Microsoft to start shipping Windows Mixed Reality developers kits this month

Microsoft today announced that the company will start shipping the first Windows Mixed Reality developer kits this month. The software giant is teaming up with Acer for the developer kits of Windows Mixed Reality. However, Microsoft’s other OEM partners such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and 3Glasses will start selling other headsets built for Windows Mixed Reality later this year.

Specs of the Acer headset for Windows Mixed Reality include:

• Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
• Display refresh rate up to 90 Hz (native)
• Built-in audio out and microphone support through 3.5mm jack
• Single cable with HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity

Microsoft will roll out the new development kit from Acer in phases, but the company didn’t reveal the price for the developer kit just yet. Developers also can’t buy a developer kit immediately just yet, but you can sign-up for more info regarding the Windows Mixed Reality from the official website here. It’s worth noting that these Windows Mixed Reality headsets are supposed to be affordable devices, so I assume the developer kit is also quite cheap compared to some of the mainstream virtual reality headsets.

The new Acer headset and the upcoming headsets for Windows Mixed Reality will use the upcoming Windows Holographic experience in the Windows 10 Creators Update. The new Windows Holographic experience is already available in the latest Windows 10 Creators Update Insider Preview builds, and it will essentially allow you to experience UWP apps and games in a virtual reality headset — similar to the HoloLens.

What’s interesting about the Windows Mixed Reality headsets is the fact that users will be able to experience mixed reality content in Xbox One devices in the future as well. In fact, Microsoft plans on bringing mixed reality content to Project Scorpio in 2018.