V1. I was not one of those people despite using an AMD system, but HP worked with AMD to ensure much better compatibility this time around. The new 20-foot cable is included with all G2-V2 models and it can be purchased separately for G2-V1 models.

At the 5-meter mark on the cable is a link box that requires an external power supply. An adapter is included with a long enough cable to not really harm the overall 6-meter length. The Reverb G2-V1 link box was fairly basic, and having to unplug the AC adapter each time you finished using the system was an annoyance. That's been fixed with the G2-V2. The new link box is a bit bigger, incorporating a power toggle button.

The cable's ends are natively DisplayPort 1.3 and USB-C 3.0. Fret not if your PC doesn't include these ports. In the box with the G2 comes a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort adapter. The hardware and overall build quality are high-end, but what's the Reverb G2 like when the displays light up?

High-end specs

HP Reverb G2: VR experience

First and foremost, it must be said that the Reverb G2 delivers the best visual experience I've ever seen in VR. HP is using the same dual-display setup with the same resolution as in the first Reverb, so what gives? Part of the Valve collaboration includes new dual-element Fresnel lenses, similar but less complicated than those used in the Index. This means there are fewer artifacts mucking up your vision, but it also means a lesser field of view.

The Reverb G2-V1 had a horizontal FOV between 80 and 90 degrees, with vertical FOV coming in around 5 degrees lower depending on how your face fits into the HMD. With the new intermediate gasket removed and eye relief dropped down to 9mm, you can expect the FOV to climb anywhere from 10 to 15 degrees horizontally and about 5 to 10 degrees vertically.

Coming from a significant amount of time in the Oculus Rift S, the Reverb G2's image quality is stunning. Most noticeable right off the hop is a lack of screen-door effect (SDE) to the point where you need to focus on the minutiae if you want to distinguish individual pixels. God rays are practically non-existent, even in games like Star Wars: Squadrons that have dark backdrops with bright forefront flashes. Playing with the closer eye relief also seems to make the lenses have a larger sweet spot, reducing blur around the edges.

The Reverb G2's maximum 90Hz refresh rate again isn't as impressive as Valve's Index, but it's in line with most of the industry. A low refresh rate generally translates to a sickening experience, more obvious if you're already prone to nausea while in VR. The high resolution here makes it harder for PC hardware to maintain a high refresh rate, so this feels like an OK compromise.

And whereas the Reverb relied on software to adjust interpupillary distance (IPD), the Reverb G2 now has a physical slider on the bottom of the headset. It adjusts between 60mm and 68mm, though you should have about 2mm of grace area on either end if you're outside of the initial range.

On the performance note, it's clear that HP isn't lying when it talks about system requirements. Gaming — with titles like Star Wars: Squadrons, Beat Saber, Skyrim VR, Pavlov VR, No Man's Sky — with settings cranked up was mostly smooth with some noticeable performance dips in particularly frenetic sequences.

The speakers/headphones HP borrowed from Valve are excellent and indeed help boost the overall package. They sit off your ears and pump out clear spatial audio that gets as loud as is needed. You can have music or sound effects absolutely blaring, yet the magic of positional audio means anyone not wearing the headset hears just a faint noise. It also means you're not completely cut off from the outside world; others can still get your attention without coming into the range of your flailing arms and controllers.

The Reverb G2 still has a foot firmly placed in the professional world, which translates in my case to use as a virtual monitor. Years ago, there were plenty of "I worked a day inside my VR headset" impressions, and I, too, gave the older headsets a try to see how long I could go. Result? Not long.

However, with the drastically improved clarity and boosted resolution, looking at a desktop and a bunch of windows isn't nearly as taxing. I'm still not going to ditch my laptop, docking station, and monitors for the Reverb G2, but it's clear we're getting closer to a time when a virtual office is feasible.

The weak spot

HP Reverb G2: Controllers and tracking

With the headset established as offering drool-worthy visuals and audio able to keep up, it's the controllers that will ultimately cement a VR system as great or not so great. Unfortunately for the Reverb G2, even with a significant overhaul to the WMR controllers, they're still not great.

Ergonomics have been improved, and these controllers are more comfortable to hold. The grip button is positioned well beneath the middle finger, and the trigger is also intuitively placed. The joystick is easily reached by the thumb, as are the two primary buttons and two menu buttons. The controllers are a mirror image of each other, each requiring two AA batteries for power. The fastening straps seem sturdy enough.

Where things really start to go wrong is when you compare the controllers with others on the market. With no capacitive touch function, you're not going to be pointing out enemies or giving the thumbs-up to friends anytime soon.

The Index relies on external sensors to see exactly what the Knuckles controllers are doing, and it ultimately results in the most precise tracking possible. The Vive Cosmos utilizes six built-in cameras for its motion and controller tracking, and even then, it can be spotty. So how does the Reverb G2 fare with four cameras?

Overall tracking in the Reverb G2-V1 was passable, but nowhere near perfect. Horizontal tracking wasn't really a problem; the system was much more likely to lose its controllers when your arms were all the way up or all the way down. HP has made some strides with the Reverb G2-V2, promising about 30% better vertical tracking thanks to updated cameras.

With the G2-V1 I tried No Man's Sky first, and the controllers seemed to do well even when grabbing a multi-tool from behind my back. Beat Saber began to show some issues when the action got particularly intense, but I was able to finish runs without too many problems. In Pavlov VR, where precision aiming is key, the controllers did struggle. Buggy tracking seemed especially prevalent when aiming at something higher than me or with controllers held in tandem.

Re-testing these same games with the G2-V2 and its updated cameras was a mixed bag. It's hard to test these accurately since no two experiences are exactly alike, but the new system's enhanced vertical tracking does make a difference. The G2-V2 feels like it can hold onto controller placement for longer when I have my hands relaxed by my side or behind my lower back. As for aiming above my head, it still seemed to struggle the same amount in some cases.

Tracking still isn't quite perfect (like with most VR systems) but it's definitely a step in the right direction. Now if only the WMR controllers would get a significant overhaul … One thing I must say is that the controllers didn't seem to struggle even when used in a brightly lit room.

Big choices

HP Reverb G2: Competition

If you're shopping for a VR headset today, chances are you're going to come across the Valve Index, HTC Vive Cosmos and Cosmos Elite, or Oculus/Meta Quest 2.

Starting with Valve's Index vs. the Reverb G2, you're going to get a lower-resolution display with a higher FOV and refresh rate with the former headset. The Knuckles controllers are much more intuitive and have better tracking, making for overall more immersive VR. The problem here is that you're going to pay about $500 more for the full Index kit.

Moving on to the Vive Cosmos and its Cosmos Elite counterpart, they're a relatively well-rounded VR system that costs about $200 more than the Reverb G2. It has a couple of extra cameras for its controllers, though tracking still isn't perfect. Its controllers do, however, have a touch-capacitive function for some fingers. FOV and refresh rate are similar, though the display resolution isn't as high, and the overall picture isn't nearly as clear.

The Vive Cosmos Elite is essentially a faceplate mod for the standard Vive Cosmos that adds external tracking capabilities. With the faceplate installed, you can add SteamVR lighthouse base stations for more accurate tracking. The kit also comes with original Vive controllers (which were released years ago). The whole package with HMD, base stations, and Vive controllers costs about $900. That's $450 more than the Reverb G2. You can also buy the HMD alone for about $549. I'd still recommend the Reverb G2 instead.

Finally, the Oculus/Meta Quest 2 is a good option if you're looking for budget VR that doesn't need a PC to run. It can work with a PC, but it also has everything it needs to be built right in. Its specs don't nearly match the high-end PC-based VR systems, but it's freeing and does have a ton of content available behind the Oculus Store's walls. Just keep in mind that you'll have Facebook/Meta breathing down your neck the whole time. They start at about $299 for 128GB of storage and climb from there depending on the storage size you want.

Do it for the display

Should you buy the HP Reverb G2?

Who it's for

• Anyone who wants an outstanding visual experience
• Anyone who doesn't want to spend big on an Index
• Anyone who is splitting time between professional and gaming worlds
• Anyone who has high-end PC hardware

Who it isn't for

• Anyone who wants high-end controllers and tracking
• Anyone who wants to go wireless
• Anyone with aging PC hardware

The Reverb G2's 2021 refresh coincides nicely with some advancements Microsoft has made to WMR in Windows 11. There's a new virtual environment that's much more streamlined than the sprawling Cliff House, plus you can now skip entirely the WMR portal and jump straight into SteamVR. For many people, that's a welcome change that saves time and annoyance.

Considering HP hasn't raised the price of the Reverb G2 following this refresh — in fact it's now $100 cheaper than when I reviewed the G2-V1 — there's not really a downside. Unless of course you recently purchased a Reverb G2-V1. Seeing the new model drop no doubt hurts. The Reverb G2-V1 is still a great VR system, and those who currently have one likely won't find it necessary to upgrade to the G2-V2. If you have a G2-V1 and are experiencing connection difficulties related to your AMD system, be sure to try out the new cable for a fix.

The Reverb G2 isn't the most immersive VR system on the market — that title still belongs to the Index and its accessories — but it does deliver the best visual experience. It's almost shocking coming from the Oculus Rift S how clear and crisp the picture is in the G2, whether you're gaming, browsing web pages, or viewing models in a 3D space. It's just a shame the controllers can't keep up, even with a redesign.

If you're searching for PC-based VR and don't want to shell out big money for the full Index setup, the Reverb G2 is undoubtedly going to be quite attractive. That remains true if you'd rather focus on higher visual fidelity at a lower price compared to the Vive Cosmos.

As it stands at the time of writing, stick with HP if you want to be sure you're buying the refreshed Reverb G2-V2. Other retailers likely have stock to get rid of, and there's not really a great way to tell which version you're getting until you can open the package and check the link box and face gasket.

Review changelog

This article was originally published December 2020. It was updated November 2021 with the following changes:

• Updated Price, availability, and spec section for changes with the Reverb G2-V2.
• Added a dedicated section for Recommended PC specs.
• Updated Hardware section to include new face gasket, cable, and link box for the Reverb G2-V2.
• Updated VR experience section to include findings on new FOV in the Reverb G2-V2. Also added information about WMR advancements through Windows 11.
• Updated Controller and tracking section to include findings on improved tracking in Reverb G2-V2.
• Updated the Competition section with up-to-date prices. Also added information about the Cosmos Elite.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is announcing its Mesh platform for Microsoft Teams.
• The new tech lets you use your webcam to create an animated avatar for online meetings.
• Microsoft and Accenture are already using the platform as a virtual campus called the Nth Floor.
• Mesh for Teams coming in early 2022 and is part of the 'metaverse' push by technology companies.

The "metaverse" concept has been around since 1992 ever since Neal Stephenson referred to it in his book Snow Crash for a 3D world with avatars as alternatives for real people. But the term is being thrown around in 2021 faster than big data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, NFT, and Internet Of Things (IoT). Heck, even Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is now talking about it.

That makes Microsoft's Ignite announcement around Mesh coming to Teams in 2022 seemingly trendy, but in fact, the company has been working on the technology behind it since 2010 with ground-breaking HoloLens headset.

Announced in March of this year, Microsoft Mesh is a form of "holoportation" that lets groups of first-line works remotely collaborate on technical projects through its HoloLens platform. But today, the company is moving forward with that concept to "knowledge workers" by bringing Mesh to Microsoft Teams starting early next year.

What is Mesh for Microsoft Teams? In its earliest stages next year, it is simply an avatar that you can design to represent you in online video meetings. And no, a $3,000 Microsoft HoloLens 2 is not required, nor even a Mixed Reality (MR) headset. Katie Kelly, a principal project manager at Microsoft, working on Mesh for Teams, explained it in today's press release:

The concept falls back to Microsoft's goal with Teams to let people more closely work together when remote but addresses ongoing issues with work-from-home scenarios. Microsoft cites ongoing research that shows people are more engaged with video during online meetings, for probably obvious reasons. But some gripes lead to people flipping off their cameras, too, whether it was just burnout from too many video calls, not wanting to change attire for the meeting, or maybe even the urge to multitask while not looking distracted.

Substituting your live image for your avatar that animates based on your voice and movements acts as a buffer to those grievances while letting your team know you are present and engaged. At the very least, it's a lot better looking than a static bubble with your initials.

Microsoft Mesh for Teams is not just a concept, either. Microsoft describes its work with Accenture, which has "more than 600,000 people serving clients all over the world," and its use of Mesh for Teams. Microsoft and Accenture created the "Nth Floor," which serves as a virtual campus letting employees gather for coffee, presentations, parties, and other events no matter their actual location. Later, the same technology was adapted for onboarding new employees.

A realistic virtual reality?

What is interesting is the news for Mesh for Microsoft Teams is that it doesn't feel like some far-fetched concept akin to Facebook's recent announcement with Nintendo-level corniness. Using existing technology like office webcams and Teams to create animated avatars is a logical first step — whether on a phone, tablet, or PC.

Of course, down the road, maybe we'll all be sporting MR and VR headsets to show up to the morning management meeting while floating in some computer-generated fish tank. But for now, Microsoft's use of Mesh for Teams feels achievable. As Microsoft's Katie Kelly remarks:

Still, the overall buzzy-ness of "metaverse" does feel a bit overplayed, but maybe it is also the way to make AR and VR click with people, as clearly the application for consumers is lagging.

