Microsoft Build developer conference showed of many things – and one of them are new gadgets for VR.
There are new headsets from Acer and HP, where both have a flip-up visor so you can quickly check on the real world, and use outward-facing cameras to constantly map their position in your environment. No more need for room mapping, no setting up external sensors—just put on the headset and get to gaming. Both are coming later this year, at $300 for Acer’s model and $330 for HP’s, but dev kits are available now.
What is more interesting, are the new controllers. Made by Microsoft, it uses the headsets’ inside-out tracking to let you move freely in VR. The so-called Windows Mixed Reality Motion Controllers will work with any Microsoft-supported headset, pairing with the cameras so you can see your hands in VR without needing any external hardware. You’ll be able to buy the new controller this holiday season, and a bundle including Acer’s headset and the motion controller will cost $399. The controllers has a joystick and a trackpad above a small menu button, plus buttons on the side underneath your index finger. Large halos at the top, filled with small visible lights, help the headset track their movement.
Acer, HP, and Microsoft’s many other hardware partners are working on VR headsets for launch later this year.
