Surely, if we search the Internet for mixed reality, we will find many definitions but, in simple words, mixed reality is simply the future of content.
While Virtual Reality (VR) takes us into a new world and Augmented Reality (AR) makes us interact with reality and objects from another dimension such as the Pokémon Go app, Mixed Reality is definitely the next step.
Mixed reality allows users to experience things directly instead of imagining them. In general terms, mixed reality enables us to contextualize our reality and offer more personalized experiences. But how can mixed reality change our life? Well, it will mainly change the way we watch television, buy, work and even socialize.
Specifically, in terms of the way we watch television, there are already some channels that use mixed reality to inform about the weather in order to make the user’s experience more immersive and real. Moreover, there are so many possible uses of mixed reality that technology companies do not want to miss this opportunity and a good example of this is Microsoft and its HoloLens.
The opportunities of mixed reality are enormous. And not only in the area of games and entertainment, but there are different possible applications for different businesses. Mixed reality is definitely an opportunity to create.
Thus, to demonstrate the full potential of this technology, Microsoft recently also joined forces with CIFO – Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation – to bring Cuban art from three great artists around the world through its HoloLens and a mixed reality application. And, the truth is that the results are really incredible and unbelievable.
Therefore, it is better to be aware of the evolution of this mixed reality that, no doubt, more than the future is already the present.
How Does Mixed Reality Work?
One of the main bets of Microsoft with the latest update of Windows 10 has been the use of VR (virtual reality) in our daily lives. It seeks to improve the user experience in front of the computer to, for example, see how a sofa you want to buy would look in the living room of your home. This requires that manufacturers and developers apply to create new hardware and applications. In this line are the new virtual reality headsets with which you can take advantage of the new Windows Mixed Reality experience.
It is not exactly an experience of virtual reality, but also augmented reality technology, which allows, as we have said, to add external elements, creating an ecosystem with many more possibilities. The mixed reality headsets are comfortable, thus facilitating an immersive experience for the user.
For the most part, they incorporate two LED screens, one for each eye, which lowers the cost as compared to the Oculus Rift of Facebook and HTC Vive, which bet on OLED technology. In addition, they all incorporate audio output and microphone support. Also, HDMI or USB 3.0 connections are an added bonus.
What hardware and software manufacturers have to solve is the sensation of seeing some blurry images by turning their heads quickly.
Microsoft’s Main Partners Join Its Mixed Reality Project
Microsoft has always relied on manufacturers as its main partners for the development of computer equipment. In this case, there is no shortage of collaborations with HP, Asus, Dell or Acer, to name a few. For designers, it can be a handy solution to see how a work that until now they saw on their computer screens would look like in 3D.
HP Mixed Reality Headset
In the case of HP, it is committed to a set of features defined by Microsoft with two LED screens of 1440 x 1440 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. It has a removable cable that can vary from 0.6 to 4 meters, depending on how we are going to use it (in front of a computer at a shorter distance or in a room in front of the TV). It is based on a double pad to facilitate greater comfort.
Asus Mixed Reality Headset
The Asus Mixed Reality Headset has perhaps the most daring and futuristic design, thanks to its polygonal panel on the front. It offers six-axis movements and is working with Microsoft to make it faster, more powerful and lighter in the future. It fits on the head with a back strap, similar to that used in the HoloLens. This allows quick adjustment with one hand.
Dell Mixed Reality Headset
Dell is committed to a more elegant and comfortable design in white. One of the complaints from users about their Mixed Reality headsets is usually that the weight of the helmet after several hours can take its toll. That is why Dell focuses exclusively on comfort. The design team of their XPS and Alienware have worked to improve this aspect with a system of protections that are very comfortable to wear.
Acer Mixed Reality Headset
The Acer Mixed Reality Headset has also been developed jointly with Microsoft. As for the design and features, it is made up of solid design and durability, keeping in mind the strength of the headset. Microsoft has also announced motion controllers for the Acer headset. This implies that they facilitate the absolute positioning of the user, but they depend on the frontal cameras of the headset.
Bottom Line
At the moment, there are no known price ranges for these devices that can range between $200 and $500 depending on the model. In any case, it should not be a limitation for users if they really have an ecosystem of apps, games, etc. that allow them to take advantage and enjoy a truly satisfying mixed reality experience.
Now we have to wait and see if we indeed have an immersive experience that is worthwhile or mixed reality is just another technology that does not just explode and remains nothing. However, what cannot be doubted is that it is a definite breakthrough in the world of gaming that enables users to experience things firsthand instead of simply imagining them.