Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset

Developer	Acer
Requires	PC
Operating System	Windows 10
Display	Dual LCD display
Resolution	2880 x 1440 (1440 x 1440 per eye)
Pixel Density	706 ppi
Refresh Rate	90Hz
Image
Field of View	95 Degree Horizontal
Optics
Optics	Fresnel lenses
Tracking	6DOF
Rotational Tracking	Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Magnetometer
Positional Tracking	Inside-out tracking
Latency	Low
Connectivity	HDMI, USB
Input	Keyboard/Mouse,Xbox One GamePad, Motion Controllers
Size	Width : 7.7"x 94.3" x 2.9"
Cable Length	4 m

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Introduction

The Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset is one of the first head-mounted displays (HMDs) developed in partnership with Microsoft for this company’s flagship operating system (OS). It is part of a new line of virtual reality (VR) headsets for the Windows 10 VR, and one of the first to have a prototype ready for testing. The VR headset takes advantage of the VR and augmented reality (AR) capabilities provided by the Windows 10 Creators Update.

Microsoft refers to this new range of headsets as mixed reality (MR), blurring the boundary between AR and VR. The mixed reality headset targets developers and VR/AR enthusiasts. It creates a virtual space where the user can interact with the OS by, for example, projecting Windows apps on the wall or in the middle of thin air.

Acer’s VR headset uses positioning technology from the HoloLens project, avoiding the necessity of external infrared illuminators. Indeed, one of the core reasons for Microsoft to introduce its mixed reality headsets is the complexity of setting up virtual reality hardware, which could deter its adoption for some users. Microsoft aims to simplify the setup process - Acer’s headset is designed to be simply plug-and-play - and deliver virtual experiences to users in an affordable manner.

There have been some issues with the early development kit; there were reports of ambient light affecting how the headset tracking works and causing the screen to black out. However, it is expected that these problems will be solved before its release to the general public.

The first batch of the headset is scheduled to release in August 2017, at $300, and targets developers. The commercial version is expected to be available at the end of the year.

Features

Moving away from infrared tracking positional tracking technology that involves wall hacking or placing trackers on a crowded desk, The Acer Mixed Reality headset is built upon the evolution of Hololens inside-out tracking technology.

With two front facing cameras that track head position and environment, the headset is able to achieve 6DoF positional tracking without any external trackers. This easy setup made the headset attractive to VR users who find it a burden setting up trackers.

Hardware

The Acer Mixed Reality Headset is considerably lighter than Rift and Vive and spots a simple sharp colored design. Unlike most headset with clear lens, the headset comes with an opaque lens where you can flip the visor up a clear view of your physical environment.

The headset also boasts two 2.89” HD LCD displays with 1440 x 1440 resolution per eye at 90Hz refresh rate and 95 degrees FOV. A single cable with HDMI 2.0 and USB3.0 connectors is all it takes to connect the headset to a high-performance PC. Rather than wand type controllers as in higher-end competitors, the mixed reality headset works with Xbox one controller.

Technical Specifications

Specifications

Two high-resolution liquid crystal displays at 1440 x 1440
2.89” diagonal display size (x2)
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
4.00m cable

System recommendations for app developers

Operating systems	Windows 10 – Creators Update (Developer Mode enabled)
Processor	Desktop: Intel Desktop i7 (6+ Core) OR AMD Ryzen 7 1700 (8-Core, 16 threads)
Graphics GPU	AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) equivalent or greater \| DX12 and WDDM 2.2 capable GPU
Graphics drivers	Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.2
Thermal design power	15W or greater
HMD connectors	HDMI 1.4 or Display Port 1.2 for 60 Hz HMDs HDMI 2.0 or Display Port 1.2 for 90 Hz HMDs 1x available graphics display port for HMD
Resolution	SVGA (800x600)
Bit depth	32 bits of color per pixel
RAM	16GB or greater
Storage	>10GB additional free space
USB	1x available USB port for HMD USB 3.0 Type-A Note: USB must supply a minimum of 900mA
Bluetooth	>Bluetooth 4.0 (for accessory connectivity)

Software

The Acer Windows 10 Mixed Reality Headset requires the Windows 10 Creator Update to function.

Apps

The Acer Windows 10 Mixed Reality Headset allows basically any apps on Windows 10 Creator Update to run.

Developer

Developers who are looking to work on the Acer Windows 10 Mixed Reality Headset could check out more resources at

https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/projects/campaigns/windows-mixed-reality

History

October 2016: Microsoft announced a partnership with Acer for the development of a mixed reality headset.
January 2017: Acer Mixed Reality Headset revealed to attendees at CES 2017.
August 2017: Developer Version release date.