At the very least, Microsoft will make using its Teams software for video meetings a little less monotonous next year. Pajamas, messy hair, no makeup, all while multitasking when Barbara and John ramble on about those TPS reports? Sign us up.

What you need to know

• Epic Games employees discuss Windows Mixed Reality and the HoloLens in a leaked email thread.
• While some employees seem optimistic about the technology, one says that Microsoft 'poisons the well' for the AR industry.
• Another employee accuses Microsoft of "Magic Leap-level overselling."

The Epic Games antitrust lawsuit has shed light on some intriguing areas in the battle between Epic Games and Apple. While the majority of headlines from the ongoing case center around Epic Games' 'Project Liberty,' a recent piece of evidence loops Microsoft into the conversation. An email chain from June 2019 filed as evidence in the trial and seen by Windows Central shows Epic employees discussing how Microsoft's HoloLens and Mixed Reality efforts affect the rest of the industry.

The thread starts off with a discussion of Apple's ARKit announcement at WWDC. The discussion focuses on location anchoring, which rolled out later with ARKit 4. The conversation then segued over to other location-based technology, including Microsoft's Azure spatial anchors.

An employee named Atli Mar wrote:

Later in the thread, Chance Ivey discusses Windows Mixed Reality Spatial anchors:

While Ivey seems optimistic about the technology, Mark Rein expressed different thoughts regarding Microsoft:

Andrew Grant echoes similar sentiments:

The thread finishes with someone sharing a trailer of the AR version of Minecraft.

It's not rare to hear people criticize Microsoft's HoloLens and the Windows Mixed Reality platform. They haven't taken off in the consumer space and struggle to get casual users interested. Both Windows Mixed Reality and HoloLens are, however, successful with enterprises. As noted by our executive editor Daniel Rubino, "Microsoft does have one not-so-secret advantage over potential rivals in MR: it actually exists."

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Hololens 2 Industrial Edition is now available for order.
• The mixed reality headset can be used in clean rooms and hazardous environments.
• The Hololens 2 Industrial Edition costs $4,950.

Microsoft announced the HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition back in February. The mixed reality headset is built to work in regulated industrial environments and meets several industry standards. Organizations can use the headset in a broad range of environments without having to alter their workspace to fit the headset. Now, the HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition is available to order.

The HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition meets important industry standards, which we outline below, and can be used in Class I, Division 2-Groups A, B, C, and D hazardous location environments.

The HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition also comes with a two-year warranty and a Rapid Replacement Program that includes expedited shipping.

This isn't the first Hololens headset from Microsoft that's customized for specific work environments. The Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2 is built for workers in dirty, loud, and safety-controlled environments.

Earlier this month, our executive editor Daniel Rubino wrote about how mixed reality is Microsoft's race to lose. The HoloLens 2 and Windows Mixed Reality devices are used in professional environments at several major organizations, including Airbus, Lockheed Martin/NASA, and the U.S. Military. With the HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition, that list can grow as organizations can use the device in a wider range of environments.

Like many in the tech industry, I have been following the evolution of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), all now under the rubric of extended reality (XR). Suffice it to say that the entire category has generated far more interest than actual usefulness beyond just gaming (looking at you, VR).

Microsoft has been pushing mixed reality with its HoloLens headset since it was first introduced in 2015. And six years later, there has been a lot of significant progress in the business space with little push into the consumer market.

But Microsoft does have one not-so-secret advantage over potential rivals in MR: it actually exists.

Microsoft is the only company making millions on MR, and now billions. HoloLens is used by companies like Airbus, Lockheed Martin/NASA, Medivis, Case Western Reserve University, in surgical operating rooms, and now the US Military where Microsoft just landed a massive 22 billion dollar deal that could span a decade.

Last month, Microsoft also touted partnerships with OceanX, Niantic, and Lune Rouge for its new Microsoft Mesh technology, which includes holoportation.

Why is this a big deal? While there is talk of eventual rivals from Apple, Facebook, Google, and lesser-known ones like Nreal Light, or the issue-prone Magic Leap One, Microsoft is the first to market. And the company is doing quite well, recouping its R&D investment before others have even launched. Microsoft is quite literally years ahead of anyone else.

It's not just about selling headsets, however. Microsoft is now doing the less exciting work of building the MR framework for the future. Its cross-platform dev tools (Azure spatial anchors, remote rendering, object anchors, Mesh) are building the groundwork so MR is more than fancy hardware. Inventing HoloLens is one thing, but making the dev tools and the entire platform is another.

There is also user response. Microsoft is open about how it works with companies on HoloLens and adjusts features, hardware, software, and more based on what companies request from actual usage in the real world. See the capability to add LTE and 5G as one recent example. That feedback loop is something that cannot be replicated or inferred in a lab behind closed doors. Right now, other companies are simply guessing.

The proverbial elephant in the room for Microsoft watchers is if it will push MR to the consumer space, presumably via its Surface hardware division. The question has been asked since HoloLens was revealed with Minecraft back in 2015, but I'm not sure even Microsoft (or anyone) knows the answer today.

Mixed Reality for consumers: Apple, Microsoft, Snapchat and more

Right now, MR (and AR) are mostly vague concepts for consumers — the entire category is undefined. It sounds neat but going beyond the cool factor to real-world usefulness is not without its challenges. Like 3D screens for phones, the tech needs to prove itself useful and not just "cool." Google learned the hard way with its Glass headset back in 2013 (talk about being first), but the project has floundered under the newer Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 launched in 2019, which earns nary any attention from the press or businesses.

Facebook is now on the radar with its published interest in AR, which is not surprising. But Facebook faces myriad challenges around privacy and, so far, has had little success with consumer hardware that's not Oculus. Snapchat is also reportedly getting into AR, which has thrilled precisely no one (yes, Snapchat is still toying with hardware).

But it is Apple that has tech watchers the most excited. Despite recent reports that any AR system, dubbed 'Apple Glass' by the press, won't be an actual product until 2025, the company is riding on reputation alone to nail the category. That's still at least four years off (it's reportedly not even prototyped yet). Instead, a more realistic "helmet-like" and traditional AR/VR accessory could launch in 2022 as the first phase (with AR contact lenses later on in 2030 as the third phase. No joke.).

I think that Apple is the most poised for consumer success in AR/MR. The idea of a distributed wearable system, which it is supposedly pursuing, is a formidable one. Powered by the potent iPhone as a CPU, Apple Watch as an interface, and AirPods for audio, it is only missing a heads-up-display (HUD) in the form of wearable lenses. No other company has such a unified ecosystem and software stack, not to mention the robust developer network that will undoubtedly follow when commanded.

That said, I don't think Apple will touch the space where Microsoft is going right now. The idea of Apple providing somewhat controversial military gear is anathema to its ethos, and jumping right into surgery or working on NASA's Orion spacecraft headed to Mars years after Microsoft secured contracts seems improbable. This bifurcation could be a similar divvying of the market we see now with PCs where Apple rules 'boutique' prosumers and Microsoft owns enterprise, professional, and everything else.

There are two noteworthy side points I'd like to make, however. We know Microsoft is exploring AR/MR for consumers, or at least making the tech more ready for everyday usage. A patent from 2019 (and going back to 2011) reveals a more realistic version of what a smaller HoloLens could look like if adapted for either civilian or military use.

We also know Microsoft is working on "a boundless FOV (Infinite Field of View)," likely for the next generation of HoloLens, which would be a massive breakthrough in mixed reality technology. Alex Kipman, the head of HoloLens and holographic computing at Microsoft, believes wearable devices could replace physical screens in the future. And despite little interest, Windows Mixed Reality still exists as a virtual Windows environment right now. Windows Mixed Reality is arguably way better than it should be at this stage – it's really good. What other company has virtualized an entire operating system as vast as Windows? Microsoft did it in 2017.

Basically, Microsoft is in very deep with augmented and mixed reality systems both for software and hardware.

The second point is, even if Microsoft doesn't jump into consumer MR/AR quite as hard as Apple, it will, as it always does, play a significant role in powering its tech. See how Azure and Spatial Anchors already work on iOS. Similar to how Microsoft approaches software on iOS and Android, it is looking to build the services and platforms for AR /MR that other companies will want to use. Microsoft knows it is easier to pay for services and dev tools than create your own, and that's big business for them.

Of course, being first is never a predictor of being the best or the most widely used. Microsoft's early achievements with HoloLens are notable but not necessarily a future indicator. Technological history is replete with examples of a company doing well only to suffer disruption from a rival. That could happen here, too. But while the market dynamics will undoubtedly change in the coming years, right now, it is Microsoft's race to lose.

What you need to know

• Microsoft Mesh is a new mixed reality platform that has been years in the making.
• Microsoft Mesh uses Azure, mixed reality, and 3D capture technology to beam a person's lifelike image into a virtual scene.
• Microsoft Technical Fellow Alex Kipman demoed the tech live at Microsoft Ignite.
• James Cameron, Niantic, and Guy Laliberté of Cirque du Soleil are working with Microsoft on the tech.

Microsoft Mesh: 'Holoportation' is getting real

In 2016, Microsoft broke the ice on its new HoloLens mixed reality platform, often demoing potential features that could arrive someday. One of those features was 'holoportation', the ability to be in a shared space with someone else virtually. The concept seemed straight out of Star Trek. Although only a rough demo, it was just two years later Microsoft showed advancements in the idea at Ignite 2019.

Today, holoportation becomes even more real as the Redmond software giant announces Microsoft Mesh – a new mixed-reality platform powered by its Azure cloud service. Like its previous holoportation concepts, Microsoft Mesh relies on "3D capture technology to beam a lifelike image of a person into a virtual scene."

The announcement came via a live demonstration of the platform at Microsoft Ignite delivered by Microsoft Technical Fellow Alex Kipman in real-time along with its partners Lune Rouge (Guy Laliberté), Niantic (John Hanke), and OceanX OceanX (Ray Dalio).

On stage, Microsoft and its partners demoed how Microsoft Mesh can enable new abilities and remote collaboration. James Cameron, the famous Hollywood filmmaker, discussed Ray Dalio's OceanX non-profit that "merges cutting edge science with compelling storytelling" to support ocean education and awareness. Collaborating with Microsoft, OceanX is able "to create a Mesh-enabled holographic laboratory" on its research vessel, OceanXplorer. Scientists on the OceanXplorer ship will be able to gather – either in-person or virtually- from labs around the world to see 3D holograms of the areas they're exploring."

Other demos from the CEO and founder of Niantic included a proof-of-concept around Pokémon GO that runs on HoloLens 2. Additionally, Guy Laliberté, founder of Lune Rouge and Cirque du Soleil, spoke about how Microsoft Mesh helped his company bring to life a project called Hanai World that connects "live and digital entertainment experiences into single events."

Turning back to Microsoft's primary mission of productivity, Mesh is also expected to play a significant role in digitizing future workspaces with the benefit of Azure's enterprise-grade security and privacy features:

Of course, the future of actual holograms is not quite here yet, as the company noted people "will initially be able to express themselves as avatars" at first, and then, over time, "use holoportation to project themselves as their most lifelike, photorealistic selves."

Microsoft Mesh: Coming soon (and open standards)

Microsoft Mesh is not just another concept. The new platform brings many of these new features – including "a full suite of AI-powered tools for avatars, session management, spatial rendering, synchronization across multiple users and holoportation" – in the coming months.

Although Microsoft's own HoloLens 2 mixed-reality headset is mainly featured with holoportation, the company noted the platform has "open standards," It will work across many devices, including other virtual reality headsets, smartphones, tablets, and even PCs.

Additionally, Microsoft is announcing the availability of the new Microsoft Mesh app for HoloLens and a new Mesh-enabled AltspaceVR (which Microsoft acquired in late 2017). AltspaceVR with Microsoft Mesh "will allow companies to hold meetings and work gatherings in virtual reality with enterprise-grade security features including secure sign-ins, session management, and privacy compliance."

Microsoft is also letting developers create new applications for the platform and plans to integrate the technology into Microsoft Teams and Dynamics 365.

What you need to know

• Mozilla's Hubs platform now supports Windows Mixed Reality in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
• Hubs is a virtual socializing platform that works in VR and on mobile devices and computers.
• Hubs recently received a redesign that improves the experience on non-VR devices.

Mozilla's Hubs allows you to share virtual private rooms with friends, family, and coworkers. It recently received a new design that made it easier to use on PCs and mobile devices. Now, just a few days after the redesign, Hubs rolled out support for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome in Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

Brian Peiris from the Hubs team shared news about Edge and Chrome support on Twitter. His tweet also includes a video of Hubs in action.

Many will recognize Hubs as a way to socialize in VR, but according to Mozilla, the majority of people use it on non-VR devices. Improving the experience on non-VR devices was a large part of the recent Hubs redesign. The company explains:

You can learn more about Hubs and create a private room right away by visiting the Hubs website.

First teased March 2020 and now shipping to those who pre-ordered before September 24, HP's next-gen Reverb G2 VR headset is finally ready to take on the Valve Index, PC VR's other major system. The Reverb G2 was actually designed in collaboration with Valve, which provided lenses and speakers, among other things.

