Microsoft seemingly has big plans for VR, AR, and mixed reality. As part of this ongoing effort, the technology giant has introduced OpenXR to Windows Mixed Reality. The main purpose of introducing this new standard is to facilitate the porting of VR apps and games between different platforms. If successful, a far more versatile ecosystem will be created in the process.
Another big Step Forward by Microsoft
It is evident competition in the VR and AR industry will only work for so long. Instead of opposing other manufacturers and content creators, creating a cross-platform solution will yield far better results in the end. Microsoft confirms this is the right approach at this time. By adding OpenXR to its Windows Mixed Reality devices, the porting of VR offerings between platforms will become a lot more straightforward.
Unlocking the true potential of virtual reality will remain an ongoing challenge first and foremost. Despite a growing ecosystem, both the software platforms and hardware tend to make mass adoption virtually impossible. As some games and apps are exclusive to certain types of hardware, it is far better to create a more robust ecosystem all around. Removing the “dodgy workarounds” is also a good way to bring more legitimacy to the VR ecosystem as a whole.
For those unfamiliar with OpenXR, it is a royalty-free platform standard which lets developers create apps and games. However, these creations will work on any specific type of hardware, as well as ensuring they are cross-compatible. In the long run, this helps developers save a lot of time. They no longer need to rewrite apps and games for every individual platform. This is made possible thanks to OpenXR’s API and device layer.
Although Microsoft is enabling this solution, the OpenXR standard is a collaboration with Sony, Google, and others as well. One notably absent company is Apple, even though they too have an interest in VR and AR at this time. Whether or not the technology giant will join this initiative, remains to be determined at this time.
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