Xbox VR Headset Could Debut at E3 2015
Xbox owners could soon be engaging in Halo firefights and high-speed Forza races in virtual reality. According to the latest reports out of Taiwan, Microsoft is expected to launch an immersive VR gaming headset for Xbox One in 2015.
Citing sources from Microsoft's supply chain, Digitimes reports Microsoft may showcase the product at E3 2015 in June, and mass produce the device sometime over the next year. While we're not sure how accurate this report is, the numerous patents that Microsoft have filed for heads-up displays add weight to the rumor.
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Even if the rumors are true, Microsoft won't be the first gaming giant to launch its own virtual reality headset. Rival Sony already unveiled its Project Morpheus goggles for the PlayStation 4 back in March, though there's currently no word on a consumer release. Samsung recently launched its Gear VR device, which connects to the Galaxy Note 4 phablet to provide immersive 3D experiences.
Microsoft will also have to contend with the Facebook-owned Oculus Rift, the most well-known virtual reality goggles in the gaming space. Currently available for developers, the Rift works with select games on Windows, Mac and Linux computers, and may gain Android support in the future.
An Xbox One-based VR headset would play nice with Microsoft's Kinect 2.0 motion-and-sound-detecting camera, though the company's Kinect support has waned ever since it became unbundled from the Xbox One earlier this year. Microsoft's virtual reality strategy should be clearer come June, so stay tuned for any official news.
Staff writer Cherlynn Low is a feather-weight gamer. Follow her @cherlynnlow. Follow Tom's Guide at @tomsguide and on Facebook.
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