This headset falls under the umbrella of Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) — Microsoft's own platform — but HP makes it clear that this is a bonafide VR headset also compatible with SteamVR. It still features inside-out tracking (a prime feature of WMR), dual 2K displays, 90Hz refresh rate, and a comfortable fit, but there are many notable changes. While a deeper review is in the works, take a look at some of the new features as we unbox and go hands-on with the Reverb G2.

Compared to the original Reverb, HP set out to improve visual, auditory, and physical experiences. Since the displays were already set at 2160x2160 per eye in the Reverb (combined for 4320x2160), HP enlisted Valve to help design lenses that would offer better clarity and less mura (differences in color between pixels).

Bridging the gap between visuals and overall comfort is the addition of a manual slider for interpupillary distance (IPD). Whereas the first Reverb relied solely on software to manage slight IPD adjustments, users outside of the small range of eye alignment should now be able to get a perfect fit. HP has done away with the fabric exterior for the Reverb G2. Still, it has bolstered the face cushion to allow for better weight distribution and overall better comfort during long play sessions.

The entire face gasket can be removed, but the foam padding is glued to the plastic base. That means you're probably not going to want to toss it into the wash; some sort of cover would go far cutting down on grime. This is seriously thick padding, though, and the headset feels luxurious while worn. The display portion flips up 90 degrees — ideal if you need to see your surroundings for a quick second — but the Velcro fasteners don't seem to let it flip all the way up without loosening. I'll have to experiment further. At least wearing prescription frames doesn't seem to be an issue.

The headphones rotate up to sit out of the way, and they can be removed completely if you'd rather use your own audio solution. They're almost identical to those on the Valve Index, which makes sense considering the collaboration.

Redesigned WMR motion controllers come in the box, and they feel like a big step up over some of the previous controllers. For too long, I used the original controllers that came with first-gen headsets, so these seem like a completely different breed. They're far more rigid, and a bit of extra weight makes them feel more durable. The touchpad is gone, replaced by two buttons, and the joystick seems easier to reach.

We'll have to see how much better tracking is now that the headset has four built-in cameras, but in any case, these controllers don't seem like they're going to make me pine for Oculus Touch. They each take two AA batteries and have a robust adjustable safety strap to fit around your wrist.

The tether cable is a single strand down to all but the final four feet. There a small connector splits the single cable into USB-C and DisplayPort ends that go into your PC. That small connector requires power from an included adapter. And fret not if your PC is lacking the modern ports; USB-C to USB-A and DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort adapters are included in the box.

The cable feels rigid enough that it's not going to easily tangle, but not heavy enough to pull on the headset. It's also plenty long at almost 20 feet (6 meters), making it far easier to pull off something like an overhead cable suspension without investing in extra cables.

I'm excited to get into the real testing of this new VR headset soon. Performance, visual fidelity, and overall experience will be considered going into the full review, but first impressions are strong. It will be interesting to see if HP's claims of a new standard in VR are fully realized and if it can truly take on the best VR headsets out there.

What you need to know

• HP announced the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition virtual reality headset.
• The headset features several sensors, including eye tracking, face tracking, and a heart rate sensor.
• The headset can be used to measure a person's cognitive load within different virtual environments.

HP announced the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition virtual reality headset today. The headset works with both Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR and can be used in gaming, commercial, and enterprise environments. The HP Reverb G2 has sensors to track a person's eyes, heart rate, and face, which work together to provide valuable data. With these sensors and other integrated technologies on the headset, the HP Reverb G2 can detect a person's cognitive load and engagement level.

The HP Reverb G2's sensors can be used to provide data during virtual reality sessions. These can be used in several ways, such as during pilot training. In a video shown to the press, HP showed the value of immersing a pilot into a virtual environment for training.

In addition to the HP headset providing a virtual environment for more realistic training, the sensors on the HP Reverb G2 can provide feedback on how pilots react to the training. For example, a pilot instructor could see a pilot's heart rate and other measurables to determine a pilot's cognitive load. This can then be used to further enhance training.

Another example that HP shared was people improving their public speaking. While speaking in front of a virtual audience through the headset, the HP Reverb G2's sensors can provide data that helps instructors and speakers know if someone is ready to speak in front of real people.

HP views the Reverb G2 as the next step in VR. Some of its sensors are unique to the headset, making it stand out when it comes to integrated hardware, but even sensors that appear on other headsets are used differently on the Reverb G2. As an example, while some VR headsets have eye tracking, those sensors are generally used to improve picture quality and the gaming experience. Eye tracking on the Reverb G2 provides data which can be used to measure how people perform within VR.

The eye tracking within the HP Reverb G2 is powered by Tobii, a well-recognized name within the industry. Our readers might recognize Tobii as the company behind devices that allow eye tracking on Windows 10 or for its work with foveated rendering in VR. Tobii shares more about how it powers the Reverb G2 on its website.

The data from the sensors on the HP Reverb G2 can work with the HP Omnicept SDK. The SDK can be used by developers to utilized the sensors within the headset. HP can also use the data from these sensors to measure the cognitive load of people within the headset.

In terms of the headset itself, it has a resolution ousf 2160 x 2160 per eye. It has a ratcheting headband that allows the headset to be easily adjusted between different people. The HP Reverb G2 also has speakers on the head straps that cover a person's ears.

HP will share more about the HP Reverb G2 at the VR/AR Global Summit. HP's keynote is on September 30, 2020 at 11AM EST.

HP has not shared pricing details about the HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition at this time.

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.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's HoloLens 2 headset is now on sale at the Microsoft Store.
• Previously, the headset was only available for developers and organizations to purchase.
• You can order HoloLens 2 now for $3,500 at the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft's HoloLens 2 is now available for anyone to buy on the Microsoft Store for the first time. Previously, Microsoft only sold the HoloeLens 2 as a development edition to developers and organizations through resellers. The price for the headset on the Microsoft Store remains $3,500.

HoloLens 2 first made its debut at Mobile World Congress 2019, before shipping in November of 2019. At Build 2020, Microsoft announced that the mixed reality headset will expand to 25 countries and regions starting this fall.

HoloLens 2 is built on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 850 platform, bringing a mixed reality experience that allows users to overlay digital experiences on the real world. Since its first iteration, HoloLens has seen significant use in enterprise scenarios, being used for training, remote learning, remote assistance, and much more.

There are currently no plans to bring HoloLens 2 to more consumer applications, but Microsoft is pushing forward with its professional vision for holographic technology. Still, if you've got the spare cash and want to experiment with or develop for HoloLens 2, you can now order the headset for $3,500.

What's new with the HP Reverb G2's controllers?

Most of the HP Reverb G2's improvements focus on the HMD — higher-resolution display, new lenses, manual IPD adjustment, extra tracking sensors, and new headphones — but the motion controllers have also seen a redesign.

The original HP Reverb employed standard Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) controllers that fell behind the competition in a lot of categories. They did offer 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) tracking without the need for any external sensors, but the headset having just two built-in sensors did cause some spotty tracking.

The Reverb G2's motion controllers appear to be much more ergonomic, with more of a curved handle and easier to reach button layout. There's still a physical grip button on the handle and a joystick for the thumb, but gone is the touchpad. Instead, there are more familiar A and B buttons, as well as Menu and Windows buttons. Below is a trigger.

For tracking, there's still a ring covered in lights at the front of each controller. Along with a total of four built-in sensors on the Reverb G2, tracking should be much better. HP claims about 1.4 times more capture area than before. The redesigned controllers will work with older WMR headsets, though the Reverb G2 will not work with the first-gen WMR controllers. Unfortunately, these controllers still do not feature any sort of capacitive touch sensitivity.

Can the HP Reverb G2 work with Valve Index controllers?

The Reverb G2 was designed with the help of Valve, so how do the Valve Index's controllers — often called "Knuckles" controllers — fit in? Valve does sell its Knuckles controllers separately on Steam for about $279, but buying these alone and expecting them to work will result in a letdown.

As Reddit user JstuffJr points out, the process of getting Valve's controllers working with a WMR headset is possible. You just need to buy SteamVR tracking lighthouses for about $150, some receiver dongles, some cables, and download some software to get everything working together.

You're looking at around $500 total for the Knuckles controllers and all supporting hardware, but this could be well worth it for anyone who needs the high resolution of the Reverb G2 and the natural input that Valve has achieved with its controllers. Otherwise, you will be using the motion controllers that ship with the Reverb G2.

HP's original Reverb was HP's second WMR headset, and it brought a crisp resolution, comfortable build, and robust audio. Now, HP is back with a redesigned Reverb G2 that was created in conjunction with Valve and Microsoft. Let's take a look at its tech specifications and how they compare to some other popular VR systems available now.

HP Reverb G2 tech specs comparison

HP Reverb G2

Valve Index

Samsung Odyssey+

Oculus Rift S

Oculus Quest

HTC Vive Cosmos

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Compared to the original Reverb, the Reverb G2 has a bunch of improvements designed in tandem with Valve and Microsoft. From Executive Editor Daniel Rubino's announcement post, here are some of the major improvements you can expect:

• Valve-designed lenses: Valve is bringing its expertise in VR lens making to the Reverb G2, delivering reduced mural, 2160 x 2160 LCD panels per eye at 90Hz. Text and textures are supposed to be more precise with a 114-degree field of view (FOV).
• Manual IPD adjust: Users can now use a wheel to adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD).
• Four-camera tracking: two new cameras on the side aide in motion detection and the two front-facing ones. This change gives 1.4x more movement capture over Reverb G1.
• New controllers: New optimized button layout that more closely resembles a gaming controller. The design is more ergonomic, and is it supposed to be more natural.
• New headphones: Reverb G2 has built-in headphones like the previous model, but these are newly designed and sit 10mm off the ear for more comfort, making them "more spatial audio ready." HP claims they use its new spatial audio format "anchored in artificial intelligence, new signal processing, and psychoacoustics." The headphones are still removable, too, in case you want to use your own. Microphones are still built-in and unchanged.

The HP Reverb G2 is expected to be released Fall 2020. Preorders are available now for about $600. This price includes the headset and two motion controllers. If you're looking for a deeper comparison dive, be sure to have a look at our Valve Index vs. HP Reverb G2 post with much more information.

Valve Index vs. HP Reverb G2 tech specs

Design, audio, and tracking

Compared to the first-gen HP Reverb, which was in its own right comfortable, the refreshed Reverb G2 adds more face gasket cushioning that should keep the headset on your face for longer playtimes. The gasket is removable for cleaning, just like that on the Valve Index.

The Reverb G2 relies on Velcro strips on either side of the halo headband, while the Index has dial and knobs for just about any adjustment you need to make. Ultimately both headsets will afford a high level of comfort, though getting there seems just a bit more refined on the Index.

Both headsets have adjustable headphones that hang down from the sides of the headset. Valve, which helped HP a lot with the Reverb G2's development, clearly didn't stray far from what worked well on the Index. They sit just off the ear and provide a robust audio solution. If you hate the idea of supplying your own headphones for a VR system, you shouldn't have to worry with either of these headsets.

While the design and audio of these two headsets are similar, the tracking and motion controllers are quite different. HP Reverb G2 is a Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headset, and with it comes some updated WMR controllers. These have been updated since the versions that shipped with original WMR headsets, though they're still not going to compare with the "Knuckles" controllers that are used with the Index.

These new WMR controllers have been reshaped to fit the hand better, and some buttons have been reworked, but there's still no capacitive touch function for sensing finger and hand presence. These controllers are tracked by four cameras built into the Reverb G2. The cameras also track your position in space, allowing for a full 6DoF experience. There's no limit to your playspace due to the lack of external sensors, but keep in mind you're still tethered to a PC with a six-meter cable. I've experienced a lot of inside-out tracking with the Oculus Rift S; while it's not quite as precise as external tracking, it certainly gets the job done without much issue.

The Index and its Knuckles controllers are a potent pairing. The controllers were designed with comfort and natural input in mind, and in that sense, they are a win. If you're looking for the system with the best controllers, you'll have to go with the Index. It also uses external base stations for tracking, which is not nearly as convenient but is more precise. Your playspace is limited to a certain extent, but you still get upwards of 33 x 33 feet without much trouble. For most people, that's more than enough.

What about buying the Reverb G2 and using Knuckles controllers with it? That's technically possible, but you'd have to add the price of the controllers and the base stations to track them to your total price. Then there's also some third-party software you'd need to get up and running. It's altogether a possibility, though it would be much easier (and cheaper) to invest in an Index system and have everything work together natively.

Display and lenses

Part of the HP and Valve partnership involved getting new Valve-designed lenses into the Reverb G2. The original Reverb did a great job of cutting down on god rays compared to the first WMR systems to hit the market, and these new lenses should make some further improvements to image quality.

The Reverb G2 now also has a physical interpupillary distance (IPD) slider that should allow more people to find a suitable fit. The Reverb G2 employs dual LCD displays with a whopping 4320x2160 combined resolution. Combined with a 114-degree field of view (FOV) and 90Hz refresh rate, you're going to get a clear, crisp picture that doesn't sacrifice too much in terms of other specs.

That high resolution will require quite a PC to get the most out of the headset, but HP is planning to add a way to cut resolution in half and also drop refresh rate down to 60Hz to accommodate older or less powerful PCs.

