Microsoft says $299 VR headsets are on the way

One final tidbit from Microsoft's Windows 10 event. The software giant talked a lot about Windows 10's virtual reality and holographic capabilities, and hinted that much cheaper VR headsets are going to hit the market in 2017.

Microsoft said firms like HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer and ASUS will launch VR/AR headsets that contain built-in sensors to enable inside-out, six-degrees of freedom without the need for external sensors.

The more affordable VR headsets will hit the market in 2017 with prices starting at $299.

Mixed reality blends the virtual world with the real world to change the way people create, communicate, learn and play across virtual reality, augmented reality and everything in between. To demonstrate the possibilities of mixed reality, the company showed a proof of concept together with Houzz — a leader in home renovation and design. Using the Microsoft Edge browser on HoloLens, Houzz users could preview products in their own home before they buy. Microsoft Edge was the first browser to bring inking to the web, and will be the first browser to fully embrace 3-D.

The Creators Update will be the most powerful and affordable way to experience mixed reality. Microsoft announced that HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer and ASUS will ship the first VR headsets capable of mixed reality through the Creators Update. Coming in 2017, these accessories will contain built-in sensors to enable inside-out, six-degrees of freedom for simplified setup and to more easily move around your home as you experience virtual worlds —no markers required.

Less powerful VR accessories today start at over $500 ERP USD. With the Windows 10 Creators Update, the new VR accessories will work with affordable laptops and PCs and start at just $299 ERP USD.