Windows 10 will natively support VR headsets and unified tracking

By John Callaham
published

Microsoft is apparently going "all in" on virtual reality, with its partnership with Oculus, its support of Valve's SteamVR, and its own HoloLens. The key to all of this is Windows 10, according to Xbox lead Phil Spencer, who stated in a new interview that the OS will natively support virtual reality headsets.

Previously, VR headsets were supported as PC monitors in Windows 7 and 8 and had to be calibrated so they could work properly. Native VR headset support for Windows 10 should allow those devices to "just work" when they are connected to a PC. Spencer also told Business Insider that the company is working to unify tracking for headsets in Windows 10, but at the moment there's no information on how the company will accomplish this, since the Oculus Rift uses camers for tracking and while the SteamVR-based HTC Vive uses lasers.

Source: Business Insider

John Callaham
John Callaham
19 Comments
  • Means wp10 too will support natively.
  • Not really.
  • How so?
  • Have you seen the system requirements to use one of these headsets?! There's no way a phone would have enough power to operate one of these. Not to mention it wouldn't have enough ports or the right ports to operate it
  • That's what I was thinking.
  • These requirements are for insane amount of details. Cut the details down, keep cutting... and at some point, phones will have enouhg power to run VR :). Then, fast forward 5-15 years and phones will be ready for prime time.
  • If you have a value/legacy phone, yes. But most upper level current phones run circles around all but the fastest PCs. My Lumia 950XL does 30fps 4k video with an OLED screen. Everything in my house, including the computers, is 4K. VR success will require 4K and Microsoft's product vectors support that, including their latest phones and gaming consoles. The coming XBox will blow everything out of the water. Note the phone provides the display, not a seperate dedicated headset.
  • Yes. But due that it will be released a bit later than previously thought. Q1 2017.
  • "Means wp10 too will support natively."
    False. There are differences between Windows 10 desktop and Windows 10 Mobile. In fact, one could argue that these differences are a reflection of their different names and SKUs.
  • They may go all Intel and current W10 Mobile will be the next WP7/RT.
  • Perhaps, if they can fit a mobile radio on die and which is not power hungry. Theoretical TDP's on phones won't cut the mustard as they have a predefined power budget. Unlike PC's such as desktop / notebooks Theortical TDP's don't really matter as they are usually either tethered to the A/C or have a failover power supply. In regards to tablets, the SOC is usually much more under powered than the desktop equivalent and they have the benefit of larger power packs.   (Had typed this on my phone {now on PC} but it seems I must have overwrote it with my other comment - oops)
  • Problem is your overlooking the need for av software like forefront/defender(w8+)
  • So did he Spencer say Windows 10 desktop or "Windows 10"   Because as you said Windows 10 mobile is also a "Windows 10" SKU. Also it would only make sense to have all the new additional API available on all Windows 10 versions. Isn't that the big point for having Universal Apps and Universal drivers? All the new added native sensor support, imput- and output device support, so far were Universal for ALL Windows 10 variations (digital inking, biometric sensors, face unlock, 3d-printing, Air-gestures......). Why not also this VR-support......I assume the Xbox Windows 10 version will support it as well.
  • Hopefully a future continuum phone could handle it, I doubt basic hardware will have native support. Probably a companion app.
  • Well if the galaxy S6 can handle the Samsung Gear VR.....why wouldnt a feature WP be able to handle it. As far as i  understood this nativ integration of VR it is all about input (treacking motion via sensores) and output (stereoscope output). Of course the next Lumia flagship wont be able to power the Oculas rift at full resolution, but maybe a lower resolution VR device or using its own screen for a gear VR like solution.
  • Good!
  • So many yes's
  • Awesome yes, but somewhat worried for future generations as they all might end up being severely short sighted.
  • It seems good! natively is always good, we should just plug and get the best experience. and don't be like on most devices, where you have to hunt for the latest and best driver.