The Index also uses a dual-LCD display setup, though its combined resolution is at a significantly lower 2880x1600. It's no doubt not going to look as crisp as the Reverb G2, though it's still an excellent display for most people. Combine it with a refresh rate up to 144Hz and a FOV around 130 degrees, and you have one premium VR experience coming your way. Like the Reverb G2, those boosted specs will take a beefy PC to get the most of. You also get a physical IPD adjustment on the Index.

Price and PC requirements

The HP Reverb, which is expected to launch Fall 2020, will cost about $600 for a headset and two motion controllers. That's a rather competitive price for what you're getting. However, the complete Index package is a much more well-rounded purchase due to the quality of the Knuckles motion controllers and precision of the external sensors. The Index headset on its own — you can use it with older Vive base stations — costs about $499, jumping up to $749 for the headset and controllers. A full package with a headset, controllers, and base stations costs about $999.

Both of these VR systems only get better as you scale up in PC hardware. There are not yet definitive PC requirements for the Reverb G2, though we can look at the Index's requirements and get an idea of where they will sit. Any old laptop without a dedicated GPU is not recommended, and you'll no doubt want a quad-core CPU for best performance. Note that the Reverb G2 is designed to work seamlessly with SteamVR and WMR software.

Go with the Valve Index for a well-rounded VR setup

With quality motion controllers and high-end headset specs, the Valve Index is easy to recommend to most people. Its display might not have as high a resolution as the Reverb G2 (especially crucial for designers and developers), but it does have a wider FOV and higher refresh rate.

HP's Reverb G2 delivers a stunning display

The Reverb G2 might not be as well-rounded as the Index due to its motion controllers, but the high-res display is no doubt quite attractive, especially if you're a designer or developer. The lack of external sensors also makes it a lot more convenient to set up and move around.

What you need to know

• HP Reverb G2 comes out later this year for $599.
• Valve designed vital components, including the new lenses.
• The Reverb G2 is made for gaming, enterprise, and pro users.
• With new controllers, Reverb G2 is the most advanced HMD for WMR.

HP recently teased a new Windows Mixed Reality head-mounted display (HMD) made in conjunction with Microsoft and Valve. Today, the company is revealing the device, dubbed HP Reverb G2, in all its glory, bringing a new level of virtual reality (VR) immersion not seen before.

Although not expected until the Fall, HP is now taking pre-orders to meet user demand (HP Reverb G1 was challenging to buy).

Here's what's different from Reverb G1 and why it is so impressive.

HP Reverb G2 specs and features

The Reverb G2 builds off the original Reverb's excellent design, which we reviewed last year, but improves upon many functions. The hallmarks are the same with 2K by 2K resolution per eye at 90Hz refresh rate with a full six-degrees-of-freedom (FOV) movement. Those features make Reverb the highest performing Windows Mixed Reality headset on the market.

For this year, HP, Valve, and Microsoft brought the following changes to Reverb G2:

• Valve-designed lenses: Valve is bringing its expertise in VR lens making to the Reverb G2, delivering reduced mural, 2160 x 2160 LCD panels per eye at 90Hz. Text and textures are supposed to be more precise with a 114-degree field of view (FOV).
• Manual IPD adjust: Users can now use a wheel to adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD).
• Four-camera tracking: two new cameras on the side aide in motion detection and the two front-facing ones. This change gives 1.4x more movement capture over Reverb G1.
• New controllers: New optimized button layout that more closely resembles a gaming controller. The design is more ergonomic, and is it supposed to be more natural.
• New headphones: Reverb G2 has built-in headphones like the previous model, but these are newly designed and sit 10mm off the ear for more comfort, making them "more spatial audio ready." HP claims they use its new spatial audio format "anchored in artificial intelligence, new signal processing, and psychoacoustics." The headphones are still removable, too, in case you want to use your own. Microphones are still built-in and unchanged.

Like the previous version, comfort was a major consideration when designing the Reverb G2. HP worked closely with Valve to ensure there were no paint points. There is now an increased facemask cushion for better weight distribution, and the face gasket can be replaced as well. The headset can also flip 90-degrees when switching between virtual worlds and the real one. Reverb G2 weighs 1.21 pounds (0.55kg) up just slightly from 1.10 pounds (0.5kg) of the original.

There are other smaller changes too. The connector cable is now a single barrel instead of a doubled-one to give more flexibility. That cable also now terminates in the back of the HMD instead of a mid-way (making it harder to accidentally disconnect).

HP is still using USB Type-A and DisplayPort 1.3 for the connectors (versus the Type-A and HDMI of older gen HMDs). HP includes a miniDP adapter in the box. For those who cannot use the Type-A port for power delivery, HP now includes a power adapter for the Reverb G2. It lets users plug it into the wall for added power to allow the headset to reach its maximum resolution.

Gone this year is also the fabric front of the Reverb G1. While that design gave a more personal touch, with the current pandemic and concern over germs, HP preferred a design that could be easily wiped down without concerns over hard-to-clean material.

Users will still need some powerful hardware like an NVIDIA GTX 1080 (or higher) to drive that 2K by 2K resolution at 90Hz refresh rate. If less powerful equipment is used, the system can step down in performance, including resolution and refresh rate.

HP Reverb G2 who is it for?

The last-gen Reverb had two markets with a regular option for consumers and a "Pro" model for enterprise who were using the HMD for training, remote work, and even in hospitals for therapy. There is no pro model this year as companies and consumers can buy the Reverb G2 for gaming or development. As we wrote last year:

But consumer VR gaming is also a significant market for Reverb G2, hence Valve's involvement. Valve is no stranger to VR, making some of the most popular HMDs on the market, including Cosmos and Index. Jeremy Selan, an engineer at Valve, noted that they are "happy to see the expansion of the VR ecosystem in a way that is great for high-fidelity gaming. Providing customers with another quality option that includes some of Valve's technology is good news for the VR community, and we are happy to support that."

Although Windows Mixed Reality has not exploded for consumers, Microsoft, HP, and Valve still see a lot of interest from gamers and niche enterprise usage. Microsoft could also make some more announcements around WMR later this year for new features and improvements.

Pricing for the HP Reverb G2 is set at $599, which matches the pricing of Reverb G1. The system includes the HMD, two controllers, a six-meter cable, a DisplayPort to a mini-DisplayPort adapter, and an optional power adapter.

US pre-orders will be available on May 28, 2020, via HP.com, SteamVR homepage, and select channel partners. Pre-orders for select countries will be available over the next few weeks and months.

From developer, Flight School Studio, and publisher, MWM Interactive, comes War Remains: Dan Carlin Presents an Immersive Memory. It's an unforgettable history lesson and a horrific glimpse into life on the Western Front during the First World War. Whether you're a long-time history buff or have only heard the name Passchendaele in passing, this VR experience is worth your time, if you can bear it. Here's what you need to know.

This is not a game

Growing up Canadian, I'm no stranger to the First World War and the role my native country played. There are names of locations in France and Belgium that ring out in my head whenever the period of history is recalled. One of them is Passchendaele (or the Third Battle of Ypres), where more than an estimated 500,000 casualties occurred over the course of fewer than four months. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, and the German Empire all participated in this horrific conflict that ultimately achieved nothing.

The fertile land and careful drainage of the Flanders region had long been destroyed by millions of artillery shells, resulting in a landscape that more closely resembled the moon. That is, if the moon was covered in corpses, deep, sucking mud, chlorine gas, and worse. Seeing still photos and shaky, colorless video of some WWI battle is one thing, but what about being transported back in time to sit and watch it happen in real-time?

War Remains is not a game. It's an immersive experience intended for mature audiences. It's loud. It's brutal. It's informative. Dan Carlin, the host of the incredible Hardcore History podcast, narrates here, moving from growl to near-whisper in his usual style.

I've read plenty of history books, but that doesn't mean War Remains doesn't have something to offer. Never before have I been perched in an observation balloon above a battlefield. Never before have I been in a trench while soldiers go over the top, only to be mowed down by modern machine guns never before experienced in warfare. And never before have I sheltered myself in a bunker while drumfire artillery rolls overhead, shaking the rough-cut ceiling above me and knocking out the lamps. Whether you're a newcomer to or a scholar of WWI history, War Remains should be experienced.

Some things to consider

War Remains doesn't sugar-coat anything, and it is full of disturbing scenes and situations. Do not go in expecting a watered-down version of events. VR makes everything a lot more immersive, so those sensitive to violence or loud noises should likely steer clear. Carlin has this to say about the VR aspect:

The experience lasts just more than 12 minutes from start to finish. I wish it would have gone on just a bit longer, though I'm sure some will find the length is just right. At only about $5, it's still a high-quality experience that showcases the power of storytelling in VR.

It officially works with Rift, Vive, and Index platforms, so it should also work with Windows Mixed Reality through Steam. It can be experienced sitting or standing. There's no input required from motion controllers after a trigger pull to start the show; this is an on-rails showcase. I recommend using the best headphones you have available to get the best effect. Skywalker Sound did something great here, and the built-in speakers on something like the Rift S just don't do it justice.

PC Gaming

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What you need to know

• Microsoft opened registration for Mixed Reality Dev Days.
• The event will be hosted inside AltspaceVR, a VR app available on many platforms.
• The event was originally set to run from May 16-17 in Redmond, Washington.

Microsoft has opened registration for its Mixed Reality Dev Days. The multi-day event runs from May 21-22 inside AltspaceVR. The event was originally planned to run from May 16-17 in Redmond, Washington, but has been moved to a digital event in virtual reality. You can register the for the event using this form and read more about it on Microsoft's website.

Mixed Reality Dev Days provides an opportunity for developers to learn new skills, attend sessions, and learn from other developers. The event is free, but Microsoft wants people to register so the company can send people more information and have a gauge for how many people are planning to attend. The event starts at 9am Pacific Daylight Time on Thursday, May 21, 2020.

AltspaceVR is a popular platform for hosting meetings within virtual reality. You can access AltspaceVR through the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, Oculus Quest, Samsung GearVR, and Windows Mixed Reality devices. You can also use a PC client to attend in 2-D if you do not have a VR headset or prefer to use your computer. AltspaceVR does not have a Mac client at this time.

Recently, Bill Stillwell of Xbox fame left the gaming division to join Windows Mixed Reality, to work on "world-class consumer AR/VR experiences in the Microsoft ecosystem." Interesting.

For a couple of years, Microsoft couldn't resist demonstrating its unprecedented HoloLens augmented reality tech at every single event, it felt like, using Minecraft and other random Xbox properties to showcase the potential therein. Fast forward five years to 2020 and HoloLens remains firmly in the realm of big business and the military, powering next-generation training, awareness, and productivity solutions.

The only "games" on HoloLens remain more akin to small home projects and tech demos. Meanwhile, Microsoft's more consumer-friendly Windows Mixed Reality headsets, affordably priced by comparison, have less than half a dozen decent games to choose from on the Microsoft Store, which is truly abysmal. Thankfully they are compatible with SteamVR, but the experience isn't exactly what I'd call seamless.

Despite steadily trending upwards, VR hasn't exactly taken the world by storm in the consumer space, but could that change in the future? And is Microsoft running the risk of being left behind again? Let's explore.

State of VR

Some estimates put the video game industry value anywhere between $120 to $150 billion, with VR solutions making up around $6 billion of the overall pot in 2019.

There's little information about how much games like Half-Life: Alyx might impact the landscape for VR, which launched just a few weeks ago as of writing. It almost immediately garnered tens of thousands of players on Steam and is more than likely in the running for game of the year 2020 awards.

For context, video game consoles make up around $15 billion in the same report, with PC gaming on $30 billion and mobile titles on a whopping $64 billion. While VR is small right now, it seems to be growing relatively nicely according to analyses from Bloomberg, detailed in the graph above. VR is at least growing at a comparable rate to the early days of mobile and other platforms and is no doubt set to grow ever further.

Even though the industry isn't massive right now, we're clearly seeing an industry trending upwards year over year, despite its cost-prohibitive nature and relative inaccessibility.

Could Microsoft change its attitude towards consumer VR?

Bill Stillwell is known for running the Xbox backward compatibility program among Xbox fans, leading to the procurement of hundreds of high-quality Xbox 360 titles from yesteryear from third-party developers. Stillwell also led similar efforts over at Project Cloud, making me wonder if perhaps his jump to AR/VR could have something to do with bringing game developers to the platform.

Indeed, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass has been a powerful vehicle for bringing game developers to the Microsoft Store for PC games, which is shockingly becoming a fairly respectable library of quality PC titles as of late. Not to oversimplify things, but it stands to reason that a feature like Xbox Game Pass for PC could also help bulk up the Microsoft Store for VR titles too, which right now only has some older (albeit brilliant) titles like Arizona Sunshine and Superhot VR. If Xbox Game Pass PC subscribers have access to those games as a result of their subscription, it might increase interest in picking up an associated Windows Mixed Reality headset as well.

To that end, we've also heard that the impressive-looking upcoming flight sim Microsoft Flight Simulator may be in development for virtual reality as well. It makes sense, given that it's a sit-down experience designed for immersion above all else. Flight simulation games like Elite Dangerous were pioneers in the VR space, and it stands to reason that Flight Simulator could be among the first of Microsoft's homegrown VR efforts.

Should they dive in before it's too late?

