Microsoft announced with great fanfare the support of virtual reality in the Creators Update of Windows 10, but limiting its availability to developers and the poor adoption of virtual reality headsets turned it into a footnote. However, Redmond also confirmed back then that it would launch its own headsets with the help of major OEMs. Now, a virtual reality device can do little without software, but the good news is that SteamVR games will be compatible with the new hardware.
We have the computers, and we have the headsets. We only lack the software and the price. That is the current state of virtual reality. The HTC Vive permanently dropped its price to $599 (a $200 cut). At the same time, there are strong rumors that HTC is interested in letting go of its virtual reality division, and the controversial Palmer Luckey said he might acquire it. On the other side, Sony cut the price of its PlayStation VR, with an updated "Core" bundle that includes the camera for $399 (previously it was $399 + $59). But there is another player in the field: Microsoft.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/1nlcdDNOdm8In October last year, Redmond indicated it was working with its main partners to democratize access to virtual reality. The latest update published as a preview for the IFA Berlin convention starting next Friday confirms that software compatible with SteamVR can be used with the new mixed reality headsets. Access to such an interesting game library represents a huge advantage for Microsoft and its allies, but that's not all. The other news is that 343 Industries is developing experiences based on the Halo universe. Microsoft's spokesperson did not give any further details, but the idea of controlling the Master Chief in virtual reality is attractive at the very least.
Returning to the headsets, Microsoft has placed much pressure on reducing requirements. The plan is that a computer with integrated graphics (the reference is Skylake or higher) can run virtual environments at 60 FPS, while systems with dedicated graphics can push that number to 90 FPS. Microsoft calls these computers "Windows Mixed Reality PCs" and "Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PCs", which personally gives me a bit of chills (you know, "Vista Capable" and "Vista Ready"?), but things have changed for the better. The minimum price of the headsets will remain at $299, and bundles that include controllers jump to $399.
