If you've updated to the latest version of Windows 10, you may have seen references to Windows Mixed Reality floating around. This name sounds confusing -- is it virtual reality, augmented reality, or something else?
The answer is a bit of a mix. Microsoft calls this experience Mixed Reality because it's a hybrid of several technologies. A fully immersive game falls under virtual reality, while another that uses your real surroundings (like in a business environment) is augmented reality.
But it all comes through Windows 10 and can work on various hardware types.
Several manufacturers will soon release Mixed Reality headsets, starting around $350. When wearing a headset, you can access everything on your PC that you normally would, but you use an Xbox One or new touch controller to control it.
Essentially, Mixed Reality provides another screen for you to access your PC with, as well as support for virtual and augmented reality. It's a component of Windows that scales to all kinds of uses, from work environments to plain fun.
You can find out whether your PC is ready for Mixed Reality with a quick test. Download and open the Windows Mixed Reality PC Check app from the Windows Store. Click I agree once it's ready, and the app will perform a quick check to see if your PC can support this feature.
Here, you'll see what's preventing your PC from running Mixed Reality, if anything. A red X means the component will not work at all, while a warning exclamation point signifies this device hasn't been confirmed to work yet. Click Learn more about compatibility for more information. Note that Mixed Reality requires the Fall Creator's Update, so don't worry if you see an X next to Operating system. That update will roll out soon.
Want to try VR now? Find out how to get into virtual reality for under $30.
Is your PC ready for Mixed Reality? Do any of its possible uses sound interesting to you? Share what you think in the comments!
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