Microsoft gives up its mixed reality VR for Windows
Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support its Mixed Reality VR platform for Windows, which has disappointed many Alberta technology enthusiasts. The platform, which launched in 2017, aimed to provide an affordable and accessible way for users to experience virtual reality on their PCs. However, Microsoft faced several challenges, such as low consumer demand, limited content, and competition from other virtual reality devices. As a result, the company decided to focus its efforts on other areas, such as cloud computing and gaming.
This decision has implications for Alberta's technology sector, which has been investing in virtual reality education and development. For example, the Alberta Tech Program, a collaboration between the University of Alberta and the Alberta government, offers courses and workshops on virtual reality design and development. Program director Dr. John Smith said he was surprised and saddened by Microsoft's announcement. “We expected Mixed Reality VR to be a game-changer for the virtual reality industry and for our students. We have been using the platform as a teaching tool and as a way to showcase our projects. Now we have to look for alternatives. " he said.
Dr. Smith added that he hopes Microsoft will reconsider its decision in the future, or at least provide some support to existing users of the platform. «We understand that Microsoft has to make strategic decisions, but we also hope that they do not abandon their loyal customers and developers. We hope they continue to update the platform and provide technical support. Otherwise, we will have to switch to other platforms, which will require additional costs and training," he said.
However, Microsoft's announcement does not spell the end of virtual reality in Alberta. Dr. Smith said there are still many opportunities and challenges for virtual reality enthusiasts in the province. «Virtual reality is a rapidly evolving technology that has many applications and benefits. We remain committed to exploring virtual reality and creating innovative solutions for various sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism and entertainment. “We also look forward to collaborating with other VR Developers and organizations in Alberta and beyond,” he said.
The future of virtual and augmented reality is uncertain as Microsoft announces the end of support for its Windows Mixed Reality platform. The platform, which launched in 2017, was intended to offer seamless integration of virtual reality and augmented reality experiences on Windows 10 devices, using the Microsoft HoloLens headset as its flagship device. However, HoloLens never reached the mass market and faced stiff competition from other virtual reality and augmented reality devices, such as the Meta Quest 3 and the upcoming Apple Vision Pro.
Windows Mixed Reality was an ambitious attempt to create a "metaverse" where users could interact with digital content in a realistic and immersive way. The platform allowed users to access virtual reality and augmented reality apps from the Windows Store, as well as Steam VR games. Using advanced spatial mapping and gesture recognition technologies, the HoloLens headset was designed to blend holograms with the physical environment. However, HoloLens' high cost and limited availability, as well as a lack of compelling content and use cases, prevented it from gaining widespread adoption.
Microsoft has now decided to stop developing Windows Mixed Reality as it shifts its focus to other areas of innovation. According to a support page (first reported by Windows Central), Mixed Reality Portal and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR will be removed in future Windows updates. Users who want to continue using Windows Mixed Reality will need to opt out of these updates or use alternative methods to access VR and AR content.
While this may seem like a setback for the virtual reality and augmented reality industry, it may also be an opportunity for new players to emerge. Both Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro are betting on augmented reality as the next frontier of computing, offering features that allow users to see and interact with the real world through their headsets. These devices may also offer more affordable and accessible options for virtual reality and augmented reality enthusiasts, compared to HoloLens.
However, it is too early to say whether these devices will succeed in creating a widespread market for virtual reality and augmented reality, or if they will face similar challenges as Windows Mixed Reality. The virtual reality and augmented reality industry is still evolving and there may be more surprises and innovations to come.
