Windows Mixed Reality

Winsage
July 4, 2025
Microsoft announced 9,000 layoffs, bringing the total for the year to over 15,300, including cuts within Xbox. The layoffs are attributed to unrealistic fiscal expectations set by CFO Amy Hood, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. There is a perception that these layoffs are part of a broader shift towards artificial intelligence, with Microsoft executives and shareholders reportedly resenting the investment in Activision-Blizzard. The company plans to invest billions in new AI training centers globally, raising concerns about the impact on its core gaming and consumer products. Microsoft’s AI products have faced criticism, and the company has been accused of losing sight of the human element in its consumer businesses. The recent layoffs have left employees feeling uncertain about their futures, and there is a growing sentiment that Microsoft lacks a coherent mission or ethos, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term innovation.
Winsage
June 10, 2025
A Microsoft employee is developing a native SteamVR driver called "Oasis" to revive Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headsets, which lost functionality after the Windows 11 24H2 update eliminated support for these devices. The previous runtime that allowed Windows MR headsets to interface with SteamVR is now obsolete. Matthieu Bucchianeri, a software developer with experience at Sony and SpaceX, is leading this project, which involves deep reverse-engineering. The Oasis driver is currently compatible with Nvidia GPUs, and Bucchianeri is in talks with AMD for potential compatibility. He plans to release the driver for free in the fall.
Winsage
April 25, 2025
The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest enhancement rather than a major overhaul, continuing to use the Germanium codebase established with 24H2. A preview build, specifically build 27842 from the Canary Channel, has been identified, and references to GE25H2 were found in the AppraiserRes.dll file, which assesses PC compatibility for the new version. The update is anticipated to arrive in the latter half of the year, similar to previous incremental updates. Concerns exist regarding the stability of 25H2 compared to 24H2, which faced installation issues and compatibility problems. Windows 10 will reach the end of regular support on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Smaller updates like enablement packages tend to present fewer stability risks, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about 25H2 or its update process for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Speculation about Windows 12 continues, but its timeline remains uncertain.
Winsage
February 17, 2025
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
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 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
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
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
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 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.
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