In a move that has left many virtual reality enthusiasts shaking their heads, Microsoft has officially pulled the plug on Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) in the latest update for Windows 11, dubbed the 24H2 update. While the 2024 update brings a host of intriguing new features, it also signifies the end of a platform that once promised to meld our realities with engaging digital experiences.
But as of this month, with the deployment of the Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft has deprecated the WMR function. This effectively means that devices previously compatible with WMR will no longer operate, and a slew of SteamVR apps will also fall to this digital sword. For those still clinging to their mixed reality devices, Microsoft has indicated that they can continue to function until November 2026—as long as users refrain from installing the new update. Alternatively, WMR is still operational on Windows 10.
Despite the innovation inherent in Windows Mixed Reality, consumer uptake remained lackluster. Although Microsoft put out high-profile devices like the HP Reverb G2 in collaboration with Valve, market enthusiasm never quite matched expectations. In contrast, competitors such as Meta (formerly Oculus) and Sony made significant inroads in the virtual reality arena, enjoying sufficient consumer interest even amid high price points.
As Windows 11 continues to evolve, users may have to reconcile the loss of WMR with an increasingly AI-centric future. The abandonment of Windows Mixed Reality exemplifies a larger trend where tech giants must navigate the delicate interplay of innovation, consumer demand, and market viability.
For those who have ridden the mixed-reality wave or even thought about diving in, this shift might feel like a turning point in the trajectory of XR technology. As Microsoft moves on to other promising technologies, one can only hope that the industry will rally to bring forth new, compelling experiences—perhaps with a touch more success.
So, fellow users: What are your thoughts on the demise of Windows Mixed Reality? Were you a fan, or has it always felt more like a missed opportunity? Join the discussion below!
Source: PCWorld Windows 11’s 2024 update finally kills this once-promising feature
What Happened to Windows Mixed Reality?
Windows Mixed Reality made its debut back in 2017, aiming to carve out a niche in the burgeoning mixed reality landscape—a space that straddles the line between virtual reality and augmented reality. The concept was revolutionary; it sought to meld the digital realm with our physical world, allowing users to interact with virtual objects placed in their immediate environment through compatible headsets like the Microsoft HoloLens.But as of this month, with the deployment of the Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft has deprecated the WMR function. This effectively means that devices previously compatible with WMR will no longer operate, and a slew of SteamVR apps will also fall to this digital sword. For those still clinging to their mixed reality devices, Microsoft has indicated that they can continue to function until November 2026—as long as users refrain from installing the new update. Alternatively, WMR is still operational on Windows 10.
Why Did Microsoft Abandon This Feature?
Background of Mixed Reality
The seeds of Microsoft’s foray into the mixed reality domain were sown in 2015 with the introduction of the Windows Holographic XR platform. Over the years, the acronym XR—standing for extended reality—has encapsulated everything from virtual reality (VR) to augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). The notion was that mixed reality would allow users to see virtual objects anchored within the physical world rather than being plunged into a completely digital universe.Despite the innovation inherent in Windows Mixed Reality, consumer uptake remained lackluster. Although Microsoft put out high-profile devices like the HP Reverb G2 in collaboration with Valve, market enthusiasm never quite matched expectations. In contrast, competitors such as Meta (formerly Oculus) and Sony made significant inroads in the virtual reality arena, enjoying sufficient consumer interest even amid high price points.
The Broader Industry Landscape
What’s fascinating—and perhaps troubling—is that this trend isn’t unique to Microsoft. Broader industry players have faced similar challenges in driving interest toward innovative XR offerings. Despite its high-profile launch, even the Apple Vision Pro has struggled to generate buzz, while Google’s Project Iris has been recently shelved. Collectively, these growing pains highlight that consumers may not be ready to embrace virtual and augmented realities, primarily due to a lack of compelling content and transformative gaming experiences.Looking Toward the Future
In light of all this, it’s not surprising that Microsoft has decided to pivot away from extended reality, focusing instead on more promising ventures, such as its AI-driven Copilot+ PCs, which aim to leverage technology in more traditional computing contexts. This indicates a shift in priorities for a company that has historically been at the forefront of technological advancements.As Windows 11 continues to evolve, users may have to reconcile the loss of WMR with an increasingly AI-centric future. The abandonment of Windows Mixed Reality exemplifies a larger trend where tech giants must navigate the delicate interplay of innovation, consumer demand, and market viability.
For those who have ridden the mixed-reality wave or even thought about diving in, this shift might feel like a turning point in the trajectory of XR technology. As Microsoft moves on to other promising technologies, one can only hope that the industry will rally to bring forth new, compelling experiences—perhaps with a touch more success.
So, fellow users: What are your thoughts on the demise of Windows Mixed Reality? Were you a fan, or has it always felt more like a missed opportunity? Join the discussion below!
Source: PCWorld Windows 11’s 2024 update finally kills this once-promising feature