Microsoft Goes Long for Mixed Reality

The theme running throughout most of this year's WinHEC keynote in Shenzhen, China was mixed reality. Microsoft's Alex Kipman continues to be a great spokesperson and evangelist for the new medium, and it is apparent that Microsoft is going in deep, if not all in, on this version of the future. I, for one, as a mixed reality or bust developer, am very glad to see it.

As part of the presentation, Microsoft presented a video (see below) that shows the various forms of mixed reality. The video starts with a few virtual objects in the room with a person, transitions into the same room with a virtual person, then becomes a full virtual reality experience with Windows Holographic.

In addition, Microsoft has also updated the minimum specs for the upcoming Windows Holographic hardware that will be entering the market from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. 3Glasses was also announced at WinHEC as being a new hardware manufacturing partner.

The following lists the base requirements:

Intel Mobile Core i5 (e.g., 7,200U) dual-core with Hyper-threading equivalent
Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 (GT2) equivalent or greater DX12 API Capable GPU
8 GB+ dual channel RAM required for integrated graphics
HDMI 1.4 with 2,880x1,440 @ 60 Hz
HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.3+ with 2,880x1,440 @ 90 Hz
100 GB+ SSD (preferred) or HDD
USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode
Bluetooth 4.0 for accessories

We here at NextReality will continue to look for new information coming out of Shenzhen as WinHEC 2016 continues. Look here first for updates that come out.