GET READY FOR WINDOWS MIXED REALITY

Microsoft is betting big on its version of augmented reality, called Mixed Reality. Discover how to check if your system is ready

We’re still in the early stages of the “VR revolution”, with neither Oculus Rift nor HTC Vive gaining mainstream success, but the launch of cheaper Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headsets could be the boost we’ve been waiting for. WMR is effectively the augmentation of VR with front-facing cameras, allowing apps and games to blend digital and real-world visuals ( see p116).

The idea is that you can have displays or layers of information overlaid on real-world surfaces and objects, or play games that mix real-world environments – say, your dining table – with digital scenery and characters. Microsoft has promised that many of the games that currently support Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, including those sold through Valve’s Steam VR store, will support the headsets, giving you the best of both worlds. Windows Mixed Reality has two tiers of requirements; a base level that covers mobile and dual-core chips and only requires integrated Intel HD 620 graphics, and an Ultra level with far tougher demands. You’ll need Ultra to play many Steam VR games. That means most PCs you’ll buy today – including every PC in this test bar the HP Pavilion – support the base level of WMR. We ran each PC through Valve’s Steam VR Test tool, which gives a “quality” score to show what kind of visuals you can expect while maintaining the steady 90fps frame rate you need for nauseafree, comfortable VR.

Of the systems on test, five came through as fully VR Ready. Three – from Chillblast, Cyberpower and Wired2Fire – were listed as VR Capable, with the tool advising you upgrade the GTX 1050 Ti cards. If you’re even vaguely interested in VR or Windows Mixed Reality, choose a VR Ready system now.