First Windows Holographic-compatible VR headset shown at CES 2017

Back at Microsoft’s October event where the company introduced Windows 10’s Creators Update as well as the gaming-ready Surface Studio and Surface Book with Performance Base, one thing managed to make its way into the keynote from the gaming-focused part of the world: virtual reality. While Microsoft’s HoloLens is decidedly about creating an augmented reality, or even mixed reality, virtual reality was something that companies like HTC and Oculus had been handling for a while. During the feature showcase in October, Windows Holographic, the AR/VR/MR operating sub-system within Windows 10’s upcoming Creators Update, was introduced to the public and Microsoft said that partners like Asus, HP, and Lenovo would be making and selling virtual reality headsets to take advantage of what Windows Holographic allows, and that theoretically involves VR gaming.
Today at CES, The Verge got a hands-on with Lenovo’s headset prototype, and it’s rather interesting. The Verge specifically points out the prototype was nonfunctional, but the hardware is worth a look. First is the actual design. The headset resembles the PlayStation VR headset, with a single around-head band over the temples, above the ears. The most striking aspect of the exterior are a pair of sensing cameras, a choice Lenovo made to negate the need for elsewhere-mounted tracking points like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift require for controller tracking.
That’s the next part: input. As of now, Lenovo has no plans to make controllers for their headset, but other companies will fill the controller niche, as Windows Holographic has specific standards for controllers. The two most important aspects for gamers considering Windows Holographic’s viability are specs and price, and Lenovo was able to provide those, sort of.  When asked, Lenovo explained that the headset uses two 1440-by-1440 pixel OLED displays, one for each eye, and the simple fact that they feature OLED technology means that colors will be vibrant and shadows will be nice and dark. Lastly is price, which is always interesting during CES-time. With no price officially set, Lenovo hopes to price the headset “closer to $300” in a range of $300 to $400.
Windows Holographic will let a user run any Windows 10-based app in a theater-like experience, so gamers can theoretically have a huge virtual display to themselves, even in a small closet-space office. As more comes out of CES, we’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Source and image credit: The Verge