Acer will ship Mixed Reality developer kit for Windows 10 this month

The first thing users might notice about Acer's headset is the bright blue coloring on the front. (Source: Tech News Inc)

Microsoft and Acer are ready to begin preparations to let partners build apps for the Windows Mixed Reality headset. First order of business is distributing software development kits to various developers.

Isaac Brown, 03/05/2017

Acer and Microsoft announced at Game Developers Conference 2017 in San Francisco on Friday that the first Windows Mixed Reality developer kit is ready to be shipped. This mixed reality (MR) headset includes the hardware and software development kit that will allow partners to develop and test MR applications on Windows 10 devices.

Whereas virtual reality headsets require powerful dedicated GPUs to function properly, Acer says that their MR headset does not have such demanding minimum specs. On the contrary, this headset is designed to work on entry-level notebook or desktops.

Acer’s headset resembles the PlayStation VR headset with a headband that supports on your forehead and wraps around to the back, in contrast with the ski mask style used by the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. On the front of the headset, one can also see two cameras that allow for the blend of AR and VR that allow the user to bring real world objects in virtual space and virtual objects in real space.

To make MR applications more popular, Microsoft is planning to release Windows 10 Creator Update sometime this year. The company is in the process of developing similar MR headsets with the world’s top PC vendors, aiming to release MR headsets with prices starting at $299.