In recent years, I've had this (admittedly unsubstantiated) idea that Microsoft has become almost afraid of taking risks in consumer tech, regressively sticking to safer paradigms. Burned by Kinect, Microsoft Band, Windows 10 Mobile, Cortana devices, and other products, it feels like Microsoft is taking a "softly, gently" approach to areas of consumer tech that it hasn't historically had involvement in.

Microsoft has repeatedly affirmed that its efforts in VR remain firmly on PC for the time being, where the vast majority of the users are. Quality VR headsets are expensive, and to get the most out of them, you need a comparable gaming rig to match. Cheaper solutions like some of the lower-end Windows Mixed Reality headsets are accessible, but the experience is far beneath the more premium solutions out there. You have to wear these things after all, and cheap headsets aren't only uncomfortable, they can induce motion sickness more easily.

I have mixed feelings about VR, given that it makes me feel sick, but a lot of these sorts of issues are surely solvable with improved tech. Few companies out there have the technical prowess, engineering talent, and investment capital to advance this technology. Microsoft is among those companies. The longer it waits, the more it hands consumer market share to shady companies like Facebook and its Oculus platform, while also giving PlayStation a significant differentiator in the console space with its PSVR tech.

Microsoft has this staggeringly impressive capacity to underestimate nascent tech that really should be within its purview, could Windows Mixed Reality become the next missed boat like Windows Phone? Microsoft still has a chance to get involved in consumer VR before it's too late.

Xbox

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There a lot of great things about Windows Mixed Reality, but the batteries in the controllers aren't one of them. Thanks to the wonder of 3D printing, and the ingenuity of one Thingiverse user named Nagorak, we now have a solution in the form of a Micro-USB rechargeable battery and a 3D printed backplate. This guide will take you through the steps you need to get there.

Products used in this guide

• Just a filler: Fake AA battery ($9 at Amazon)
• The power: Micro-USB Rechargeable AA size battery 14500UR75 ($11 at Ebay)
• Charging with length: 10ft Micro-USB cables - 2 Pack ($8 at Amazon)

A word of caution

Before we go any further, we have to note that this involves using your controllers in a way that they weren't originally intended, so there is a chance of damage. From what I've seen, there are no reports of anything going wrong, but you're still messing with electrics, so be warned! Of course, we take no responsibility if you damage your controller — it's all on you.

Step by Step

1. Go to the Thingiverse web page.
2. Click on the Thing files tab.
3. Click on the WMR_Rechargeable_Flat_Bottom_-_Left and WMR_Rechargeable_Flat_Bottom_-_Right to download them
4. Print both files standing up on their bottoms. They are flattened to allow this and shouldn't need supports.

5. Place the Micro-USB Rechargeable AA size battery into the correct side of the controller. On the right-hand controller, it should go on the right side; on the left controller, it should go on the left. Both charging ports should be at the bottom of the controllers.
6. Place the fake AA battery into the empty slot to complete the connection.
7. Install the printed backs by angling them into the clips at the top and clicking them down into place. You should see the Micro-USB port through the 3D printed back.

8. Plug the Micro-USB cables into your USB adapter or PC.
9. Plug the other end of the Micro-USB cables into the controllers and check to see if the LED's light up. If they do, then it all worked!!

10. If you need to re-sync your Controllers at any time, use the curved end of a paperclip and push it through the opening at the bottom of the 3D printed controller case. This will push the button buried deep inside the handle.

And there we have it. Nagarok tells us the battery lasts around 8.5 hours, which is less than you would get from the AA batteries you would typically use, but as long as you keep them charged, this won't be an issue. I wouldn't recommend trying to play with the controllers plugged in, however. That sounds like it would be a disaster.

Our top equipment picks

These are the mandatory or core equipment selections. Optional or ancillary equipment will follow.

This rechargeable battery matches the power output and is shaped to fit in the Windows Mixed Controller correctly. Make sure you get the model numbered 14500UR75, as an incorrect purchase could wreck your controller.

Additional Equipment

These are not required as you may have them already, but if you don't, these extras will help you with the mod.

10ft Micro-USC cable - 2 pack ($8 at Amazon)

The battery you use in this modification doesn't come with the need cables, so this is a strong set for you to use.

Anker Elite adapter ($9 at Amazon)

The Anker Elite is my go-to wall adapter. It's perfect for charging your two modified controllers and just about anything else you want to charge.

Microsoft seems to be ramping up its team for HoloLens, Mixed Reality, and AI. Bloomberg is breaking the news that Ruben Caballero is now corporate vice president, Hardware Design & Technology at Microsoft, according to his updated LinkedIn page.

Caballero worked for Apple until early 2019, where he had been focusing on wireless tech. Specifically, …" developing wireless technology, such as antennas inside of devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. He also oversaw Apple's global wireless product testing efforts." For the last year, or so, he had been doing advisory work:

It is unclear what work Caballero will be doing at Microsoft. His LinkedIn profile states he is part of Microsoft's Mixed Reality and AI division, focusing on "HoloLens, Special Projects, and more to come...."

The news is particularly exciting because Bill Stillwell, who worked on Xbox until very recently, is also now working on the Mixed Reality team.

In a tweet posted on March 28th, Stillwell noted he was "Moving over to the team that makes HoloLens! Going to focus on producing world-class consumer AR/VR experiences in the MS ecosystem."

Stillwell's LinkedIn profile hints at his work, which is "Driving deep technical engagement and on-boarding for Mixed Reality HW and services, including launching v1 products into nascent markets."

The recent hires of Caballero and Stillwell suggest Microsoft could be moving to a new phase of HoloLens and Mixed Reality, perhaps finally making its long-awaited push into the consumer space.

SteamVR integration with Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) is here in the form of a bridging app, letting you inject yourself into the vast Steam platform. You're now getting access to thousands more apps, games, and experiences that make this union truly special. Let's take a look at how to get everything working together so you can get into VR as soon as possible!

Products used in this guide

• A new reality: HP Windows Mixed Reality bundle ($250 at Amazon)

Update your Windows 10 PC

To ensure everything is working properly, update your Windows 10 PC. If you know for sure your PC is up to date; you can skip these steps.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Update & Security.

4. Click Windows Update.
5. Click Check for updates.

Windows will now check if there are any updates available. If so, they will download and install automatically, and a restart will likely be required to complete the process.

Install the SteamVR toolkit

To begin, you'll need to install the SteamVR toolkit within the Steam app on your PC. When connecting a VR headset, you might be automatically prompted to install SteamVR. If not, here's how to do it manually. For those who already have SteamVR installed, you can move on to the next section.

1. Launch Steam from your desktop, taskbar, or Start menu.
2. Hover your cursor over the Library tab.

3. Click Tools.
4. Right-click SteamVR.

5. Click Install Game. In this case we're using Steam 360 video player as an example since we already have SteamVR installed.
6. Click Next. SteamVR will now be installed. Once complete, continue the steps.

Download the Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR app

Now that you have the key components installed and enabled, you can download the Windows Mixed Reality SteamVR app.

1. Navigate to the Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR app in the Steam store.
2. Click Free.
3. Click Next.

The app will now be installed.

How to access SteamVR through Windows Mixed Reality

To begin, plug your WMR headset into your PC and turn on your motion controllers. Do not put your headset on yet. You will see the WMR Portal load, and once loaded, launch Steam. If the WMR Portal does not load on its own, launch it manually from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

At this point, you can launch a VR app through Steam, and it will load into WMR. Time to put on your headset and enjoy!

If you'd rather do this from within the WMR headset, you can add the desktop app to a wall within your Cliff House and navigate the same process from there.

How to use Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers with SteamVR

Using your WMR motion controllers with SteamVR will differ from title to title, especially if official support is not implemented. Still, there are some standard mappings that you can take advantage of to get around.

Luckily for us, SteamVR has created a nifty diagram that shows exactly what to look forward to.

With all that being done — we know, there's a lot happening — you should now be able to play all of the games that SteamVR has to offer on your Windows Mixed Reality. Happily, this setup only needs to be done once, not every time you play. So take the time now to make sure you can play all your games without incident.

Our top equipment pick

The only thing you need to play Windows Mixed Reality in Steam VR — aside from your gaming PC — is a WMR headset like the HP WMR.

The headset sits comfortably and actually tilts up, allowing you to see your pc screen without having to take the headset off altogether. If you are looking to get into Mixed Reality for the first time, look no further than this headset from HP.

SteamVR integration with Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) is a big step in the right direction for the emerging VR platform. Still, it doesn't mean you're stuck playing only games available from Steam (or, of course, the Microsoft Store). LibreVR's Revive is a tool that effectively reroutes Rift games downloaded through the Oculus app over to the SteamVR platform. It was initially intended to work with the HTC Vive, but you can get it all working with Windows Mixed Reality.

Products used in this guide

• Amazon: Samsung Odyssey ($310)

How to install SteamVR

To use Revive, SteamVR must be installed and working with WMR. If you need a bit of help, we already wrote a guide on getting it set up.

How to install the Oculus app

The Oculus app, also known as Oculus Home, is where you can download Rift exclusive games and experiences to use with Windows Mixed Reality. If you don't actually have an Oculus Rift, follow these steps carefully to not get stuck in an install loop:

1. Navigate to the Oculus app download page.
2. Click Start Download.
3. Click Save.

4. Click Run.
5. Click Let's Go.

6. Click Agree.
7. Click I Understand.

8. Click Next.
9. Click Install Now (the required files will be downloaded).

10. Click Next.
11. Click Rift.

12. Click Next.
13. Click Next.

14. Click Skip Setup.
15. Click Skip Setup.

After completing these steps, you'll be able to browse the Oculus Store to find a game to purchase and download.

How to install Revive

If SteamVR is installed and working with Windows Mixed Reality, the Oculus app is ready for you to shop and buy a game or experience. Here's how to install Revive:

1. Navigate to the Revive installer page on GitHub.
2. Click ReviveInstaller.exe. (At this point, the current version is 2.0, but you might see a newer version as you move through the steps. Nevertheless, the most current ReviveInstaller.exe file should be the second from the top — the top is the beta, which may be janky.)
3. Click Run.

4. Click I Agree.
5. Click Next.

6. Click Install.
7. Click Close.

Revive has now been installed and should be picked up by SteamVR automatically.

How to play a Rift game on Windows Mixed Reality

Now that everything is installed, you can get to work playing a Rift game within Windows Mixed Reality. Make sure your headset is plugged into your PC. Then follow these steps:

1. Launch the Oculus app from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
2. Launch SteamVR from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
3. Launch the Windows Mixed Reality Portal from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

If you put on your headset, you should see SteamVR Home, which includes a list of your Steam games. If you don't see SteamVR Home and instead see the regular Cliff House, you can always launch SteamVR from here, as you would any other app.

As long as you're seeing SteamVR Home, follow these steps to launch a Rift game:

1. Click the joystick on one of your motion controllers.
2. Click the Revive button. (It's near the bottom of the overlay that pops up. You should now see a list of any Rift games you've downloaded through the Oculus app.)
3. Click a Rift game. (It will launch, and you'll be able to play it through your headset.)

How to enable the Revive button on the Vive dashboard

When you enter the SteamVR overlay and look for the Revive button, it might not be there. Here's how to make sure it shows within SteamVR:

1. Click the dropdown arrow next to SteamVR.
2. Click Settings.

3. Click Applications.
4. Click Revive Dashboard so that a checkmark appears.

If everything has gone to plan, you should now be able to play Oculus Rift games on your Windows Mixed Reality. This is a big guide, we know, but it is well worth doing if you want to get the most out of your WMR headset.

Our top equipment picks

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to Windows Mixed Reality. Any of the headsets you choose will give a good experience, but the Samsung HMD's are some of the best.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Mixed Reality Dev Days take place May 16-17.
• The event gives developers a chance to learn new skills, attend sessions, and more.
• Mixed Reality Dev Days will also be held in Japan and Germany this year.

Updated May 7, 2020: Microsoft moved the dates for Mixed Reality Dev Days to May 21-22 and changed the event to a digital event within AltspaceVR. You can read more about the new dates and event here.

Microsoft announced the dates for this year's Mixed Reality Dev Days today. The developer event will take place in Redmond, Washington, on May 16-17. The event is also set to go on tour with dates in Germany and Japan later in 2020.

Microsoft's Mixed Reality Dev Days give developers a chance to attend sessions, learn new skills, and learn from other developers. It will also be interesting to see if Microsoft has any more news to share on its mixed reality efforts at the event. The company has been relatively quiet on mixed reality recently, apart from the launch of HoloLens 2 last year

The event takes place right before Build 2020, Microsoft's biggest developer event of the year, which will run May 19-21 in Seattle, Washington.

Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) is Microsoft's take on PC-powered VR, and there are multiple head-mounted displays (HMD) available from popular manufacturers. A couple main sellings points of WMR is its relatively low entry cost and the fact that it doesn't need an incredibly beefy PC to get off the ground. To help you figure out whether or not you have the PC power to properly handle WMR, we've put together this collection of hardware requirements.

Windows Mixed Reality Ultra and Standard tiers

Microsoft has set two tiers of performance for WMR — Ultra and Standard — each understandably with its own set of minimum PC requirements. But what's the difference between these two tiers? PCs capable of handling the Standard tier of WMR need only be equipped with integrated graphics, while the Ultra WMR tier requires a dedicated graphics card (GPU). WMR Ultra is designed to maintain 90 frames-per-second (FPS) for a smooth, comfortable experience, whereas WMR Standard can dip as low as 60 FPS.

