Microsoft held a private event yesterday and announced the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
Not just any other update. This update is inclusive of full VR support including the SteamVR catalogue. Microsoft announced the acquisition of Altspace VR as well.
Fall Creators Update
Fall Creators will include an updated version of Microsoft Photos. This new version includes animated ink and 3D effects.
The update Lands on October 17th coinciding with Microsoft’s Halo VR experience (this is a prototype but could lead to a fully immersive game, fingers crossed).
Microsoft are currently the only large tech company to fully embrace both VR and AR, this is great for the every day Windows user as they can now benefit from headsets specifically designed with Windows 10 in mind.
The VR suite is just like being in your own home, blanks walls ready to decorate and you can decorate as you wish. Cortana is available within the environment and interacts via gesture, gaze and voice. You can load a game from your xbox and stream it to the VR environment this can then be played using the Xbox controller on a screen 300 inches in size. Exciting times!
Samsung have been working with Microsoft and the release of a new VR headset from them was also included in the event.
Samsung HMD Odyssey
The new headset from Samsung comes with dual AMOLED displays at 110° degrees field of view. They also come with built in headphones and mic, these are all integral to the design so no need for attaching extra parts.
The headset will work with any PC, just plug in and it will set itself up, no need for extra sensors. You can literally just throw the headset in your bag and take to a friends without issue. The motion controllers are within the headset itself.
If you fancy one of these then you do not have too long to wait. You can pre-order them as of today and they will be shipping from November 6th. Currently not available from the U.K. Samsung shop, we have included a link to pre-order from the USA site.
Altspace VR
Microsoft acquire Altspace VR, this is the first acquisition announcement entirely within VR.
AltspaceVR will continue to work on PC and Mac in 2D mode, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Daydream by Google, and Samsung Gear VR.
In Microsofts own words:
“AltspaceVR is one of the pioneers in immersive communications bringing people together in virtual reality from over 160 countries to attend meetups, comedy shows, yoga classes, dance parties, and large-scale events hosted by NBC, Reggie Watts, Justin Roiland, Drew Carey and more,”
Thankfully, it seems Microsoft are taking the team along for the ride!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AWhsBNU1jU
Microsoft’s VR headset lineup.
Full Event Recording:
https://youtu.be/xTT_3DhTMI8
“Standing on the threshold of the next revolution in computing!”