Microsoft (MSFT.O) has officially announced the discontinuation of the “mixed reality” feature for Windows, marking a strategic shift away from certain augmented and virtual reality technologies. The decision, unveiled on Thursday, signals the end of an era that began with the introduction of the feature in a Windows 10 update back in 2017.
The mixed reality portal app, a key component of the now-shelved feature, allowed users to explore augmented and virtual reality technologies on their personal computers using compatible VR headsets. The technology, categorized by Microsoft as “mixed reality,” encompasses the combination of augmented reality, which overlays text, sounds, graphics, and video on real-world images, and virtual reality, which immerses users in computer-generated experiences within an artificial environment.
In an official statement, Microsoft declared, “Windows mixed reality is deprecated and will be removed in a future release of Windows.” This move suggests a strategic realignment of the company’s priorities, emphasizing a departure from certain aspects of mixed reality in favor of other emerging technologies.
This decision follows reports from Business Insider last year, which indicated that Microsoft had abandoned plans for HoloLens 3. This move raised speculation about the future of the augmented reality headset line. The discontinuation of the Windows mixed reality feature seems to align with a broader restructuring of Microsoft’s approach to immersive technologies.
While the precise motivations behind this decision remain undisclosed, industry observers speculate that Microsoft may be redirecting its focus toward other advancements in the technology landscape. The company has been a pioneer in developing and promoting mixed reality technologies, and this shift underscores the dynamic nature of the tech industry, where companies continuously adapt their strategies to align with evolving market demands and emerging innovations.
As Microsoft closes the chapter on its Windows mixed reality feature, the tech community eagerly awaits insights into the company’s next steps in the immersive technology space. Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and its history of groundbreaking developments make its future endeavors in this arena highly anticipated.
Source: Reuters.