Microsoft Steps Back from Augmented Reality: A Farewell to Mixed Reality?

Remember those cool sci-fi glasses Tony Stark sported in Iron Man? Well, for a while, it seemed like Microsoft was bringing similar augmented reality (AR) tech to the real world. Their HoloLens headsets promised to overlay digital information onto our physical surroundings, revolutionizing everything from gaming to healthcare.

But in 2023, Microsoft made a surprising move. They scaled back their AR ambitions, effectively putting their mixed reality (MR) business on hold. This left many wondering: what happened, and what does this mean for the future of AR?

This article will delve into the reasons behind Microsoft’s decision, exploring the challenges faced by AR technology and the company’s shifting priorities. We’ll also look at the remaining players in the field and what the future might hold for this fascinating technology.

Microsoft’s End to AR: Which other Products would be Affected?

The shutdown involves discontinuing the Mixed Reality Portal app along with Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR and Steam VR Beta. The exact date for these changes to take effect is unclear. The Deprecated Features page on Microsoft’s Learn website mentions that they will “be removed in a future release of Windows,” but no specific timeline is provided. The end of Windows Mixed Reality doesn’t come as a surprise, as Microsoft has been gradually reducing its focus on virtual reality (VR), as noted by TheVerge in their coverage.

Alex Kipman, who headed the HoloLens team, departed from the projects following allegations of misconduct. Additionally, earlier this year, Microsoft underwent layoffs affecting 10,000 employees, including many working on virtual reality products. The VR division of the company has been facing challenges for a considerable period.

Microsoft Ends AR not VR

Nevertheless, Microsoft is not completely abandoning virtual reality; instead, the company is shifting its focus to other projects. One such project is Microsoft Mesh, which was integrated into Microsoft Teams in May 2023. This enables users to engage with each other in a 3D space through personalized avatars. However, considering the unfavorable reception of Mesh, it wouldn’t be unexpected if it faces discontinuation in the future.

In recent times, certain applications from the Microsoft Office suite and Xbox Cloud Gaming have become accessible on Meta Quest headsets. However, as of now, only Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are available for download, while applications like Outlook are still not accessible. It’s important to note that Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently in beta, so users may encounter some performance issues.

Nevertheless, based on our experience, the app performs quite well. Enjoying an Xbox game on the headset in an immersive environment was a delightful experience. However, using the Quest handsets for certain titles can be challenging due to their limited buttons. To overcome this, we suggest connecting a controller for a smoother gaming experience.

Microsoft’s End for AR: How This Benefits Other Companies

Even though Microsoft played a key role in developing the concept of “mixed reality,” other companies are taking the lead with more conventional VR headsets like the Meta Quest Pro and HTC Vive Pro. These headsets incorporate pass-through vision capabilities, blending virtual reality with the real world. However, it’s Microsoft’s longstanding competitor, Apple, that is generating significant excitement with its upcoming Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. The Vision Pro is anticipated to make a substantial impact on the VR scene, featuring micro-OLED displays with 4K resolution output for each eye. Previous demonstrations have showcased the ability to play over 100 games or watch 3D movies on a floating screen.

Furthermore, there are indications that the Vision Pro may be released in just a couple of months.

Conclusion

The demise of Microsoft’s AR ambitions highlights the challenges facing the technology. However, while Microsoft steps back, other companies like Meta and Apple are charging ahead, promising advancements in both VR and mixed reality. The future of AR may lie not in headsets, but in integration with existing platforms like Teams. Only time will tell if AR can overcome its hurdles and revolutionize the way we interact with the world.