Microsoft may be changing its view of its range of Windows headsets into mixed reality, if models stocked on its own website are anything to go by. As stated by RoadtoVR, Microsoft has picked up most of the mixed reality headset ranges previously in its US store. The only remaining model is the Samsung HMD Odyssey+, while the Lenovo Reality and Asus Windows Mixed Reality headsets they are sold out. The UK site has only one HP model listed yet. Although Microsoft hasn't announced any official announcement to abandon any of these models, it seems that headsets are disappearing in other places as well. The HMD Odyssey is no longer available on Samsung's website, while several headsets on Amazon US appear to be about to run out of stock. RoadtoVR notes that there could be component shortages, causing manufacturing delays for the headset ranges, though it's quite possible that some models will simply be discontinued following poor sales results.
Mixed results
This decision comes several months after Microsoft decided to stop paying commissions for mixed reality headsets sold in its store, thereby removing a financial incentive for partner manufacturers such as Samsung, Dell, Asus, HP and Lenovo. . In addition, Microsoft has recently closed one of its mixed reality studios in Berlin (via Twitter), which seems to want to reduce its activities in the sector. At the time, Microsoft had sent an email saying, "With this reclassification, we will focus our investment activities on Surface and Xbox products rather than the following product categories." I'm not really surprised. The Mixed Reality range probably won't sell enough for Microsoft to continue investing in the technology. In a market dominated by the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift for VR headsets and Microsoft's Hololens AR headset getting an upgrade to the Hololens 2, mixed reality headsets may just get lost in the middle. With so many manufacturers competing for a still relatively narrow market, the removal of some players is probably inevitable. We'll keep you posted if Microsoft comments on the situation. Via RoadtoVR