To Plant A Flag Or Not
Not much about the design of Microsoft’s Xbox VR headset is known. Those privy to early briefs said the device wasn’t particularly designed to break new ground. Instead, an Xbox VR headset was discussed as being more of a competitor to Sony’s PlayStation VR, whose screen quality and visuals are considered good, but not the best in the industry. The Oculus Rift, HTC Vive Pro and Samsung Odyssey offer the best-quality images among the widely available headsets, according to CNET’s reviewers.
Sony’s PlayStation VR has sold 3 million units since launching in October of 2016.
Microsoft’s approach stands in contrast to the marketing for the Xbox One X, an upgraded Xbox released in 2017 that was touted as the most technically powerful video game console on the market. Some of the people in discussions with Microsoft wondered why it would sell such a powerful console and then plug in a relatively so-so headset to go with it.
But there’s another and potentially more pressing question Microsoft would have to answer if it released an Xbox VR device: “Do Xbox gamers really want VR?” said Brian Blau, an analyst at Gartner who used to work in the VR industry. Gamers, he noted, tend to be vocal about what they want to buy from companies, and he hasn’t noticed many people clamoring for an Xbox headset.
“I haven’t seen the gamer community rally around VR like they have other things,” he added.
In the meantime, it appears Xbox fans will have to wait.
Is Oculus Compatible With Xbox
Yes. Oculus is compatible with Xbox. Out of all the VR headsets available in the market today, Oculus is the most compatible with Xbox consoles. The headset comes equipped with an Xbox One controller and it features an Xbox wireless adaptor tailored for Windows.
Some Oculus Rift versions come with a 9-foot USB cable instead of a wireless adaptor.
Oculus VR headsets come with so many features that promise an incredible VR experience.
They consist of inside-out tracking with up to 5 cameras placed on a single headset. With this feature, you do not require external tracking sensors.
Oculus headsets also have the biggest resolutions for maximum clarity when playing your favorite Xbox games.
Six Degrees Of Freedom Input Device
Alongside the virtual mat, a patent was also filed for 6Dof input device hardware. 6 degrees of freedom refers to movement in full 3D space. The patent calls for an input device with sensors configured to sense motion, data and communications to a central console. It sounds a lot like what a VR headset and controllers do today.
The patent talks about some components in the hardware that aid in performing 6DoF measure:
- inertial measurement unit
- magnetometer
Again, these are all components that exist in todays VR hardware.
The patent also lists the ability to sense gestural input, which sounds a lot like hand tracking. It describes the gesture sensor as being capacitive resistive, optical, acoustic, and/or any other suitable sensing technology.
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Xbox Series X Vr: Microsoft Working With Valve And Hp To Develop Next Gen Vr Headset
Could the Xbox Series X offer virtual reality?
As the PS5 vs Xbox Series X console war is heating up, one of the few advantages that Sony’s next-generation console has over its competition is its VR functionality. But could the Xbox Series X offer VR?
Previously, virtual reality has not been a priority for Microsoft, but considering how ahead of Sony’s new console they are, could they be looking to add the final nail to the coffin of the PS5?
HP has teased a next-generation headset with some very hefty claims attached.
Although no details are available at this time, HP has revealed they are collaborating with Valve and Microsoft to deliver this next headset.
Of course, Valve has only just released its brand new VR game Half-Life: Alyx, a game which has been built from the ground up for virtual reality and has had incredible reviews.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is hard at work getting ready to deliver their next-generation console the Xbox Series X.
According to HP, this headset is a “more immersive, comfortable, and compatible experience than the previous generation,” along with setting a “new standard in VR.”
Could The Xbox Series X Play Vr
If this was a simple matter of having the ability, Xbox and Microsoft would have been able to launch a VR headset with the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. The answer is yes, the Series X is going to be the most capable VR gaming console on the market by next year. With that being said, we know that the PS5 is going to have virtual reality support, so the hardware and software is going to be perfect for that. But if Xbox wanted to support virtual reality, they would, by far, have the most impressive hardware capable of virtual reality. But will they?
Virtual reality is demanding on any hardware system, regardless of the power. With that being said, we are confident that if Microsoft wanted to run virtual reality with Series X, they could do it without offloading any external computing. This would make it incredibly easy to run any VR system, which is a perfect transition into our next topic of discussion.
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Xbox Head Unveils His Plans For Vr Moving Forward
It appears as though Xbox is playing the long game.
Compared to competing gaming platforms, Xbox is way behind the curve in terms of VR. Headsets such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift have made PC the go-to platform for a majority of AAA VR developers. Meanwhile, Sony is effectively dominating the console VR space with the Playstation VR. Even Nintendo has gotten in on the action via Nintendo Labo VR.
Microsofts Xbox, on the other hand, has remained continuously skeptical of VR technology and its place within modern entertainment. Based on a recent interview with Xbox head Phil Spencer, it sounds as though this attitude is unlikely to change any time soon.
