Microsoft might be resurrecting its mixed reality business

Microsoft has reportedly entered into a partnership with Samsung to develop OLED panels for a new line of mixed reality headsets. According to Korean news outlet The Elec, the collaboration is still in its early stages, with mass production expected to begin in 2026. The order is said to be for “hundreds of thousands” of units, focusing on flat-screen gaming and video content rather than immersive metaverse experiences.

This rumored device seems poised to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro, which also emphasizes a large floating screen rather than complex AR/VR functionalities. Microsoft, which has previously explored mixed reality with its HoloLens AR headset and Windows Mixed Reality VR headsets, downsized its HoloLens team and discontinued Windows Mixed Reality last year.

In addition, Samsung has announced a collaboration with Google and Qualcomm for a new headset, expected later this year. Microsoft has been expanding its app offerings for the Meta Quest headset in recent years. The growing competition in the mixed reality space could lead to exciting developments, provided these new headsets reach the market.

Source - https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/9/24216727/microsoft-samsung-mixed-reality-display-partnership-rumor