Samsung announces HMD Odyssey Headset powered by Microsoft's Mixed Reality platform

Samsung and Microsoft shared the platform for the launch of a new Mixed Reality Headset the HMD Odyssey. The device works with Windows Mixed Reality Platform developed by Microsoft.

The headset boasts dual 3.5-inch AMOLED displays that offer a field of view of 110 degrees. It also has builtin AKG headphones and Samsung claims that it offers 360 degrees spatial sound. Samsung also claims that the AMOLED displays on the device produce vibrant colors and darker black wavelengths for lively images. HMD Odyssey has been priced at $499 (approx. Rs. 32,500). Samsung unveiled the headset at an event held in San Francisco.

The headset comes with a couple of motion controllers that allow users to control entities in the virtual realm. The headset itself comes with an adjustable control wheel that allows users to fit the primary headset unit comfortably around their head.

The Mixed Reality platform from Microsoft is an amalgamation of Augmented reality and Virtual Reality wherein users can interact with the virtual world along with experiencing it. Although, currently Mixed Reality platform is nothing more than a virtual reality platform. However, Microsoft hopes to change it soon which is why it has joined hands with several big players that manufacture and develop PCs and laptops. These include Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Samsung is most certainly trying to create a viable market for its 360 degrees VR and Mixed reality technologies by regularly updating and developing the hardware. While VR headset adoption rate is still quite slow Samsung wants to offer the best and latest of the technology when users actually start getting the hang of it.

The pre-booking for the device will start today.