The virtual reality landscape is currently experiencing a lull, with the Meta Quest 3 making a modest impact, and all eyes eagerly anticipating the outcome of Apple’s grand foray into the virtual realm with its pricey Vision Pro headset. However, amid this cautious anticipation, Microsoft has decided not to throw in the towel just yet on its ventures into virtual and augmented reality. As of December 2023, the Windows Mixed Reality platform is officially being deprecated, signifying a halt in active development.
The genesis of Windows Mixed Reality dates back to 2015 when it made its debut alongside the ambitious Microsoft HoloLens headset in a technical demo. The following year saw the release of the augmented reality hardware to developers, with full software integration into Windows 10’s Fall Creators Update occurring in 2017. Despite Microsoft’s high expectations and substantial investments, the HoloLens never made it to the consumer market and garnered limited interest from industrial customers, apart from a noteworthy contract with the US military. Although demonstrations of the hardware and similar headsets based on its design showcased impressive capabilities, the practical applications remained wanting.
While the concept of the VR “metaverse” seems to have fallen short, at least as envisioned by Microsoft and Meta, the amalgamation of virtual and augmented reality in Windows Mixed Reality might have been ahead of its time. The Meta Quest 3 emphasizes augmented reality, featuring full-color pass-through cameras to seamlessly integrate play sessions with the real world. Likewise, the Apple Vision Pro, committed to users wearing the headset continuously, goes to the extent of simulating their eyes on an external screen.
According to information from Microsoft’s support page, as reported by Windows Central, the Mixed Reality Portal and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR are slated for removal in upcoming Windows releases. For those still interested in accessing Windows Mixed Reality, the door remains open, at least for the time being.