Let's take a look at how the minimum PC requirements for WMR Ultra and Standard differ. Keep in mind these specs are bare minimum suggested for handling WMR, and any superior hardware will only make the experience better.

Notice the decreased CPU requirements for WMR Ultra. That's because a dedicated GPU is handling a lot of the work, whereas WMR Standard has graphics integrated with the CPU handling most of the work. Keep in mind that while these are the recommended specs for the HMD hardware, individual games compatible with WMR will have differing requirements.

With some manufacturers releasing (or planning to release) high-end headsets like HP's Reverb, PC requirements will move away from Microsoft's suggestions listed above. In the case of the Reverb, HP recommends at least a NVIDIA GTX 1080 dedicated GPU, an Intel Core i7 processor (CPU), and 16GB of RAM. This advanced hardware helps with the Reverb's elevated resolution hit a 90Hz refresh rate. Most content would no doubt run on the Reverb with lesser hardware, though the end result would likely be less than desired.

Disregarding special cases, most modern Ultrabooks have the integrated graphics required to run WMR Standard, but you'll want to be sure when buying that the laptop has the right ports to connect the HMD. You can, of course, also invest in a powerful gaming laptop designed for VR if you'd like to run a portable WMR Ultra setup. There are also plenty of quality pre-built desktop PCs available that are ready to run WMR Ultra straight from the factory.

If you're unsure what exactly is inside your PC, you can always download and run the Windows Mixed Reality PC Check app that will automatically detect whether or not your PC is ready to handle WMR.

In this article, we will take you through the simple steps to installing your Windows Mixed Reality Headset. This guide works with all WMR headsets from the low-end to the top of the line.

Products used in this guide

• Cheap PC VR: HP Windows Mixed Reality bundle ($260 at Amazon)
• Amazon: HP Pavillion 580 ($750)

Update your Windows 10 PC

To ensure everything is working properly, update your Windows 10 PC to the Fall Creators Update. If you know for sure your PC is up to date; you can skip these steps.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Update & Security.

4. Click Windows Update.
5. Click Check for updates.

Windows will now check if there are any updates available. If so, they will download and install automatically, and a restart will likely be required to complete the process.

Setting up your Windows Mixed Reality

1. Unpack your Windows Mixed Reality from the box and make sure all the cable ties are removed and the cables are free from tangles.
2. Check your PC has a USB 3.0 and an HDMI out port free to install your WMR into. The USB 3.0 port is the one with the blue tongue on the inside, as shown, circled red in the picture below.

3. Insert the HDMI cable on the WMR headset into the HDMI port in your PC's graphics card.
4. Insert the USB 3.0 cable on the WMR headset into your PC's USB 3.0 Port from step 2.
5. You will see the Windows Mixed Reality app launch automatically. This will happen every time you pick up the headset from now on.

6. Take the WMR controllers from the package and open the rear case. From here, you should put the AA batteries in as instructed and close the back again.
7. Press and hold the Windows button in the center of your WMR controllers. They may require an update, so let that happen. Your PC will give you a pop up if they do.
8. Put the Windows Mixed Reality headset onto your head and follow the on-screen instructions or our handy guide to set up your play space.

As you can see, Microsoft went out of its way to make sure your setup of the Windows Mixed Reality headset was as easy as possible. With these few simple steps, you will be ready to play WMR games and experience the awesomeness that is the Virtual world in no time at all.

Our top equipment picks

These two things are really all you need to use Windows Mixed Reality, the headset, and a computer to play it on.

The headset sits comfortably and tilts up, allowing you to see your pc screen without having to take the headset off altogether. If you are looking to get into Mixed Reality for the first time, look no further than this headset from HP.

The HDMI 2.0 port, coupled with the two USB 3.0 makes this perfect as a starter PC for WMR. The sleek brushed steel case looks fantastic as well without being too gaudy like a lot of gaming PCs.

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.

Investing in Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) is one of the cheapest ways to get into VR, and continuing with the trend, you might be looking to add some affordable accessories to the mix. We've rounded up a bunch of the best here for a variety of uses, and you won't spend more than $20.

If we're making some suggestions

The above roundup of accessories can complement any WMR headset, no matter the make, so you should no doubt find a few options that you need to improve your time in VR. However, if you're wondering where to start, we recommend checking out the TreeCloud9 MindStand X, which provides a portable mounting solution for your headset. This keeps it off the ground and out of the way of harm, and it folds down for easy transportation when you take your gear to a friend's place.

A six-pack of microfiber cloths from SecurOMax is likewise recommended, as your headset will get sweaty and your lenses will get gunked up during regular play. Those lenses are precious, so treat them with care!

Have the hardware and wondering what now you should play in VR? Have a look at our collection of the best WMR games available now.

Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) has established itself in the VR world with both budget-friendly and premium options from various manufacturers. The platform's integration with SteamVR has only expanded the selection of games, apps, and experiences already found in the Microsoft Store, offering up an overall impressive library. Whether you recently got your hands on a WMR headset or you already have some experience under your belt, this guide aims to provide you with recommendations, suggestions, and help with the emerging VR platform.

Meet Windows Mixed Reality

Major PC manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung have WMR headsets for sale at different price points, but no matter which one you choose the base experience is going to be the same. If you're thinking that it might be right for you, check out these articles to help you get to know the platform.

• What exactly is Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality?
• 5 things you (really) need to know about Windows Mixed Reality
• The Oculus Quest is what Windows Mixed Reality should have been
• How Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers compare to the competition
• What's the difference between Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality?
• Do you need motion controllers for Windows Mixed Reality?
• What is Windows Mixed Reality Ultra?
• Windows Mixed Reality minimum PC requirements
• The arcade may be the foothold Windows Mixed Reality needs

What to buy and where to buy it

Convinced you want to get in on what WMR has to offer, but don't know where to start? We've kept up with the best WMR headsets, accessories, and PCs to power the experience to help you get precisely what you need.

• Best Windows Mixed Reality Headsets in 2020
• 7 essential Windows Mixed Reality VR accessories under $20
• Best Desktop PCs for VR in 2020
• Best Laptops for VR in 2020
• Samsung HMD Odyssey+ vs. HTC Vive Pro: Which headset should you buy?
• Samsung HMD Odyssey+ vs. Oculus Rift S: Which headset should you buy?
• Where's the best place to buy Samsung's HMD Odyssey+ WMR headset?
• Best Stands for your Windows Mixed Reality Headset in 2020
• HP Reverb headset review: Windows Mixed Reality meets higher resolution
• Lenovo Explorer review: A great entry point to Windows Mixed Reality

How to get everything set up for Windows Mixed Reality

Now that you have a WMR headset and a PC to run it, it's time to get started! Use these links to get everything set up quickly and properly.

• New to Windows Mixed Reality? Here's how to get started!
• How to set up your Windows Mixed Reality headset
• How to set up your Windows Mixed Reality playspace
• How to turn Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers on and off
• How to connect Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers
• You can finally add rechargeable batteries to your Windows Mixed Reality controllers
• How to use an Xbox One controller with Windows Mixed Reality
• A look at Windows Mixed Reality's two different setup modes
• How to personalize the Windows Mixed Reality Cliff House
• How to stream Windows Mixed Reality on Twitch and Mixer
• How to use a desktop microphone with Windows Mixed Reality
• The new best way to get your VR cable up off the floor
• How to use supersampling with Windows Mixed Reality
• Can you extend Windows Mixed Reality cables?

Games, apps, and experiences for Windows Mixed Reality

There are plenty of games and experiences available in the Microsoft Store, and Steam's enormous library of VR content also has plenty of titles compatible with WMR. We're here to help you sort the great from the not-so-great content.

• Best Windows Mixed Reality Games 2020
• Here's everything you can do in Windows Mixed Reality right now
• How to use SteamVR with Windows Mixed Reality
• How to play Oculus Rift games on Windows Mixed Reality
• Cyberlink Power Media Player MR puts YouTube 360-degree video on Mixed Reality
• How to use the Epic Games Store for VR games
• How to use custom environments in Windows Mixed Reality

Troubleshooting Windows Mixed Reality

Even the best systems experience issues, and WMR is no different. Luckily, most items can be taken care of quickly and easily. If you're experiencing problems with WMR, be sure to check out these links for help.

• How to calibrate your Windows Mixed Reality headset display
• How to check Windows Mixed Reality motion controller battery level
• How to fix the most common Windows Mixed Reality problems
• How to fix SteamVR games running poorly in Windows Mixed Reality
• How to fix SteamVR compositor errors in Windows Mixed Reality
• How to fix SteamVR crashes in Windows Mixed Reality
• How to ensure the best VR performance from your PC
• How to fix motion controller tracking loss in Windows Mixed Reality

Beat Saber, the rhythm VR game from developer Beat Games (based in the Czech Republic), combines original beats with vibrant visuals and frenetic gameplay. The team started on this project in 2016 after not being satisfied with the selection of rhythm games available at the time, and was released on May 1, 2018, on Steam and Oculus Rift, with later releases on PSVR and the Oculus Quest. Here's everything else you need to know.

What's new with Beat Saber?

Beat Saber was released on Steam and Oculus May 1, 2018, and it's compatible with HTC Vive, Valve Index, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) on the PC. It's also available on the Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR (PSVR) on the PlayStation 4. Beat Saber has become the number-one-selling VR title and is the first VR-only game to hit the Steam top 100 sellers in a year, which was achieved in 2019.

360 and 90-degree levels were added in a recent update and significantly overhauls the concept of beat blocks heading straight for you. In regular mode, beat blocks are delivered in four total "lanes" that glide toward you in a straight fashion. In 90-degree and 360-degree modes, up to 28 lanes of notes will come at you from multiple directions, and you will even have to fully turn around in the 360-degree mode. That's a massive increase in the physical movement for a game that already has players losing weight just from regularly playing the game.

Beat Saber has an official level editor built into the game, which allows players to create custom "beat maps" for official songs. As of this writing, Beat Saber has three official sound tracks in the game, over one dozen bonus tracks, and four DLC music packs featuring Monster Cat, Green Day, Panic! At the Disco, and Imagine Dragons. Many 3rd party modding sites exist for players to easily add additional songs to the game with very little effort, including automated plugins and in-game song browsers. BeatSaver and BeastSaber are the two most popular ways to get these songs as of this writing.

• See at Steam
• See at Oculus

How can I play Beat Saber?

Beat Saber is strictly a VR game, compatible with HTC Vive, Valve Index, Oculus Rift, or WMR. You'll likewise need a PC that meets the following minimum requirements:

• Processor — Intel Core i5 (second-gen or better).
• Memory — 4GB RAM.
• Graphics — NVIDIA GTX 960 (equivalent or better).
• Storage — 200MB.

What is Beat Saber?

Beat Saber is a VR rhythm game that combines original music with lightsaber slashing. It's sort of like Rock Band VR, Fruit Ninja VR, and Audioshield all mashed up into one, but Star Wars fans will no doubt also get a kick out of the content.

If you don't mind getting a workout while you game, Beat Saber is a title that's simple to pick up and try but extremely difficult to master.

What is Beat Saber gameplay like?

The above video is from Ruirize, filmed using LIV mixed reality.

Beat Saber is all about keeping rhythm. In each hand, you hold a lightsaber, one blue and one red. When the music starts, small blocks with a colored arrow on each begin gliding toward you — much like other rhythm games — and it's up to you to slash the blocks in the direction noted by the arrow. There are obstacles that come your way as well, which you must avoid with your body and sabers.

Timing is everything here, and slashing successfully will up your combo multiplier and ultimately your final score. It seems relatively easy to start, but, as evidenced in many gameplay videos you'll find from streaming gamers, things can get crazy in a hurry. Each song has multiple levels of difficulty to make it easier for beginners to jump in and for experts to enjoy a challenge. Since launch, Expert+ difficulty has been added, and the 90-degree and 360-degree levels add a completely different level of challenge for even the most familiar songs.

Related: 8 Beat Saber tips and tricks to excel in Expert mode

How does scoring work in Beat Saber?

A big part of what keeps players coming back to Beat Saber is the leaderboard. Here you can see how you compare to the rest of the world as well as any online friends you have who also play. If you've been slashing near-perfectly and can't figure out why your scores are so low, it might have to do with how scoring works in Beat Saber.

There are essentially three things to remember when you slash a block. First, ensure you're starting your swing from a 90-degree angle. This awards you 70 points. Following through, you should continue your swing for at least another 60 degrees, which awards up to another 30 points. Finally, how close you slice to the middle of a block can net you up to another 10 points, bringing the total possible score per block up to 110 points.

You can also utilize modifiers to increase your score or to help you train. Modifiers are found on the left side of the home menu before you begin a song. Each modifier will tell you what it does, as well as how it modifies your score. Modes like disappearing arrows and faster song will net you significantly more points if you can successfully complete the song.

When can I start playing Beat Saber?

You can start playing right now! Beat Saber is available on Steam (this version compatible with HTC Vive, Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Rift S, and WMR) and Oculus (compatible with Rift, Rift S, and Quest). Expect to pay $30 at either store.

• See at Steam
• See at Oculus

Updated January 11, 2020: This guide has been refreshed to include information on the most recently available songs, DLC packs, 360 and 90-degree levels, price, and additional supported platforms.

