In the ever-evolving landscape of virtual reality, Microsoft is making a significant shift. As anticipation builds around Apple’s Vision Pro and the recent buzz from Meta Quest 3, Microsoft has decided to bid farewell to its VR and AR endeavors. Officially declared as deprecated, the Windows Mixed Reality platform will cease active development starting December 2023.
The Windows Mixed Reality journey began alongside the unveiling of the Microsoft HoloLens headset in 2015, showcasing its potential in a technical demo. Despite considerable investment and high expectations, the HoloLens never transitioned into a consumer release, finding limited success primarily in industrial applications, including a noteworthy contract with the US military. While the hardware demos impressed, the practical applications fell short of widespread adoption.
While the concept of a VR “metaverse” may not have materialized as envisioned by Microsoft and Meta, Windows Mixed Reality’s fusion of VR and AR might have been ahead of its time. Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro are now steering towards augmented reality, with full-color pass-through cameras and a commitment to continuous headset usage.
According to Microsoft’s support page, highlighted by Windows Central, the Mixed Reality Portal and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR will be phased out in future Windows releases. Although access to Windows Mixed Reality remains possible for the time being, the move signals a strategic shift in Microsoft’s focus within the ever-evolving landscape of immersive technologies.