The latest upcoming addition to the Xbox hardware lineup.
Earlier today, gaming-themed podcast Gamertag Radio released the 1,000th episode of their long-running show during which Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, appeared as a special guest in honor of the occasion. During the interview, Spencer expressed his excitement regarding the newest piece of Xbox hardware, the Xbox Series X, including his relief after seeing fans respond so positively to its surprise reveal.
In addition to the Xbox Series X, Spencer provides additional insight into the companies plans regarding VR. Spoiler alert: its not looking good:
The OG Oculus Rift came packaged w/ an Xbox One Bluetooth controller.
For more insight on the future of Xbox, check out the full conversation here.
Image Credit: Microsoft Xbox
Xbox Is Staying Out Of The Vr Hardware Space Says Spencer
I applaud what Sonys doing, I applaud what Oculus is doing, what Valve has done
Chris Scullion
Xbox boss Phil Spencer has reiterated that Xbox has no interest in developing virtual reality hardware.
During a discussion as part of the Wall Street Journals WSJ Tech Live event , Spencer was asked by a viewer whether Xbox was content to leave VR as a differentiator between it and PlayStation, and whether there were risks to doing do.
Spencer replied by stating that while he admired the work going on in the immersive technology sphere, theres still no interest in making a VR headset for Xbox, and software remains its focus.
I think that when we think about immersion, we think about mixed reality, virtual reality, Ill even take it to metaverse, which seems to be the buzzword of the day now, Spencer replied.
Were big believers in that software platform and the devices that will enable that. Absolutely. were focused a lot more on the software side of that right now. When I think about immersive worlds and I think about the connection of a player and community, thats something thats very high on our investment list.
I think the devices that are out there now, we stay connected with a lot of the players that are out there. people building hardware, a lot of that happens on Windows and we experiment and talk to a lot of the partners that are there.
Further reading
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Phil Spencer Speaks About An Xbox Vr Headset Experience
Recently, Phil Spencer was part of a Wall Street Journals WSJ Tech Live event.
During this conversation, Spencer was approached by a viewer who asked about Xboxs approach in regards to VR.
This viewer asked in detail if Xbox was content with VR being a differentiator between it and PlayStation.
Spencer, yet again, stated that Xboxs vision still does not include a VR headset at this moment.
He went on to express how much he admires the work that companies like Valve, Sony PlayStation, and Oculus are doing.
Although, he stressed that Microsoft is currently focused on the software side of things and not on VR hardware.
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This is not the first time Spencer has mentioned that the immediate future of Xbox does not include a VR headset.
Some time ago, before the Xbox Series X | S consoles were available, Spencer pronounced a similar stance about VR.
In 2020 during an interview with Gamertag Radios Podcast, Spencer stated Microsoft was not planning any VR support for its upcoming consoles.
Of course, there were some rumors that Microsoft could have changed its mind.
Can You Connect A Vr Headset To An Xbox One Or Xbox Series X
Yes. While theyre not officially supported by Microsoft, theres still a way that you can use a VR headset with your Xbox One or Xbox Series X. Although, you should note that it doesnt work as it normally should.
As Microsoft doesnt support VR headsets, you wont actually get the 360-degree experience. Instead of being in an immersive world that VR offers, you essentially can just use it as an additional screen.
You shouldnt necessarily buy one in hopes that itll give you the VR experience on your Xbox. However, if you already have one, you can connect it.
Using any of the most popular VR headsets, , you can. Its just a case of having the right equipment and software to do so.
Youll need:
- An HDMI cable
- The Xbox streaming app
To be able to use any VR headset with your Xbox One or Xbox Series X, itll need to be compatible with the Xbox streaming app.
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Xbox Praises Playstation Vr Oculus And Valve But Has No Plans For Its Own Vr System
Spencer said he thinks Microsoft is making a “good bet” by focusing on software instead of hardware when it comes to VR.
Microsoft believes the metaverse is coming, and that mixed reality and virtual reality will play a part in getting there, but the Xbox company isn’t preparing to get involved in making VR hardware like competitor Sony does with PlayStation VR or Oculus or Valve. Microsoft is instead focused on producing software.
Speaking at a WSJ Tech Live event this week, as reported by VGC, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said Microsoft believes new levels of immersion in experiences can be achieved through things like mixed reality, virtual reality, or even the metaverse. But Microsoft doesn’t plan to make any hardware or devices itself, instead opting to focus on the software.
“We’re focused a lot more on the software side of that right now. When I think about immersive worlds and I think about the connection of a player and community, that’s something that’s very high on our investment list,” Spencer said.
Spencer said he applauds Sony, Oculus, and Valve for what these companies have been able to achieve in the VR space.
In the end, Spencer said he thinks Microsoft is making a “good bet” by focusing on software instead of hardware when it comes to VR.
In a thread on Twitter, NPD analyst Mat Piscatella said he thinks Spencer has made an astute observation about VR. He added that the revenue from VR games spending so far has amounted to a “rounding error of rounding error.”