Low frames per second (FPS) while PC gaming is your worst enemy. In VR, whether with Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), Valve Index, an Oculus Rift S, or even an Oculus Quest, it can also be literally sickening. What better reason to give your old hardware some care and keep it performing up-to-snuff for another few months?

Choppy graphics, lagging audio, slow load times all contribute to a bad time, and maybe your budget doesn't allow for new hardware. But you might not even need new hardware to get a better experience! Starting with some easier tips and moving onto some more complicated stuff, here's how to eke the most performance out of your existing hardware.

• Clean out your case
• Update your OS
• Update your graphics card drivers
• Purge and defragment your hard drive
• Enable TRIM on your SSD
• Optimize your graphics card with GeForce or AMD apps
• Change your power plan
• Change your virtual memory page file
• Make some changes in your registry
• SSD users: disable hibernate
• Get rid of unnecessary Windows animations
• Enable smooth motion in SteamVR for Valve Index and HTC Vive
• Lower VR resolution and refresh rate
• How to use the Oculus framerate tray tool
• Disable f.lux
• Consider overclocking your graphics card and processor

Clean out your case

Removing the cover to your PC's case can sometimes be a very frightening ordeal, especially if you're a pet owner. All the dust and hair that collects in corners also collects near your PC and gets blown in when your fans are running.

Dust and hair in your PC case aren't just unwanted — they can lead to increased temperatures in all your hardware, and it will thus slow things down. Your PC isn't like your car's engine; it doesn't run better when hot.

Using a can of compressed air is generally the best way of removing loose dust and hair from the case. Ensure you're not too aggressive with the air as you don't want to knock anything loose — a better method of removing caked-on dust (e.g. on your fan blades) is to use a cotton swab.

Update your operating system

Using an outdated version of, say, Windows, can lead to decreased PC performance. Applications designed for a certain operating system (OS) version won't work their best, and malware can find its way through easier on an OS that isn't updated with the latest security measures.

Here's how to search for available updates in Windows 10:

1. Click the Search Windows field in your taskbar.
2. Type update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Click the Check for updates button in the Settings window.

Any available updates for Windows 10 will begin to download automatically.

Graphics card drivers are generally designed for the latest build of Windows, so if you update one you'll want to update the other.

Update your graphics card drivers

Drivers are what allow your hardware to speak to your operating system. Imagine your graphics card (GPU) is speaking Mandarin while your OS is speaking English; there is a chance for confusion if an able translator — the driver — isn't around.

Nvidia and AMD, the two big GPU makers that makes the best graphics cards around, update their drivers regularly, and especially when new games are released. If you're experiencing some sub-optimal graphics, definitely check out Nvidia's GeForce Experience app or AMD's Gaming Evolved app.

To update drivers in GeForce Experience, follow these steps:

1. Click the Search Windows field in your taskbar.
2. Type GeForce.
3. Click GeForce Experience.
4. Click the Drivers tab at the top of the window.
5. Click either Express installation or Custom installation depending on your preference.

Nvidia will take things over from here if you choose Express installation — you will be able to choose your own settings if you choose Custom installation. AMD's Gaming Evolved app works very much the same and is equally easy to use.

Purge and defragment your hard drive

Hard disk drives (HDD) might be an older type of storage technology, but they're still equipped with some new computers. Since hard drives utilize a physical platter (which looks like a disc) and a needle to read the data on the platters (not too dissimilar from a record player), they require different techniques to care for and get the best performance out of when compared to a Solid State Drive (SSD).

Having a PC full of old, unused apps, temporary internet files, cookies, and cached images can slow things to a grind.

Using the Programs and Features tool in Windows 10 is an easy way to remove unwanted apps:

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Click Apps and Features.
3. Click any app you want to remove.
4. Click Uninstall near the top of the window.

The app will be uninstalled cleanly. If you want to remove temporary internet files, cached files, and other junk, use Disk Cleanup:

1. Click the Search Windows field in your taskbar.
2. Type disk.
3. Click Disk Cleanup.
4. Click the dropdown arrow to choose which disk to clean.
5. Click OK.
6. Check off any items you want to delete.
7. Click OK.
8. Click Delete Files to permanently remove the files from your computer.

When files are written to a hard disk drive (HDD), they sometimes get partially written in a bunch of different spots. Your OS has to search different places to access a whole file, slowing things down. If you have an HDD rather than a solid state drive (SSD), you can use the Windows 10 defragment tool to put files back together and thus access them much faster.

1. Click the Search Windows field in your taskbar.
2. Type defrag.
3. Click Defragment and Optimize Drives.
4. Click the drive you want to defrag.
5. Click Optimize.

The defrag tool will take over from this point. Note that you may experience decreased performance while the tool is running.

Enable TRIM on your SSD

TRIM is the garbage collector of your solid-state drive and is a good alternative to a hard-disk drive defrag. Here's how to enable TRIM:

1. Click the Search Windows field.
2. Type cmd.
3. Right-click Command Prompt.
4. Click Run as administrator.
5. Type fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify and hit Enter on your keyboard. If the result is DisableDeleteNotify = 0 you already have TRIM enabled. If the result is DisableDeleteNotify = 1, you don't have TRIM enabled. Proceed to the next step.
6. Type fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0 and hit Enter on your keyboard to enable TRIM.

Some SSD brands, such as Samsung, work with special software that will also help get the best performance out of your SSD. Samsung Magician and Western Digital SSD Dashboard are two such options that will help you get the best performance out of your SSD with little effort on your part. Check your SSD manufacturer's website to see if they have special software that will help in this regard.

Optimize your graphics with GeForce or AMD software

Nvidia and AMD come with some great apps that let you optimize settings for optimal in-game performance. They also take some of the guesswork out of the sometimes intimidating settings menus found in blockbuster titles.

Here's how to optimize settings in the Nvidia GeForce app:

1. Click the Search Windows field in your taskbar.
2. Type GeForce Experience and hit Enter on your keyboard.

3. Click the More button near the top-right corner of the window.
4. Click Optimize all games.

Nvidia will automatically change the in-game settings to best suit your hardware. AMD's Gaming Evolved app works very much the same way and is equally easy to use.

Change your power plan

Windows 10 has some built-in power options that help balance your PC against energy use and performance. If you don't mind burning a bit more energy, you can set your power plan to high performance:

1. Click the Search Windows field next to the Start button, or just click the Start button itself.
2. Type power options.
3. Click Power Options.

4. Click the drop-down arrow next to Show additional plans.
5. Click High performance.

Change your virtual memory page file

If your PC is low on RAM, it can utilize a special file on your computer that acts as virtual RAM. This is known as a page file. Page files should not be set to more than 1.5 times more than the total amount of RAM in your PC. The faster your hard drive or solid state drive is, the more effective a page file will be.

1. Click the Search Windows field.
2. Type Control Panel and hit Enter on your keyboard.
3. Click System.

4. Click Advanced system settings.
5. Click Settings in the Performance field.
6. Click the Advanced tab.
7. Click Change.
8. Click the checkmark beside Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
9. Click Custom size.
10. Click the Initial size (MB) field.
11. Type 8192 on your keyboard. This will create an 8GB page file.
12. Click the Maximum size (MB) field.
13. Type 8192 on your keyboard. This will keep your page file from growing larger than 8GB.
14. Click Set.
15. Click OK.

You want to make sure you set all other drives in your PC to No paging file unless you want to record Error info. In this case, leave your C: drive (if this isn't your main paging file drive) with about 300MB.

Make some changes in your registry

Warning: Performing registry edits can cause serious problems with your PC. Proceed at your own risk. Always make a backup of your PC before editing the registry.

How to make a full backup of your Windows 10 PC

The multimedia class scheduler is used by some games to ensure background processes can have enough processing power to keep running efficiently, but you want full power toward gaming! Here's how to change the class scheduler to give games the most processing power possible:

1. Hit Windows key + R on your keyboard to bring up the Run window.
2. Type regedit and hit Enter on your keyboard.
3. Double-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
4. Double-click SOFTWARE.
5. Double-click Microsoft.
6. Double-click Windows NT.
7. Double-click CurrentVersion.
8. Double-click Multimedia.
9. Click SystemProfile.
10. Right-click SystemResponsiveness.
11. Click Modify.
12. Type 0 on your keyboard.
13. Click OK.

You can also set the priority of games above other processes in your PC to ensure your games are running as good as possible. Here's how to do it:

1. Hit Windows key + R on your keyboard to bring up the Run window.
2. Type regedit and hit Enter on your keyboard.
3. Double-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
4. Double-click SOFTWARE.
5. Double-click Microsoft.
6. Double-click Windows NT.
7. Double-click CurrentVersion.
8. Double-click Multimedia.
9. Double-click SystemProfile.
10. Double-click Tasks.
11. Click Games.
12. Right-click GPU Priority.
13. Click Modify.
14. Type 8 on your keyboard.
15. Click OK.
16. Right-click Priority.
17. Click Modify.
18. Type 6 on your keyboard.
19. Click OK.
20. Right-click Scheduling Category.
21. Click Modify.
22. Type High on your keyboard.
23. Click OK.

Solid-state drive users: disable hibernate

Hibernate allows hard-disk drives to load apps faster and is unneeded if you use a solid-state drive. Here's how to disable it:

1. Click the Search Windows field.
2. Type cmd.
3. Right-click Command Prompt.
4. Click Run as administrator.
5. Type powercfg -h off and hit Enter on your keyboard.

Get rid of unnecessary Windows animations

Moving windows, opening the Start menu, and many other motions have visual effects that can, in some cases, slow down your computer's performance. Here's how to disable animations:

1. Click the Search Windows field.
2. Type performance.
3. Click Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
4. Click any animations you'd like to disable. The check disappears when it's disabled.
5. Click Apply.
6. Click OK.

Enable smooth motion in SteamVR for Valve Index and HTC Vive

While Oculus' software automatically enables motion smoothing and gives no obvious way of turning it off, SteamVR offers a similar setting for supported headsets like the HTC Vive family and the Valve Index that may not be enabled by default. You'll want to make sure this is on if you've got one of these headsets, as it can help smooth out motion even when frame rates are low.

1. On the SteamVR window that shows your connected VR hardware, click the menu button on the top left and select settings
2. On the left side, select video
3. Ensure Motion smoothing is on
4. If you have a particular game that's still stuttering or laggy while playing, you change settings for individual games by clicking per-application video settings
5. Select the game you wish to tweak in the drop-down list and select one of the options under motion smoothing. Force On is likely your best bet for poor-performing games.

Lower VR resolution and refresh rate

Part and parcel to performance is the combination of refresh rate and resolution. Since VR headsets not only have to render a high resolution image for viewing up close, but also have to render at high frame rates to avoid motion sickness, VR performance can present a tricky scenario for less powerful computers. Lowering both of these factors can help performance significantly.

Valve Index

If you have a Valve Index, lowering the refresh rate is the first step in getting better performance.

1. On the SteamVR window that shows your connected VR hardware, click the menu button on the top left and select settings
2. On the left side, select video
3. At the top, select your desired refresh rate setting. A lower refresh rate is less taxing on your computer and will deliver more consistent performance on less powerful PCs.

Valve Index and HTC Vive

You can also lower the resolution to improve performance, which will provide smoother gameplay but provide a less sharp image.

1. On the SteamVR window that shows your connected VR hardware, click the menu button on the top left and select settings
2. On the left side, select video
3. Change the resolution from auto to custom
4. Adjust the slider to 50%
5. If this makes the image too fuzzy, set the resolution somewhere in-between 50% and 100%
6. If performance problems are only happening in one or two games, it might be better to only adjust the resolution for those games individually. For this option, select per-application video settings.
7. Select the game you wish to tweak in the drop-down list and adjust the resolution slider below. Start at 50% and test to see if resolution improves, then steadily increase it to get a clearer image, if you'd like.

How to use the Oculus framerate tray tool

Reddit-user ApollyonVR created a tool that can be used to monitor framerates while in Oculus Rift. This can help you determine how well your PC is performing, and it can confirm that ASW is kicking in when it should be. Here's how to get the Oculus framerate tray tool working.

1. Navigate to the Reddit page containing the tool.
2. Click the download link. This will take you to a Dropbox page.
3. Click Download.
4. Click Direct download.
5. Click Save.
6. Click Open folder.
7. Right-click the compressed OculusTrayTool file.
8. Click Extract All.
9. Click Extract.
10. Double-click Oculus Tray Tool.
11. Double-click Oculus Tray Tool.
12. Click More > >.
13. Click the dropdown menu in the Visual HUD Overlay section.
14. Click Performance or any other display option. Performance will show you the FPS of the current app.

You can now place the Rift on your head and you'll see a graph that monitors your performance.

Disable f.lux

Anyone who has used f.lux knows how great it is — no more blinding light, no more eye strain, and no more blue light keeping you up at night. The problem is that a bunch of VR users who have f.lux enabled on their PC find that it can interfere with performance.

Before you head into VR, make sure you either close the program completely or enable safe mode in the Settings menu.

Consider overclocking your graphics card and processor

Overclocking, if you don't know, is the process of increasing your hardware's clock speed so that it performs better. It's a great way of getting a few more months out of an aging GPU or CPU, but there are risks involved.

