Microsoft is reviving Windows mixed reality somewhere we never expected

Microsoft Ventures into Mixed Reality with Volumetric Apps for Meta Quest

In a move that expands the horizons of mixed reality, Microsoft has announced the introduction of Volumetric Apps for the Meta Quest platform. This innovative venture will allow users to engage with apps in a fully immersive 3D environment, bringing a new dimension to the Windows experience.

Developers eager to explore this new frontier can now register for early access to the Volumetric Apps API. This tool is designed to seamlessly transition existing applications into the realm of mixed reality. Microsoft’s own Creo, a sophisticated CAD program, was reportedly transformed into a Volumetric App in just one day, showcasing the API’s efficiency.

At Build 2024, Microsoft’s annual developer conference, the tech giant offered a glimpse into the potential of Volumetric Apps. A concise one-minute demonstration featured Creo in action, with a user customizing an Xbox controller in a virtual 3D space, hinting at the intuitive and interactive capabilities of the platform.

Despite winding down its Windows Mixed Reality VR platform at the end of the previous year, Microsoft’s commitment to virtual reality remains steadfast. The upcoming integration of Volumetric Apps with Meta Quest headsets indicates a deepening partnership between Microsoft and Meta, potentially leading to exclusive Windows features for Quest users.

Microsoft’s strategy appears to be a comprehensive integration with the Meta ecosystem. Last year’s announcement that Meta Quest 3 users would be able to access Windows 11 through their headsets was just the beginning. The anticipated use of Meta’s Quest Link software could enable seamless PC connectivity, whether wirelessly or via USB-C.

Moreover, Meta Quest owners can look forward to streaming Xbox Game Pass titles to their headsets and utilizing Microsoft Office in a virtual environment. There’s also buzz about a special Xbox-branded Meta Quest headset slated for release later this year, further blending the lines between gaming, productivity, and virtual reality.

As the landscape of virtual reality continues to evolve, Microsoft’s latest endeavors with Volumetric Apps are set to enrich the user experience, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of immersive technology.

AppWizard
Microsoft is reviving Windows mixed reality somewhere we never expected