The latest addition to Microsoft’s line of Windows ‘Mixed Reality’ VR headsets is here and it comes from Asus.
Asus’ Windows headset was actually announced alongside other devices from HP, Dell and others two years ago but didn’t launch with them back in October 2017. But it’s finally started shipping in the US this week, starting at $429 with a pair of Windows VR controllers. That puts it in the upper echelon of Mixed Reality prices, which start at $300 RRP but also see regular price drops.
These headsets feature inside-out tracking, meaning you won’t need external sensors like you do with the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive for positional tracking.
The company’s headset may have the coolest design of any of the Windows devices, and it boasts a 3K resolution display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 95 degree field of view. That puts it on par with Samsung’s Odyssey headset, which is generally regarded as the best Mixed Reality has to offer thus far, though we can’t speak for how comfortable a fit it will be.
Mixed Reality headsets have been slowly but surely creeping into the VR market over the past few months, taking up a small percentage of the total VR usage in Steam’s optional monthly hardware survey. Will Asus’ new headset help to expand that market share?
