Microsoft to retire Windows Mixed Reality platform

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft has announced that it will shut down its Windows Mixed Reality platform, which was launched in 2017 as a competitor in the virtual reality market. The platform, which includes the Windows Mixed Reality software, the Mixed Reality Portal app, and the Steam VR app, will be removed from Windows in a future update.

Windows Mixed Reality was compatible with several VR headsets from different manufacturers, such as HP, Acer, Asus, and Samsung. The platform enabled users to access various games, experiences, and productivity apps in VR. However, the platform failed to gain enough popularity and support, as evidenced by the recent news.

The closure of Windows Mixed Reality does not affect Microsoft’s other mixed-reality product, the HoloLens 2. The HoloLens 2 is a business-oriented headset that runs on Windows 11. (Recently, Microsoft started shipping them out to the Army for combat training.) Microsoft has also confirmed its commitment to HoloLens and its future development, despite rumours of a halt in the HoloLens 3 project and a potential collaboration with Samsung on a new mixed-reality device.

Microsoft has also restructured its VR division, resulting in layoffs and the discontinuation of the AltspaceVR app. The company is still working on its own Mesh app, which allows users to interact in a virtual space without a headset.

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Apple reportedly renames realityOS to xrOS

With rumours of its mixed reality headset coming soon, Apple has reportedly changed up the name of the operating system it's going to run on. Instead of going by realityOS—as it's been called in the past seven years—it now goes by xrOS. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported about the change in his weekly Power On newsletter. The change to "xr" supposedly makes it easier for Apple to signal that it isn't just working on augmented or virtual reality. Instead, it's pursuing that true mixed-reality experience. It would also be easier to market globally, since some may have trouble translating the word reality into the local language. It would also still fit into how the company names its different platforms.

Apple has reportedly filed applications in several countries for the name. This a sign that Apple is locking in the brand name for the final product. The mixed reality headset it's working in will reportedly launch in 2023. 

Magic Leap 2 headset to debut on Sept. 30

Source: Magic Leap

Magic Leap is ready to launch its latest mixed reality device. The Magic Leap 2 headset will debut on September 30 with a starting price of US$3,299 (around CA$4,301). It succeeds the 2018 Magic Leap, promising a smaller, lighter device with a broader field of view. The Magic Leap 2 will be available in three packages, with varying software support and intended use. 

That Base model will include the headset and a limited warranty. The US$4,099 (~CA$5,343) Developer Pro option gets development software tools and early access to software releases. But this is limited to internal development—not a full commercial product. And then, the US$4,999 (~CA$6,517) Enterprise edition will come with quarterly software updates and tools to manage deployment across an organization.

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LG Display is reportedly prepping work for Apple's 2nd-gen mixed reality headset

Concept render based on purported leaked information (Ian Zelbo)

While Apple's first-generation mixed reality headset hasn't launched yet, LG Display is reportedly preparing to supply micro OLED display panels for the next-generation model. The company is believed to be ordering deposition equipment for micro-OLED displays from Sunic System. The company supposedly plans to use the equipment to produce the displays for the headset. 

It's believed to be part of the supply chain for the upcoming headset, but it's not expected to supply the main screen. Sony is reportedly supplying that. LG's rumoured to be providing the regular OLED display panels for the outer indicator screen. For the next-generation headset, LG is supposedly hoping to take the orders from Sony. It could be a wise move for Apple, given that Sony indirectly competes with Apple thanks to its PlayStation VR headsets.

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