Windows Mixed Reality has grown out of Microsoft’s HoloLens augmented reality headset. The platform’s now emerged into a full ecosystem, encompassing a range of upcoming headsets from Microsoft partners. Although the software’s not yet publicly available, Dell’s now the latest firm to open preorders ahead of its October 17 launch.
The Dell Visor has a contoured design and a white finish. It includes a flip-up visor that lets you quickly switch between the real and augmented worlds. Dell reckons this streamlines the transition between worlds and makes it easier to adjust to the virtual space. It also suggested lifting the visor offers a “cool sensation, like a sleek pair of Ray-Bans.”
Dell Visor
Dell
Dell has aimed to make the headset comfortable to wear, adding a cushioned air vent to the nosepiece. This makes the interior less sweaty, improving comfort and opening the door to longer mixed reality sessions. There’s two holes in the front of the headset that give you a viewport into the physical world, helping with orientation.
The Visor’s two 2.89-inch displays have a typical 1440×1440 resolution and a 110-degree field of view. Dell said the Visor fully supports 6-DoF inside-out tracking, allowing it to monitor your movements without requiring external satellite trackers. With no setup required, it’s a more intuitive first experience than full-blown virtual reality hardware like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Dell Visor
Dell
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The Dell headset also has another big advantage. Like other Windows Mixed Reality products, it’s priced competitively at only $350. Dell will also be selling optional motion controllers at $100. Dell intends to use the Visor to make VR and AR more accessible. It also ensures the company’s ready for the next phase of consumer technology.
“The VR market is young but ready to rock, expected to grow to more than 215 million active users by 2025,” said Dell. “We’re thrilled to jump in at the water’s edge with the most VR-ready solutions of any PC company. Whether you’re a power gamer or a virtual beginner, Dell wants to be your end-to-end technology partner offering you immersive experiences you will love.”
Dell Visor
Dell
At $450 for the complete package, the Visor still sits comfortably below the $500 “prosumer” barrier, potentially making it more appealing to sceptical first users. It’ll work with a wide range of hardware too, although Windows Mixed Reality doesn’t entirely do away with the need for a high-performance PC. You can get the lowdown on the recommended specs over on Microsoft’s mixed reality website.
The Dell Visor will start shipping on October 17, alongside the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. The update will launch Windows Mixed Reality on millions of PCs around the world. Once you’ve got a headset, you’ll be able to connect it up and engage in native mixed reality experiences. Content from a wide range of entertainment partners, including games provider Steam, will be available when Windows Mixed Reality debuts.
