Acer plugs into Microsoft's Mixed Reality platform
The initial wave of Windows Mixed Reality Headsets are here.
And the first one I'm getting to play with extensively is Acer's model called the Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset.
Think of this as a simplified version of a VR headset.
One that costs less, works on a wider range of computers and doesn't need you to set up tracking cameras or sensors.
that's because it uses front mounted cameras to keep track of where you are and where you're moving so you can interact with the virtual world and you don't crash into a wall.
The experience with the Acer headset which is $399 with a pair of hand held controllers isn't as slick an immersive feeling as an Oculus 6 or an HDC vive
[MUSIC]
But setting up the hardware, long a pain point for VR, was quick and easy.
I also liked that the visor part flips up, so you can take a quick reality break when needed.
The biggest problem is that there's not a lot to do in the Windows mixed reality universe right now, there's a bunch of 360 degree video players and a handful of games already available on other VR platforms like Space Pirate Trainer and really not much else There is a new Halo themed free app called Halo Recruit, but it's literally just shooting some flat targets.
It's hard to feel ripped off by a free app, but Halo Recruit somehow manages that.
What I did like was the Frank Lloyd Wright style cliff house that serves as the main menu.
In there you can also watch videos in a home theater room or play around with a bunch of 3D models.
Ever wanna take a 3-D model of a creepy animated mime and make him 20 feet tall?
Well, now you can.
Seriously.
That was really creepy.
There's one other elephant in the room.
When these Windows mixed reality headsets were first announced, $399 seemed like a great price Since the the Oculus Rift with its own hand held controllers has dropped its price to you guessed it 399.
And I can't see why anyone with a computer that could handle the extra graphics horsepower the rift needs wouldn't just get that instead.
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