Acer’s WMR headset has come a long way, but is limited for now by a sparse ecosystem

id=“cnetReview“ section=“rvwBody“ data-component=“indepthReview“> Editors‘ note: Acer’s Mixed Reality headset relies on Microsoft’s Mixed Reality ecosystem, which launched October 17 as part of the Fall Creator’s Update for Windows 10. That ecosystem is too new and unpopulated to fully judge, so this preliminary review will be updated with a final rating at a future date. 

Throughout this year, I’ve had several opportunities to try out early versions of Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform. The headsets, from Dell, Acer, HP and others were all largely similar, built around a Microsoft-provided list of specs. Those experiences didn’t leave a particularly positive impression on me. The software was lacking, the interaction limited, and the actual tracking of the headset, and therefore the view from inside it, could be stuttery and jumpy.

Now that the final retail versions of several of these Windows Mixed Reality headsets are shipping (everyone just calls it WMR for 우리카지노 short), I’m pleasantly surprised to say that it’s far better than it was just a few months ago. Performance has greatly improved since those earlier demo sessions, and setting up the hardware — long a pain point for VR headsets — is quick and easy. But for now, the overall Windows Mixed Reality experience still leaves me with mixed emotions. 

View full gallery Sarah Tew/CNET The first unit across the line is Acer’s Windows Mixed Reality headset, which runs $399 for a headset and a pair of handheld controllers. It’s £399 in the UK and not for sale in Australia yet (but the Microsoft Store in Australia is selling the similar Dell and HP models for AU$799). That’s about the same as the other WMR headsets, give or take $50. You can also save $100 by buying just the headset without the controllers, but that seems pointless.

Besides being one of the least expensive, the Acer headset appeals to me because it allows you to easily flip the eyepiece up on a hinge, while keeping the device mounted on your head. That makes it much easier to quickly check the room around you, talk to someone, or just make sure you’re not about to run into a wall (there’s also a user-set boundary that shows up in the headset when you approach the edge of your space).