It feels like every few days for the past month or so we’ve been covering a new Windows ‘Mixed Reality’ VR headset from a different manufacturer that gets new details, new apps, or a price/release date. As a result, today is no different. Lenovo announced that its newly dubbed “Lenovo Explorer” headset will cost $349 and is expected to be available across the globe “in coming weeks” according to a company blog post.
The Lenovo Explorer joins the Acer, HP, Asus, and Dell in a growing portfolio of VR headsets running on the Windows VR platform that we’ve known about but haven’t seen many details on. The Lenovo device comes in at the exact same $349 price tag as the Dell, while the HP is $20 cheaper at $329 and the Acer is poised to be the cheapest with the lowest price of $299. The lack of headstrap padding and less precise tightening mechanisms both contribute to the lower cost. We’re still waiting to find out the US price of the Asus, but it’s set at 449 euro for now.
In terms of specs the Lenovo Explorer is expected to be identical to all of the other Windows VR devices with inside-out tracking cameras and no need for external sensors. You can read more about the system requirements here. Optionally, just like the other headsets, you can also purchase a pair of Windows VR motion controllers for $99 or in a bundle with the Lenovo Explorer for $449. The controllers connect via bluetooth and grant you hand presence inside the virtual space.
Once the Windows VR platform is fully launched there should be plenty of stuff for users to do. In addition to big VR titles like Superhot, Arizona Sunshine, and Rec Room all making their way over to the Windows Store, these headsets will also support Steam and are expected to receive their very own Halo VR game as well sometime soon. In fact, Lenovo is stating that “more than 100 VR-ready titles” are in the line-up. Although we expect that at least some of these “more than 100 VR-ready titles” could just be non-VR games upscaled to VR using Lenovo’s Entertainment Hub.
On a mostly unrelated note, Lenovo also detailed today its upcoming collaborative project with Disney: the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges AR platform. It’s releasing this November for $199 and includes the new Lenovo Mirage AR headset, lightsaber controller, a stationary tracking beacon, and a suite of apps that let you duel Sith lords and command forces on the battlefield.
What do you think of the Lenovo Explorer and Windows VR as a whole? Let us know down in the comments below!
