Microsoft files for 'Direct Reality' trademark ahead of E3

Just days ahead of its E3 briefing on June 11, Microsoft might have tipped its hand on at least one of its announcements. Initially spotted by Gamespot, Microsoft has submitted a trademark application for "Direct Reality" (or, possibly, "DirectReality"), and it might be related to gaming.

The term immediately conjures associations with Microsoft's mixed reality efforts, but there's no way to know if they're related for now. Further, as Gamespot notes, the trademark covers "computer game software" and "computer software for holographic applications." That said, Microsoft has already indicated that we likely won't see any sort of Xbox VR on display at E3, so it's hard to glean anything from the trademark alone.

Though the timing is a bit suspect, keep in mind a trademark doesn't necessarily indicate an impending announcement. However, we should know much more soon, as Microsoft is gearing up for a big Project Scorpio reveal and more at E3. We'll be bringing you all of the latest from the briefing this Sunday, June 11, starting at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET.