IFA 2017 | The Lenovo Explorer is a new mixed reality headset for Windows

Lenovo is joining Acer, HP, and Dell in the Windows mixed reality headset market. The Lenovo Explorer can be used for productivity, playing mixed reality games from the Windows Store, and when paired with a Lenovo PC it can access over 100 VR 'upscaled' games via the Lenovo Entertainment Hub.

Lenovo advertises that it can be used with existing Windows Applications on your computer (UWP apps only) and will work with VR content on websites. The headset allows users to roam around an area of up to 3.5 m2 (11.5 square feet). Lenovo has developed a set of motion controllers that can be paired with the headset, but if users want to save money they can use an existing Xbox Controller.

For those interested in productivity, Lenovo summarises the Explorer with the following imagery; "The keyboard and mouse makes the Lenovo Explorer the ultimate productivity life hack for your laptop. Anyone who’s ever put on headphones to block out distractions in an open plan office or noisy home can now choose to also be transported to a virtual space at a Microsoft Mixed Reality “cliff house” next to the sea, where you can actually get some serious writing done, do online research or finish up on that PowerPoint without outside diversions. And when you’re done, flip on a movie or show at the virtual Escape & Play theatre—even while you’re still at work. Finally, the Lenovo Explorer supports voice commands through Cortana."

For 60 Hz 'mainstream mode' the minimum specifications only require an HD 620 to power the two 1440x1440 displays, likely only in basic app usage. The 90 Hz 'performance mode' needs a GTX 965m/RX 460m or higher, and games are likely to fall into this category.

The Lenovo Explorer is available from October and starts at US$449 with motion controllers, or US$349 without the controllers.

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