Hardware like your CPU and GPU come with cooling systems that are specifically made to offset heat created while performing at stock clock speed. Raising that speed by "overclocking" will also raise the heat, and, if not properly cooled, your hardware can become damaged or even experience a full failure (more common on old hardware than newer hardware). Overclocking will also quite often void the warranty on your hardware.

Each piece of hardware has different overclocking thresholds (if it's even possible), so creating a one-fits-all guide is almost impossible. There are, however, plenty of existing discussions populating the internet — overclock.net is a great place to ask questions and receive informed answers.

Overclocking your CPU and GPU is arguably the best way to eke the most performance out of your hardware, but there is no free lunch. Heed the risks, and proceed with caution.

More resources

Folks using the Oculus Quest to play PC VR games might find our troubleshooting guide handy in case they run into problems.

• How to fix common problems with Oculus Link on Oculus Quest

If you're specifically running a Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headset, such as a Samsung Odyssey, be sure to check out our WMR ultimate guide and our WMR troubleshooting guide for more information about that specific VR platform.

• How to fix the most common Windows Mixed Reality problems
• Windows Mixed Reality ultimate guide

Updated January 10, 2020: This article has been refreshed to ensure you're still getting the absolute best ways to eke the most performance out of your PC.

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased myself an Oculus Quest headset. I love VR and was super excited about Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) when that was a venture Microsoft started diving into. Over time, however, I found that I didn't like being tethered to use my VR headset. I wanted to be able to put on my VR headset no matter where I was in the house, but that's just not possible when it's tethered to an external computer.

This is why I love the HoloLens so much, because it's an all-in-one headset that has the computer built-in. You can put it on and use it anywhere with no cables required, and it's just so freeing. Unfortunately, the same hasn't happened with Windows Mixed Reality headsets. If I want to use a Windows Mixed Reality headset, I have to use a head-mounted display (HMD) that's plugged into a PC, and that kind of sucks.

The Oculus Quest that I got a couple of weeks ago solves this problem. I'm able to put it on and use it anywhere I like, because all the computing guts are inside the headset itself, just like HoloLens. You put it on, and in just a few seconds, you're booted into the Oculus OS that has its own platform for VR games and applications, and they're just a few clicks away. It takes about 20 seconds from putting on the headset to being inside a VR game or app, and it's effortless.

Compare that to using a Windows Mixed Reality headset, which requires you to plug in the device first and foremost, wait for the controllers to pair to the computer, and then putting on the headset to launch the game or app you want. It's a much more tedious and prolonged process that frankly discourages you from wanting to use it. It's the number one reason I stopped getting my WMR headset out because I couldn't be bothered to set it all up every time.

Quest makes VR so easy

Oculus Quest turns VR into something so easy. Frankly, I love it. I've been using VR way more these last two weeks than I have done with any WMR headset I've obtained. That includes using WMR with Steam because it's just so easy to boot up and get going. All the sensors are built into the device, too, and since it's powered by a Snapdragon processor, it's always just a button tap away from being on and ready to go.

The only real downside to the Oculus Quest is that its platform, while relatively strong, isn't amazing (yet). It's early days, and I'm sure it will improve, but I can't help but wonder what this market would look like had Microsoft decided to go the same route with Windows Mixed Reality. Imagine a Windows 10 powered all-in-one VR headset, running on ARM, that supported WMR apps as well as traditional Windows desktop apps.

What I'm essentially asking for here is a HoloLens that uses virtual reality instead of augmented reality. Oculus Quest is $400, which is incredibly affordable compared to the HoloLens. An Oculus Quest type device powered by Windows 10 would be an instant buy for me, and it's just a shame Microsoft never went down this path with VR.

VR platforms are up and coming

The biggest hurdle for Microsoft creating its own VR platform like the Oculus Quest would be developer support. It would need VR game and app developers to support the platform with their own creations. If Microsoft were willing, I think they could have gotten that support. Heck, since it's Windows, perhaps even Steam VR games would eventually be supported. But Microsoft has seemingly given up on its VR plans inside Windows and is focused more so on HoloLens these days.

The Oculus Quest is a headset that has changed my viewpoint on VR. I used to think it was a cool idea that was too cumbersome that it would never catch on, but now it's so easy to get involved that I don't see how the Quest won't be a successful VR platform in years to come. Microsoft could have been first to this market, but seemingly decided to bow out before things even started to heat up. Now that Oculus has a foot in the door with its VR platform, Microsoft probably won't be able to play catch up.

I don't know what Microsoft's plans are for Windows Mixed Reality going forward. I suspect it'll remain as an option for gamers looking for a cheap VR headset that just want to use it for Steam VR. I don't expect the VR Windows Mixed Reality platform itself ever to take off, though. It won't with the way Microsoft is currently going about it, anyway.

Black Friday 2019 is the time to buy an Odyssey+

The Samsung Odyssey+ is always a much more affordable option compared to the Vive Pro, but it's been discounted further thanks to a deep Black Friday sale. Instead of paying the usual $500 price for Samsung's HMD, you can instead get it right now for $229 at Amazon. That makes it more than $1,000 less than the Vive Pro, and you're still going to get an amazing VR experience. Just don't wait too long, as this deal will only last for Black Friday.

When it comes down to technical specifications, these two VR systems do appear to be quite similar, though there are some essential differences to make a note of before final purchase.

Samsung HMD Odyssey+ vs. HTC Vive Pro tech specs

Samsung HMD Odyssey+ vs. HTC Vive Pro display

Samsung and HTC have essentially put out two headsets with the same display. No matter which you buy, you're getting two 3.5-inch AMOLED displays with a total combined resolution of 2880x1600, a considerable jump over first-gen VR headsets. They can both hit a 90Hz refresh rate for a smooth experience, and they both offer a 110-degree field of view (FOV) to keep you from feeling claustrophobic.

Both headsets have a technical pixels-per-inch (PPI) count of 615, which translates to a picture with less screen door effect (SDE) than first-gen models. SDE refers to the visible lines that appear on VR displays that make it look as if you're viewing content through a screen door, and that's gone here. Anyone who's used a Vive Pro can say that the picture is much clearer at 615 PPI, but Samsung has taken clarity a step further with its Anti-SDE technology.

With your face in the headset, you see PPI at 1,233 rather than 615 thanks to light diffusion around each pixel that removes the ordinary grid. There's no doubt some wiggle room in there, but if the goal is to get a VR headset with a clear picture, you can get it with the Odyssey+ for hundreds of dollars less.

Samsung HMD Odyssey+ vs. HTC Vive Pro design and features

Both VR headsets have plastic headbands that provide a customizable and comfortable fit, as well as room for built-in headphones. Both have a dial on the back of the band to adjust the tightness. However, only the Vive Pro has an extra elastic band running along the top of the headset (and your head) to help keep some of the weight of the displays off your face. The Odyssey+ has just the halo band, but that doesn't mean it isn't comfortable. Samsung has even made the eye box and nose guard wider compared to the original Odyssey, but HTC has also upped the padding on the surface of the face gasket in the Vive Pro.

Audio quality plays a big part in VR. If it doesn't sound natural and doesn't sync up with what you're viewing, you'll be taken out of the experience. Instead of relying on your own headphones, both headsets have built-in over-ear solutions that provide high-quality, 360-degree spatial sound.

Samsung has gone with headphones by AKG while Vive has created its own set, but the experience is essentially the same; you're going to get audio that keeps you focused on what's directly in front of your eyes. Both headsets likewise have built-in microphones that can be used for a variety of purposes, including giving voice commands and, in the case of the Vive Pro, hearing voices outside the headset without having to interrupt your experience.

Samsung HMD Odyssey+ vs. HTC Vive Pro VR experience

While these two VR systems can essentially offer the same apps and games thanks to SteamVR integration with WMR, the setup and ultimate experience does differ. From the start, the Odyssey+ is much easier to set up. All you have to do is install some software (if not already installed on your Windows 10 PC), plug in the headset using HDMI and USB-A 3.0, and sync the motion controllers with Bluetooth. There are no external sensors necessary thanks to inside-out tracking, but that also translates to tracking that isn't as precise as what's offered with the Vive Pro's SteamVR 2.0 system.

The complete Vive Pro system — you can buy the headset separately for about $679 and use it with the first-gen controllers and tracking system — comes with a SteamVR Tracking 2.0 system that includes updated base stations and updated motion controllers. Like the Odyssey+, you must install some software and plug in the headset (with USB-A 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.2), and connect the motion controllers. The base stations take some time to set up properly, and as a whole, the system isn't as easy to pack up and transport as the Odyssey+. However, you're going to see superior tracking from the Vive Pro.

If you'd like to rid yourself of cables running from the headset back to your PC, only the Vive Pro is currently capable of accommodating your needs. Vive's own wireless adapter costs about $251 but lets you unplug for a cordless experience.

Samsung HMD Odyssey+ vs. HTC Vive Pro system requirements

VR is relatively expensive to break into, especially when you consider the PC required to run it. When it comes to high-end experiences and games, both headsets are going to require a modern PC with beefy dedicated graphics (GPU) and a powerful processor (CPU). However, to break into VR, these two headsets have different recommended system requirements.

For comfortable VR, the Vive Pro should have at least an Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8250 CPU powering it, as well as a NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 GPU. This is to get the headset off the ground, and you can get far superior hardware to maximize your VR experience.

The Odyssey+, like other WMR headsets, has a much lower set of required specs, and there are actually two different WMR designations: Regular and Ultra. Regular WMR needs only integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 to get off the ground, but something like a NVIDIA GTX 965 or AMD Radeon RX 460 (or better) would be preferable. WMR Ultra, which hits 90 Hz compared to 60 Hz, requires something more like a NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 470 for a comfortable experience.

The bottom line here is that the Odyssey+ will let those with less-powerful PC hardware experience VR. The best VR with both headsets will still come from a top-of-the-line PC, but WMR enables you to start slow and build up, whereas something like the Vive Pro requires beefy hardware right off the bat.

Considering the Odyssey+ has been so heavily discounted for Black Friday, you can save hundreds on the HMD and put it towards new hardware for an aging PC. Or you can pocket the money and spend it on other great Black Friday deals

Samsung's Odyssey+ is better for most people

It can play most of the same games and experiences, it's comfortable to wear, it has a high-res display with no SDE, and it's easy to set up and doesn't require as beefy of a PC as the Vive Pro. As long as you don't mind a lack of external tracking and no option to go wireless, the Odyssey+ is an excellent VR system that costs hundreds less than the Vive Pro.

HTC's Vive Pro is better suited for developers and commercial use

The Vive Pro is undeniably an impressive piece of hardware, especially when the precision of the second-gen SteamVR tracking system is taken into account. Add the option for a wireless connection back to your PC, and the only thing holding a lot of people back is the high price.

What you need to know

• Arizona Sunshine is a virtual reality zombie shooter.
• It's quite possibly one of the best games on the market.
• It just got The Damned expansion which is its largest mission.
• You can purchase the game for $40 through the Microsoft Store.

Arizona Sunshine is an incredible virtual reality (VR) experience for PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. It's become incredibly popular over the past few months, and many people at Mobile Nations even call it the best VR game to date.

Today, Vertigo Games and Jaywalkers Interactive released The Damned expansion for the title. It's an all-new standalone chapter and the largest Arizona Sunshine mission to date. It's currently available for $5 on all platforms.

Preceding the events of Arizona Sunshine and Dead Man, players get to crawl into the skin of an all-new protagonist named Liam. As one of the few zombie apocalypse survivors, he has agreed to assist a team of special forces on a daunting mission. As the team sets out, terrifying events unfold without warning that leaves the player to complete their objective on their own, or with a friend in co-op.

If you haven't played Arizona Sunshine and own a VR device, you should check it out. You can purchase it for $40 on Windows Mixed Reality. Keep in mind that the title is mostly a single-player experience and doesn't feature any competitive multiplayer modes from what it seems.

What you need to know

• The HP Reverb Windows Mixed Reality headset is now back in stock and available to order.
• Only available as a "Professional Edition," the headset has been available in limited quantities thus far.
• You can order the HP Reverb for $650 now.

HP's Reverb headset for Windows Mixed Reality is one of the best out there, but it's been pretty hard to get ahold of so far. If you've been waiting on pins and needles, however, it's now back in stock and available at HP's store for $650.

That price is on the high side for a Windows Mixed Reality headset, but it's largely because there's no true "consumer" edition available yet. Rather, the HP Reverb is built as a "Professional Edition" headset, and it has all of the bells and whistles you'd expect.

In our review, we gave the HP Reverb high praise for having the highest resolution of any Windows Mixed Reality headset, its comfort, and premium build quality. It also comes with built-in headphones, a mic, and Bluetooth on board. Its only downsides are that it's been hard to find so far, is expensive, and the headset doesn't flip up.

As for specs, you're looking at a combined display resolution of 2160 x 2160 per eye with a 90Hz refresh rate. Most other Windows Mixed Reality headsets run at 1440 x 1440 per eye, with some opting for a 60Hz refresh rate. In other words, everything looks crisper and and more fluid on the HP Reverb than other headsets you'll find out there.

It's also one of the more comfortable headsets out there.

All of that combines to make the HP Reverb a relatively pricy headset, though. However, if you've got the money, you can pick one up from HP's online store for $650.