Microsoft's new Mixed Reality dev kits from Acer and HP are now available for pre-order through the Microsoft Store for developers in the US and Canada, and Microsoft unveiled hardware requirements and prices.
The Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset Developer Edition is priced at $299 and the HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset Developer Edition is priced at $329. The headsets use inside-out tracking so you don't need to set up external cameras or IR emitters to oprerate as you move with six degrees of freedom (6DoF) in mixed reality. Developers will be ready to code new mixed reality experiences out of box with a headset and a Windows 10 Creator's Update PC that meets Microsoft's recommended hardware specifications for developers.
Acer and HP built new mixed reality headsets with different industrial designs. Developers can choose the lightweight headset from Acer or the modern and industrial look of the HP headset with a common set of display and audio features across both headsets:
Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset Developer Edition
- Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
- Front hinged display
- 95 degree horizontal field of view
- Display refresh rate up to 90 Hz (native)
- Built-in audio out and microphone support through 3.5mm jack
- Single cable with HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity
- Inside-out tracking
- 4.0 meter cable
HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset Developer Edition
- Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
- Front hinged display
- 95 degrees horizontal field of view
- Display refresh rate up to 90 Hz (native)
- Built-in audio out and microphone support through 3.5mm jack
- Single cable with HDMI 2.0 (display) and USB 3.0 (data) for connectivity
- Inside-out tracking
- 4.0m/0.6m removable cable
- Double-padded headband and easy adjustment knob for all day comfort
The Windows Dev Center includes documentation and tools for developers.
System Recommendations for App Developers
- Processor: Desktop: Intel Desktop Core i7 (6+ Core) OR AMD Ryzen 7 1700 (8 Core, 16 threads)
- GPU
- Desktop: NVIDIA GTX 980/1060, AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) equivalent or greater DX12 and WDDM 2.2 capable GPU
- Drivers: Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.2
- Thermal Design Power: 15W or greater
- Display
- Headset connectors: 1x available graphics display port for headset (HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 60Hz headsets, HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 90Hz headsets)
- Resolution: SVGA (800x600) or greater
- Bit depth: 32 bits of color per pixel
- Memory: 16 GB of RAM or greater
- Storage: >10 GB additional free space
- Connectivity
- 1x available USB port for headset (USB 3.0 Type-A). USB must supply a minimum of 900mA.
- Bluetooth 4.0 (for accessory connectivity)