Windows Mixed Reality is coming to an end. Microsoft has added the platform, along with its companion Mixed Reality Portal app and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR, to a list of deprecated Windows features.
Microsoft first introduced Windows Mixed Reality in 2017 as part of its effort to compete with other companies that were dealing with virtual reality products .
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Windows Mixed Reality served as a portal for games, apps, and other experiences in the VR space. In addition to Microsoft HoloLens, other companies, including Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, HP, and Samsung, made mixed reality headsets compatible with Microsoft's platform. However, the HoloLens 2 doesn't seem to be affected by the end of the platform for now, as Microsoft added a free Windows 11 upgrade and several other improvements to the headset earlier this year.
Microsoft is gradually scaling back its VR division. HoloLens boss Alex Kipman left last year amid sexual harassment , and the company later laid off 10,000 employees, many of whom were working on Microsoft's mixed reality projects.
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However, despite its decision to end support for Windows Mixed Reality, Microsoft is not abandoning the virtual reality space. Instead, the company plans to invest more in developing new technologies and products that will allow users to enrich their experience in the digital world.
For example, it's working on the Microsoft Mesh app that will soon allow colleagues to meet in a virtual space without a headset. It's also started allowing Quest users to access Office apps and the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform through a partnership with Meta.
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Finally, Microsoft plans to further integrate mixed reality into its existing products, such as Microsoft Teams and Office 365, to allow users to conduct more interactive and enriched meetings and collaborate more effectively.
Source: www.theverge.com
