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Watch Acer's IFA 2018 event in 9 minutes
Acer often has a lot to show at its events, and its IFA 2018 presentation was no exception. The tech giant unveiled a bevy of laptops, including the world's lightest 15-inch laptop and a metal-clad budget Chromebook. However, that was really just the start. It also launched a uniquely detachable mixed reality headset, and even a gaming cockpit that's practically a throne. It's a lot to take in, but don't worry -- we've condensed Acer's announcements into a nine-minute video that covers all the bases.
Acer's new Windows Mixed Reality headset has detachable parts
Acer has launched a new Windows 10 Mixed Reality headset at IFA 2018, and the manufacturer says it has a unique detachable design that's a first in the category. Called the OJO 500, the model features detachable components: To be precise, its lens and head strap are removable for easy cleaning and storage. Acer created it that way for those planning to share a headset with friends and people who run establishments or theme parks that offer VR experiences.
ASUS' Windows Mixed Reality headset is now on sale for $429
We liked what we saw of ASUS' foray into Windows Mixed Reality hardware at IFA 2017, but we always figured it would likely be pricey. That's been proven true now as the HC102 headset and two controllers are finally on sale in the US for $429, and in the UK for £430.
'Star Trek: Bridge Crew' drops its VR headset requirement
There's no question that Star Trek: Bridge Crew benefits from VR -- it helps fulfill that fantasy of helming a starship. Most people don't have the VR headset you need to play the game, however, which makes gathering a crew rather difficult. Red Storm and Ubisoft's solution? Make the game playable for everyone. It just released a "non-VR" update that makes the game playable for anyone with a PS4 or sufficiently capable PC. You can play with others whether or not they have headsets, and there are even graphical enhancements for non-VR players to take advantage of the lighter processing requirements.
Samsung's HMD Odyssey proves image quality is worth the cost
Earlier today, Microsoft and Samsung announced the latest Windows Mixed Reality headset: the Samsung HMD Odyssey. At $499, it's certainly one of the pricier options out of all the Windows Mixed Reality headsets so far. And for good reason. Not only does it come with integrated AKG headphones -- which is very similar to the Rift's design -- it has absolutely stunning image quality.
Microsoft buys AltspaceVR's struggling virtual hangout
When AltspaceVR announced that it was staying open after threatening to close its doors, it said it was "deep in discussions" with people who were passionate about it. Apparently one of those people was Microsoft, because the software giant has just announced that it's acquiring AltspaceVR, officially providing Windows Mixed Reality with a social VR solution. "With the AltspaceVR team onboard we look forward to building the world's preeminent mixed reality community," said Alex Kipman, Microsoft's Mixed Reality head, in a statement. If you're not familiar with AltspaceVR, it's sort of like a Second Life for VR. Even though AltspaceVR has only been around for a few years, it already has competition in the social VR space. Its biggest rival is arguably Facebook Spaces, which is the social network's attempt at a virtual hangout space. Of course, Spaces' big benefit is that it makes use of your existing Facebook network. But AltspaceVR has had successes too. It partnered with NBC to broadcast last year's presidential debates in VR and it's even hosted virtual comedy shows from Reggie Watts and Paul Scheer. AltspaceVR is accessible with Google Daydream, Samsung's Gear VR, the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. With the Microsoft acquisition, it's likely that AltspaceVR will be available on Windows Mixed Reality headsets as well.
'Halo Recruit' brings the Xbox series to mixed reality
Microsoft already announced that it was working with 343 Industries on Halo experiences for mixed reality, but today the company revealed its first one: Halo Recruit. The game will be available starting October 17th -- you can either try it out in Microsoft Stores across the country, or download it from the Windows Store for free.
ASUS’s first mixed reality headset has plenty of pleasant surprises
ASUS has been teasing us with details of its Windows Mixed Reality headset, but now is ready to let folks try it for themselves. At IFA 2017, we were also able to spend a decent amount of time using the Windows Mixed Reality controllers that will ship with it. The short version of it all is that both devices have no business being this good, and it bodes very well for the future of the platform.
Windows 10 Fall Creators Update lands October 17th, Microsoft confirms
Looks like that leak was right, after all. Microsoft announced today at IFA that the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will officially launch on October 17th. It's the fourth major addition to the OS, and it follows the Creators Update from earlier this year. The biggest change? It'll give us our first taste of Windows Mixed Reality, the company's VR platform that's powered by inexpensive headsets from the likes of Dell, HP, Lenovo and ASUS. And if you don't have a headset, you'll also be able to check out some experiences in 2D with the Mixed Reality Viewer.
Lenovo's mixed reality headset offers built-in tracking for $350
Windows Mixed Reality headsets are coming out of the woodwork at IFA, and now it's Lenovo's turn to add to the introductions. It's launching the Explorer, and the headgear will sound very familiar if you've seen other models -- not that this is necessarily a bad thing. Thanks to the dual cameras, you get VR motion tracking in a reasonably large (11.5 feet by 11.5 feet) space without external sensors or a complicated setup. Likewise, there are optional motion controllers (below) for titles that need more immersive control.
Watch ASUS' IFA 2017 event in under seven minutes
The first official day of IFA 2017 isn't until Friday, September 1st, but the pre-event festivities are already in full force. Like Acer and Samsung, ASUS had its big press conference today in Berlin, where it revealed a slew of new mainstream, multimedia and gaming laptops. It also shared more details about its upcoming Windows Mixed Reality headset, which promises to be a solid, premium device -- so don't expect it to be cheap. You can catch these and other announcements in this highlight reel we put together, just for you.
ASUS' Windows Mixed Reality headset may come with a premium price
After a teaser back in the spring, ASUS is ready to talk in-depth about its Windows Mixed Reality headset... and it's clear that this is a premium design, with the price to match. The headgear (known as the ASUS Windows Mixed Reality Headset) isn't just riding on that funky polygonal look. It's lighter than most with a weight under 0.9 pounds, and ASUS is promising a balanced design with antibacterial protection to help you safely share the headset between users.
Get ready for 'Halo' in VR
Microsoft regularly uses Halo as a selling point for its technology (see: the original Xbox), and that's definitely true in the virtual reality era. The tech pioneer and 343 Industries have revealed that they're working on Halo mixed reality experiences. The two aren't saying anything more at this early stage, but it's safe to say these offerings will run on Windows Mixed Reality headsets whenever they're ready... and of course, Microsoft is bound to hype them to the hilt.
You can finally stuff your head into a Windows VR headset
After a few months of waiting, you can snap up a Windows Mixed Reality headset for yourself... if you meet the right conditions, that is. Microsoft is now selling both the Acer and HP Developer Edition headsets at respective prices of $299 and $329, but only to developers -- you can't pick one up just because you think an Oculus Rift is too expensive, unfortunately. The HP model is also out of stock as of this writing, so you can't be too picky.
Microsoft plans to bring mixed reality to the Xbox in 2018
Last year, Microsoft revealed it would open up its Windows Holographic Platform to other hardware manufacturers, and at CES, we got a sneak peek at a few different Windows VR headsets. At GDC this week, Microsoft revealed yet more plans for its mixed-reality platform. While its headsets are strictly for the PC right now, they will soon be coming to the Xbox -- as well as Microsoft's Project Scorpio console -- in 2018.
