Microsoft is bringing Windows Holographic Shell to all Windows 10 PCs next year

Arif Bacchus

Microsoft HoloLens

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it would open up Windows Holographic so OEMs could build for lower price points and create devices with bigger fields of view. Today the folks over at VentureBeat have learned that Microsoft is furthering its HoloLens plan and is bringing a Windows Holographic Shell to all Windows 10 PCs next year.

Update: Microsoft has published a Terry Myerson blog post detailing the news, along with this showcase video:

The Windows Holographic Shell is one of the parts of a combined mixed reality effort by both Microsoft and Intel, and will apparently be released later next year.  Intel’s own Project Alloy virtual reality headset, meanwhile, is due to work with the Shell and will be released in December of 2016 at Microsoft’s WinHec event in China.

Similar to Microsoft’s own Hololens, Project Alloy uses completely wireless technology, and is an all in one device with all cameras, sensors, and input controls built in.  Project Alloy also relies on hand-tracking as input, and utilizes a 1080p camera and infrared cameras and lasers.