Making contact with the first mixed reality helmets

[OyaYansa]

IFA 2017, the largest trade fair in the world in terms of technology, has been the framework chosen by the different technology companies to present their mixed reality devices. Virtual reality officially took off last year thanks to devices such as HTC VIVE, Oculus Rift or PlayStation VR, but they are just the "first generation of virtual reality" and companies continue to innovate to offer new solutions to consumers.

The technology does not stop to advance and different manufacturers have joined forces with Microsoft and Windows to create a new way to consume content: the mixed reality of Windows.

We were able to test all the mixed reality devices presented in IFA 2017 and, each and every one of the presentations, the companies wanted to make one thing clear: in 10 minutes you have your virtual world created thanks to the mixed reality of Windows. This is possible since all the sensors needed to enjoy the Mixed Reality of Windows are built into the viewfinder.

In addition to consuming content, the mixed reality of Windows allows you to be productive. There are two ways, for the moment, to enjoy mixed-reality applications. One is in full format, the "typical" virtual reality in which what we are running is all that is seen on screen.

Another mode allows us to enjoy a three-dimensional environment, such as a room, in which we will place different applications in 2D. For example, we can have the browser Edge to see that we are watching a video or talking on Skype. It's like the multi-screen features of Windows 10, but expanded to a virtual universe. At the moment there are 20,000 compatible applications. And up. In addition, they are compatible with Steam VR, which opens a world of possibilities and games.

However, the name "mixed reality" comes from the enormous difference that exists with virtual reality.

Mixed Reality vs Virtual Reality
The main difference between a mixed reality device from windows and another from virtual reality is that while to enjoy the virtual reality we need both the viewfinder and one or more monitors (in the case of Oculus and HTC LIVE, or PlayStation Camera in the PS VR) that "read" the viewfinder sensors and the commands and translate our movements of the real world to take them to the virtual world, with the mixed reality of Windows we will not need more than the viewfinder and the two controls.

How is this possible? Unlike the virtual reality viewers, the Windows mixed reality hard hats incorporate two cameras on the outside, one on each side of the device. The function of these cameras is to read real world information and monitor our movements without the need for any other sensor. If we crouch, turn or move our body, both the sensors of the device and the cameras themselves will be responsible for moving these movements to the virtual world.

Another difference is in the controls. Because Windows mixed-mode devices have built-in cameras, the controls need something that the hull sensors can read. In the case of all devices seen in IFA 2017, the controls are exactly the same. They are a mix between HTC VIVE and Oculus Touch, but with several points of light that allows the viewfinder cameras to monitor the movements of our hands.

The behavior is quite precise thanks to the number of lights included in the controls and also, as we have seen at the fair, even if you cross your arms while playing you will not lose the signal and our movements will continue to be reproduced in a way

Speaking of precision, game controllers like Superhot VR (available as one of Windows's mixed-reality applications) or a game where we shoot small flying robots we have played exactly like with other viewers. The precision of both the controls and the way our movements are recorded is the same as that obtained with other devices.

In short, the mixed reality of Windows works at the level of games just like virtual reality, but without the need for monitors to analyze our movements, which allows you to play in smaller spaces than with HTC Vive, for example, even with people around us.

In addition to playing, the mixed reality of Windows allows you to enjoy other types of content, such as giant screens, a web browser, Youtube, documentaries and many more experiences that, as we have been told, will be added more in the very near future .

First mixed virtual reality helmets
In the framework of IFA 2017, Acer, Lenovo, Dell and Asus have introduced their Windows mixed-mode devices. Something they have in common is that the controls are the same for everyone. They have the circular part in which are the light sensors, a stick, a touch panel, a trigger and a button that can be given various uses. They also have a "Windows key" to escape to the desktop at any time.

The 4 devices produced by the manufacturers have 90Hz of refreshment (a low but not tidal amount, according to our tests) and a resolution of 1440x1440. Here are two companies that have given figures. Lenovo has confirmed that its glasses are compatible with 4K content, while Asus has presented them as devices with 3K resolution.

At the level of specifications, all are very even, differentiating, above all, abroad. The glasses of Acer were the first that we knew and the design is the most futuristic of all, futuristic like in Robocop, for example.

The Windows mixed reality glasses created by Asus have a design in which polygons attempt to disguise the front cameras.

Dell's, for example, stand out for their white color and the two cameras are perfectly visible.

Lenovo's mixed-mode viewfinder (Lenovo Explorer) is the one with a more sober design, with a front band that gives it a science fiction aesthetic.

Finally, although it has not been presented in IFA 2017, it is also necessary to mention the mixed HP device. The helmet looks futuristic, as you can see:

One thing to note is that the helmet design allows people who wear glasses (even large pasta glasses) to use the device without any problems or discomfort. Other displays tighten or, directly, are not compatible with large glasses. The mixed-reality displays presented are lightweight and have a similar closure to the PlayStation VR to be sure to head.

However, as if it were a visor, we can put our own helmets with the visor '' raised '' and adjust it to our liking once we have placed the headband well. It is comfortable to remove as well as to put on and, besides, it allows to lift the viewer at any moment without needing to take it of the head. Another point to note is that all the displays presented have a 3.5mm jack to connect headphones.

The different Windows mixed-mode hard shells will arrive over the next few weeks, with no definite confirmed date yet. As for the price of the mixed reality of Windows, Lenovo and Asus devices will cost $ 449, and in the case of Dell and Lenovo may choose a purchase option without controls, which will leave the price at $ 349.

The Acer model, in its version for developers, without controls and with final specifications, is at $ 299. We will see if this type of viewers without external monitors impose themselves. At the moment, it is a very important step forward that a company like Microsoft seeks to standardize certain parameters of virtual reality.