Information circulating the Internet suggests that Microsoft is working on a VR headset aimed at competing with the Google Cardboard. The budget VR headset is reportedly known as Microsoft VR Kit. Just like Google Cardboard, the VR Kit is targeted at low cost virtual reality experience through a cardboard box with a pair of attached eye lenses. Users will be able to slide their phones into the box for a VR experience. Since Microsoft is developing the project, we think the VR kit will be compatible with Windows Phone devices. Microsoft has yet to officially announce the VR kit.
Microsoft is hosting a hackathon event on October 17 and it is likely that developers will be asked to develop VR apps at the event. Microsoft is also holding an event on October 6 in New York where the company is expected to unveil the Lumia 950 and the Lumia 950XL. At the event, the company is also expected to announce the next generation Windows-powered tablet – the Surface Pro 4 that will take on the iPad Pro in the consumer market.
Coming back to VR, this isn’t the first time Microsoft is dipping its fingers in virtual reality. At E3 2015, Oculus announced that the Oculus Rift VR headset would ship with an XBox One controller. Microsoft also has its own augmented reality headset, the HoloLens. At the launch of HoloLens, Microsoft demonstrated the ability of the AR headset to do everyday work tasks with absolute ease. At E3 2015, the company showcased gaming abilities of the HoloLens. We experienced the HoloLens at E3 2015, and the experience was quite brilliant in the controlled, demonstration environment.
As of now, there are a number of companies that are trying to jump on to the virtual reality bandwagon. We have companies like Sony, Samsung, Facebook, Google and Valve, all showcasing devices that utilise virtual reality. What do you think? Is virtual reality the future of entertainment and gaming, or are we better off enjoying content on our large screen TVs?
Source: Thurrott