At Build 2017, Microsoft has announced the first ever
Windows Mixed Reality development kits that allows AR/VR enthusiast developers to create an immersive eperience with Microsoft’s new Windows Mixed Reality headsets.
Source: blogs.windows.com
Currently, Acer and HP have launched the Windows Mixed Reality development kits, now available for pre-order through the Microsoft Store for developers in the US and Canada. The preorder announcement was made during the day 2 keynote by Alex Kipman who informed that Microsoft has partnered with many vendors in order to provide Mixed Reality headsets with a solid ground. And, the company is planning to launch the kits in other countries also.
As per Microsoft,
"The Windows Mixed Reality Developer Edition Headsets use state-of-the-art, inside-out tracking so you don’t need to set up external cameras or IR emitters to have a truly immersive experience as you move with six degrees of freedom (6DoF) in mixed reality. You’ll be ready to code new mixed reality experiences out of box with a headset and a Windows 10 Creator’s Update PC that meets our recommended hardware specifications for developers."
Source: blogs.windows.com
The cost for Windows Mixed Reality Development Kits is $299 for Acer's version and $329 for HP's version. However, the company has not given a particular date for shipping as of now, they only say that the shipping will be started in the summer.
Here are the system recommendations suggested by Microsoft for getting started with the developer editions of headsets.
"Processor
Desktop: Intel Desktop Core i7 (6+ Core) OR AMD Ryzen 7 1700 (8 Core, 16 threads)
GPU
- Desktop: NVIDIA GTX 980/1060, AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) equivalent or greater DX12 and WDDM 2.2 capable GPU
- Drivers: Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.2
- Thermal Design Power: 15W or greater
Display
- Headset connectors: 1x available graphics display port for headset (HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 60Hz headsets, HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 90Hz headsets)
- Resolution: SVGA (800×600) or greater
- Bit depth: 32 bits of color per pixel
Memory: 16 GB of RAM or greater
Storage: >10 GB additional free space
Connectivity
1x available USB port for headset (USB 3.0 Type-A). USB must supply a minimum of 900mA.
Bluetooth 4.0 (for accessory connectivity)"
Well, Microsoft has provided us with weapons to join the battle of Mixed Reality. Now, it will be exciting to see what the developers come up with, over the course of time.