What you need to know
A recent report has emerged indicating that Microsoft has entered into a significant agreement with Samsung, which will see the tech giant procure “hundreds of thousands” of micro-OLED displays for an upcoming mixed reality headset. This new device is expected to shift its focus towards content consumption, particularly in gaming and movies, rather than the broader metaverse concept.
According to insights shared by an unnamed industry official, this headset aims to cater to a consumer audience, diverging from the enterprise-centric approach of Microsoft’s existing HoloLens line. This development follows a challenging period for Microsoft’s mixed reality division, which saw the cancellation of plans for a third-generation HoloLens in 2022 and the announcement in December 2023 regarding the discontinuation of the Windows Mixed Reality platform.
(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
As speculation mounts regarding the design of this next-generation headset, recent patent filings hint at a potential aesthetic reminiscent of the Apple Vision Pro, featuring OLED displays and passthrough cameras to create augmented reality experiences. In a rapidly evolving landscape, Meta has opened its platform to third-party headsets, while Google is rumored to be launching a new Android XR platform this year, both of which could align well with Microsoft’s strategic direction, especially given the absence of its own mixed reality platform.
(Image credit: Meta)
Insiders reveal that Microsoft is developing a cloud-based solution, codenamed “Williams Bay,” which will enable mixed reality headsets to run full Windows desktop applications. This innovative approach will allow users to arrange desktop apps within their mixed reality environment and interact with them as if they were operating locally, akin to the functionality seen in iPad apps on the Apple Vision Pro.
Moreover, Williams Bay is set to empower developers to enhance desktop applications with 3D extensions, seamlessly integrating them into the mixed reality experience. However, it remains uncertain whether this feature will be exclusive to Microsoft’s headset or if it will extend to other platforms as well.
While the timeline for the launch of Microsoft’s mixed reality headset remains ambiguous, reports suggest that it may not be ready until next year at the earliest, with 2026 appearing to be a more realistic target.
