Back in January, Microsoft announced its augmented reality headset, the HoloLens, the reveal video showed off how the device could be used in the real world. It is a different technology to what we have seen with VR headsets. However, Microsoft hasn't ruled out making its own virtual reality headset, in addition to the HoloLens.
In an interview with Eurogamer, Xbox head, Phil Spencer said: “I don't think we've locked ourselves out of virtual reality”.
“We've looked at a mixed reality space that we could do with HoloLens and think about it as a unique set of features and technologies to enable, that doesn't preclude us from doing anything in the VR space either from a first-party or partnership perspective. I've used Morpheus, I've used Oculus, I'm going to see more of the demos here.”
Spencer then went on to add that he doesn't necessarily think anyone has figured out how VR is going to be marketed: “I don't think – and this isn't a shot at VR in any way – I don't think it's landed yet on what it is and how it's going to go to market, but the innovation work is amazing, and it's something the games industry has always done, whether it's AI or voice.”
With Microsoft’s HoloLens being an augmented reality product, it doesn’t really directly compete with VR headsets, like the Oculus Rift.
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KitGuru Says: Microsoft technically isn't competing in the virtual reality space just yet but it is good to see that the company is open to do so. It is probably waiting to see how current headsets perform in the market before coming out with its own product.