When most technology giants are either focusing on augmented reality or virtual reality, Microsoft has been aggressively pushing to further its ‘mixed reality’ ambitions. Topping up their enthusiasm for the technology, the Redmond giant has today announced a surprising new feature that’s making its way to every Windows 10 user this fall.
This new feature is called ‘View Mixed Reality’ and as the name suggests, it amalgamates the two aforementioned technologies to project virtual objects in the real world. Earlier, you required Microsoft’s slightly bulky HoloLens to experience AR by viewing virtual objects placed straight in front of the eyes. But, this was the past as similar features are now being ported to Windows 10 itself.
Soon, your real world will be littered with virtual objects and you’d be clicking away picture to share on social media platforms. Microsoft wants to make mixed reality a widely accepted concept by integrating the ability to view 3D objects in the real world by using just your smartphone, laptop or tablet camera running Windows 10. It’s just that the Windows 10 device should include an RGB camera, which means a simple webcam or rear/front camera.
As shown in the demo on stage, the View Mixed Reality feature enabled the moderators to introduce a life-sized sketch of the Mars Curiosity Rover through the rear camera on a Surface tablet. These 3D objects were created in Paint 3D, added to Windows 10 with the Creators Update which set up a base for the upcoming AR/VR simplification. This provides students an opportunity to create 3D objects and them place them in the real world, giving them access to endless possibilities.
This feature is even supported by the simplified version of Windows 10 operating system, which was introduced today at Microsoft’s education-themed event, is not being left behind in the race to make mixed reality and 3D drawings easily acceptable — instead of going all wide-eyed each time we witness something related to it.
Called Windows 10 S, the simpler version is probably as powerful as the original Windows 10 due to the fact that it supports most 3D, VR and AR capabilities. So, the $189 laptop will also enable you to interact with mixed reality without dropping heavy bucks on just another Holographic headsets. This feature is coming to Windows 10 for free.