What Vr Headsets Work With Xbox One In 2022
Many people are wondering what VR headset works with Xbox One? The answer to this question will come in many different ways. For starters, it is important to understand that there are not just any old headsets out there that work with the new generation of consoles. For one thing, the form factor is very different between the old and the new headsets. Secondly, the technologies used to create these headsets are quite different as well.
There are many different types of VR headsets for Xbox One out there, but only a few of them are truly advantageous. In fact, most of them are not really even worth using for gaming. They look nice but honestly, they do not deliver any substantial advantages.
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Will Xbox Project Scarlett Ever Have Vr Support Recent Interview Suggests Not
ByHenry St Legerlast updated 27 November 2019
Phil Spencer suggests VR isn’t coming anytime soon
Hopes for VR compatibility through the next-gen Xbox Project Scarlett may have been dashed, after Xbox boss Phil Spencer talked down the importance of virtual reality to today’s gamers.
In an interview with Stevivor, Spencer stated that the console wasn’t created specifically with VR in mind, and that players weren’t looking for that kind of experience through the Xbox platform: “Were responding to what our customers are asking for and nobodys asking for VR.
“The vast majority of our customers know if they want a VR experience, theres places to go get those,” he added, citing PC VR rigs as a prominent example.
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VR hasn’t exploded in the way that some forecasters initially thought, with issues such as high pricing, motion sickness, and the limitations of a young medium preventing widescale adoption of VR hardware. Spencer himself cites this as an obstacle for Xbox, saying that “nobody’s selling millions and millions” of VR headsets.
That said, the competing PlayStation platform has seen success with its PSVR headset, which acts as an add-on for the PS4 console for playing VR games, and we know the PS5 is going to see similar compatibility with VR.
Htc Vive Pro Virtual Reality System
The HTC Vive Pro is another incredible VR headset for Xbox gamers. Its ergonomic design has been created for absolute comfort and the best gaming experience possible. Itll mold to your head shape and adjust as you desire.
One of the best things about this VR headset is that it supports wireless connectivity. Therefore, you can easily play your games, without any hassle of cables, and means you can move around a lot more freely.
If you do decide for whatever reason that you want to use the wired connectivity, dont worry you can also do that too! Whichever way you decide to connect, the HTC Vive Pro VR headset is incredibly convenient. Take it wherever you want and enjoy it!
So, what are the pros of this VR headset? Well, it supports most gaming consoles, including the Xbox One and Xbox Series X, it offers an extremely high resolution in comparison to some other VR headsets, its super comfortable to wear, and you can easily adjust the features as required.
The major con of this VR headset? It essentially requires you to have a gaming PC, which not all gamers will have.
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Here’s What Happened To Microsoft’s Xbox Vr Gaming Headset
The company came close to announcing a VR headset, but it’s been put on ice. Heres why.
Two months ago, Microsoft said it didn’t have specific plans to create an Xbox VR headset. What it didn’t say is that it had been working on a device, but put existing VR plans on hold until better technology comes along.
Microsoft courted partners over the past couple years to create games for a virtual reality headset designed to work with the Xbox video game console, according to people familiar with the matter. While the physical designs of the device weren’t widely known, the screen quality specifications were considered good — but not as good as those for rival Oculus Rift or HTC’s Vive headsets, the people said.
Earlier this year, however, Microsoft started telling partners it was putting its Xbox headset plans on hold. Two people familiar with Microsoft’s thinking said the company decided to wait until promising new tech like wireless headsets were more feasible. Today, high-end headsets like Sony’s $299 PlayStation VR, Facebook’s $399 Oculus Rift and and HTC’s $499 Vive rely on long and bulky wires plugged into their respective devices in order to work. Wireless adapters meanwhile, add about $300 in cost.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said he believes VR will change the way we use computers.
Oculus Others And Xbox
Phil Spencer is set on the fact that no one is asking for VR from Xbox, but that is the following mentality. No one was asking for Disney to make their own subscription service, but they did and the digital world is eating it up. Not many people are begging Xbox to make their own hardware, so the company could use that to their advantage. We dont have the official specs of the Series X just yet, but if they have e the compatible ports in the back of the machine, this could be a home for any virtual reality headset.
More and more laptops and PCs are becoming VR ready, and the Xbox Series X will join that list next year. Xbox doesnt need to create their own hardware, they just need to be a home for other headsets and other VR operating systems. The easiest way to do this is to allow the newest Xbox to turn into a PC temporarily, making a home for whatever VR setup you choose to run.
This would be a much cheaper and easier alternative to creating their own VR hardware, but it would ultimately take away from their sales potential at the end of the day. If this idea was successful, you would see a new home for VR devices that is likely to be cheaper than the entire VR PC hardware setup. Pairing the Xbox hardware with the inside-out tracking of the Rift S, you could see an easy to access VR setup that would make its way to new homes all across the globe.
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