Microsoft Might Be Resurrecting Its Mixed Reality Business

Microsoft might be gearing up to make a significant comeback in the mixed reality space. According to a recent report from Korean outlet The Elec, the tech giant has allegedly struck a deal with Samsung for OLED panels, which could power a new line of mixed reality headsets. If the rumors are true, we might see these devices hit the market around 2026, marking a significant shift in Microsoft’s mixed reality strategy.

A New Chapter in Mixed Reality

The report suggests that the partnership between Microsoft and Samsung is still in its very early stages, with mass production of the headsets not expected to start until 2026. A source indicated that the order could be for “hundreds of thousands” of units, pointing to a substantial investment in this new venture. However, unlike previous mixed reality endeavors, this new device appears to be focused more on delivering an immersive experience for flatscreen gaming and video content rather than diving into the much-hyped metaverse.

This focus on entertainment rather than a broader AR/VR experience could indicate that Microsoft is taking a different approach, possibly inspired by the direction Apple has taken with its Vision Pro headset. The Vision Pro aims to serve as a large floating flat screen, offering users a new way to consume media rather than acting as a fully immersive augmented or virtual reality device.

Learning from Past Ventures

Microsoft’s history with mixed reality is complex. The company first ventured into this space with its HoloLens AR headset and the Windows Mixed Reality line of VR headsets. While HoloLens garnered significant attention for its advanced augmented reality capabilities, it struggled to find a widespread consumer market. Similarly, Windows Mixed Reality, despite initial excitement, failed to gain substantial traction and was eventually discontinued in 2023.

The decision to focus the rumored new headset on entertainment might reflect lessons learned from these earlier projects. By narrowing the scope to gaming and video content, Microsoft could be aiming to capture a more specific, and potentially more lucrative, audience.

The Samsung Connection

Samsung’s role in this potential project is particularly interesting. The company announced in 2023 that it would partner with Google and Qualcomm on a new mixed reality headset, which has been rumored to make its debut later this year. Samsung’s involvement in Microsoft’s new venture could indicate a deepening relationship between the two tech giants, combining their strengths to compete in the burgeoning mixed reality market.

Samsung’s expertise in OLED technology could provide a significant advantage in creating a visually stunning device, while Microsoft’s software capabilities could help deliver a seamless and engaging user experience. If this partnership does indeed come to fruition, it could result in a powerful competitor in the mixed reality space.

A Competitive Landscape

The potential revival of Microsoft’s mixed reality ambitions comes at a time when the market is heating up with several big players. Apple’s Vision Pro has already set the stage for what many believe will be the future of mixed reality, while Meta continues to push its Quest line of VR headsets. Google, despite a rocky history with AR/VR, remains in the conversation thanks to its partnership with Samsung.

However, as Road to VR notes, the mixed reality market remains uncertain. While the technology has advanced rapidly, the consumer demand for these devices is still unclear. Apple’s Vision Pro, for example, is positioned as a high-end device, but how many people actually want a floating flat screen rather than a more immersive AR/VR experience? Microsoft and Samsung will need to carefully consider these questions as they develop their new headset.

The Road Ahead

If the reports are accurate, we still have a few years to wait before we see the results of this Microsoft-Samsung collaboration. In the meantime, the mixed reality market will likely continue to evolve, with new devices and applications emerging from other tech giants.

Microsoft’s rumored return to the space could inject new energy into the competition, especially if the company can leverage its partnership with Samsung to deliver a truly compelling product. As the mixed reality landscape continues to take shape, it will be fascinating to see how these developments unfold.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for the latest updates on this story and other key developments in the world of technology.