Microsoft Has Decided To Discontinue Its Windows Mixed-Reality Platform
Microsoft bids farewell to the Windows Mixed Reality era, closing the chapter on a pioneering journey in the world of virtual experiences.
Windows Mixed Reality is taking a trip to a farm upstate as Microsoft announces the closure of this platform, revealed in an official list of outdated Windows features. Saying goodbye to the familiar Windows Mixed Reality software, the Mixed Reality Portal app, and the Steam VR app linked with it. Although the platform is still here, Microsoft mentions it will be “removed in a future release of Windows.”
Back in 2017, Microsoft introduced Windows Mixed Reality to compete with VR heavyweights like HTC and Oculus (now part of Meta). We were pretty excited about this tech when it first came out, promising shared mixed reality experiences in person. A similar experience might be in store from the high-end Apple Vision Pro, expected to launch around February.
Various VR headsets embraced Microsoft’s platform, including the HP Reverb G2 and others from Acer, Asus, and Samsung. The Windows Mixed Reality Portal app made it easy to access games, experiences, and loads of work-related apps. However, today’s news suggests that it didn’t catch on as much as expected.
Even though the platform is winding down, Microsoft’s other mixed-reality player, the HoloLens 2, seems to be unaffected. They rolled out a Windows 11 upgrade and other improvements earlier this year, even sending it to the Army for combat tests. Yes, you read that right.
But it’s not all smooth sailing in HoloLens land. Reports are saying that Microsoft stopped working on the HoloLens 3. Back in 2022, there were whispers of a collaboration with Samsung for a secret mixed-reality device. Still, Microsoft’s Frank Shaw insists they’re “committed to HoloLens and future HoloLens development.”
Adding to the mix, Microsoft made some big changes in its VR division, leading to job cuts and the AltspaceVR app getting the boot. Yet, the company is still pushing ahead with its Mesh app, letting coworkers meet up in a virtual space without needing a headset. Cool, right?
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