Windows Mixed Reality Archives

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Bill Gates talks about trading for Windows 10 as Avowed wows reviewers and Microsoft kills HoloLens and lies about uninstalling Edge

Bill Gates humorously compared the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 to a significant NBA trade, noting that Windows 10 holds a 60.33% market share. He also predicted that artificial intelligence could replace humans in various tasks but suggested that audiences might not enjoy watching computers play baseball. Nintendo is preparing for a potential legal battle with Pocketpair, the creators of Palworld, despite the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejecting 22 out of 23 of Nintendo's patent claims. Nintendo has secured a patent related to creature capturing mechanics and is pursuing additional patents. Avowed, an upcoming title from Xbox Game Studios and Obsidian Entertainment, is set to launch on February 18 and currently holds a score of around 80 on Metacritic, with early reviews praising its RPG elements. Microsoft faced criticism over a misleading webpage about uninstalling its Edge browser, which was quickly removed. Although uninstalling Edge is possible, many users may prefer to keep it installed. Microsoft has shifted the development of the IVAS militarized augmented reality headset to Anduril Industries, marking a significant move away from its HoloLens initiative, which includes the cancellation of HoloLens 3. The ASUS Zenbook Duo and Turtle Beach VelocityOne Multi-Shift received commendable scores of 4.5 out of 5 stars in reviews, with the Zenbook Duo praised for its performance and battery life, and the VelocityOne Multi-Shift recognized for its versatility for gamers.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to Use Windows on Meta Quest 3 Headsets

At Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced enhanced support for Windows applications on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, allowing users to access Microsoft’s suite of tools without additional software. Users can create multiple virtual windows for multitasking, such as switching between Microsoft Teams and spreadsheets. Previously, users accessed Windows apps via Air Link, Remote Desktop in Horizon Workrooms, or third-party software. The new integration allows streaming from a Windows 11 PC or virtual Windows Cloud PC, enabling quick access to Windows applications in an XR environment. This functionality includes creating multiple virtual monitors or a single large monitor while maintaining visibility of physical surroundings. The experience is supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps.” Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform but continues to support XR innovators. Microsoft also announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027 and hinted at a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a future mixed-reality headset.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Microsoft XR and Windows Mixed Reality: Could the HoloLens Make a Comeback?

Microsoft introduced the Windows Mixed Reality platform in 2017, enabling various PC manufacturers to create consumer-ready XR headsets. In 2016, Microsoft launched the HoloLens, followed by the HoloLens 2, which was aimed at enterprise users but struggled in the consumer market. Recently, Microsoft discontinued the HoloLens and ceased support for Windows Mixed Reality, leading to speculation about its future in XR. In December 2023, Microsoft announced the removal of Windows Mixed Reality from Windows 11, making previous devices inoperable after a 2024 update. Despite this, Microsoft is shifting towards becoming a software provider for other XR vendors, partnering with companies like Unity and Meta to develop mixed reality solutions for devices like the Quest 3. Microsoft also announced a long-term partnership with RealWear for distributing Power Apps for smart glasses. The HoloLens 2 will continue to receive security updates until December 2027, but no new HoloLens headsets are in development. Microsoft has partnered with Samsung to produce mini OLED panels for a potential new line of mixed reality headsets, with mass production expected in 2026.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Windows 11 Mixed Reality support revived for Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S headsets

Microsoft has revived its Mixed Reality feature, previously retired for all but the HoloLens, now limited to the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S. The integration includes three key features: immersive and private productivity, Windows 365 Cloud PCs, and easy PC connection. Users can connect to their PCs or subscribe to a Windows 365 Cloud PC for remote access via their headset. The broader Windows Mixed Reality program was officially retired in December 2023 after about six years, and its future beyond the partnership with Meta is uncertain. Windows Mixed Reality struggled to attract customers compared to other VR offerings, with the entry-level market led by Oculus and the high-end segment occupied by HTC and Valve.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Latest Quest Update Brings Big Improvements to Virtual Desktop and Hand-tracking

Meta has rolled out the Quest v72 update for its Quest 3 and 3S headsets, enhancing user experience with improvements in hand-tracking and the integration of Windows 11 Remote Desktop. The update allows users to connect their headsets to Windows PCs by gazing at their PC, although the setup requires specific steps on both the PC and the headset. The feature is labeled as "experimental" and may have initial challenges. The update also improves keyboard tracking for a wider range of devices, enhances hand-tracking technology with reduced latency and improved stability, and introduces Instagram chat, an upgraded Media Gallery, and live call captions in Horizon Worlds. Users can check for the update through the headset's settings menu, and advanced users can force an update if desired.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Windows Mail will cease to work by year’s end

Support for Windows Mail will cease on December 31, 2024, making the application unusable for sending and receiving emails. Microsoft recommends transitioning to the Outlook app for email management. Users can export their local emails, calendar events, and contacts before the discontinuation. Additionally, Microsoft previously announced the discontinuation of support for Windows Mixed Reality, which became inoperable after updates to Windows 11 24H2. Windows 10 is approaching its end date, with Microsoft advising users to consider purchasing new PCs.

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

Minecraft is losing VR support next year

Minecraft will discontinue virtual reality support across all platforms by March 2025, affecting devices such as Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and Meta Quest. This follows the earlier announcement of ending support for PlayStation VR headsets in March 2025. Players will retain access to their worlds and Marketplace purchases on non-VR devices, while the Java version of the game will still support VR through mods like Vivecraft and standalone ports like QuestCraft. Minecraft began supporting VR platforms in 2016 with Samsung's Gear VR and has since included Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR. The game previously closed Minecraft Earth in 2020 to focus on core gameplay experiences.

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

Minecraft losing VR support next year — here’s how to enjoy it while you can

Mojang has confirmed that support for PlayStation VR headsets will cease in March 2025, alongside the discontinuation of support for PC VR headsets, including Meta Quest, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality. This decision was detailed in the latest Bedrock changelog. Minecraft's VR journey began with Samsung Gear VR in 2016, followed by support for Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR. The shift away from VR and augmented reality adaptations reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, focusing on core gameplay experiences.

Winsage

October 16, 2024

Windows 11’s 2024 update finally kills this once-promising feature

Microsoft has officially phased out Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) with the release of the Windows 11 24H2 update, marking the end of support for the platform that began in 2017. The update renders previously compatible devices inoperable and discontinues support for Steam VR applications. Users can continue to use mixed reality devices until November 2026 if they do not install the 24H2 update, and WMR remains accessible on Windows 10. Microsoft's mixed reality initiative struggled to gain market interest compared to competitors like Oculus and Sony, leading to a strategic shift towards other areas, including AI-driven technologies.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

Lilbits: Goodbye Windows Mixed Reality, Hello Raspberry Pi 500, 80 Gbps USB4 v2 cables, and Rockchip RK3688 processor – Liliputing

Microsoft has concluded its support for Windows Mixed Reality with the rollout of Windows 11 24H2, which no longer accommodates virtual reality headsets from Acer, HP, and Lenovo. Rockchip is set to launch its RK3688 processor in 2025 or 2026, featuring an Armv9.3 CPU and supporting up to 16 TOPS of AI performance. A new Raspberry Pi model, the Raspberry Pi 500, is in development, likely featuring the same processor as the Raspberry Pi 5. Google will discontinue its ferrochrome app for running Chrome OS in a virtual machine on Android devices. Samsung is adapting its Tizen operating system for compatibility with RISC-V processors. ELECOM will release Japan's first certified USB4 Version 2.0 Type-C cables, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbps and 240W USB Power Delivery.