60°

Microsoft’s new game studios are Hololens developers

Recent rumours, website leaks, job listings and Linkedin profiles have given us some indication that Microsoft have some new unannounced game studios working hard in Redmond..

Read Full Story >>
steverulez.co.uk
christocolus4085d ago (Edited 4085d ago )

lol. its just a rumor though and going by the developer profiles in the article some of the studios might actually be working on xbox one games too. also the minecraft game demoed at the windows event seemed really impressive and im guessing one of these studios might be working with mohjang on that title.

AngelicIceDiamond4085d ago (Edited 4085d ago )

That's true.

I just think MS needs to stay focused on making core AAA before they delve right back into peripherals. MS needs new Ips, new AAA franchises at the moment.

MS just recovered from the ongoing failure of Kinect. Would be bad if they jump the gun again on yet another peripheral that might not just work.

Seeing how we really don't know much about Hololens.

4085d ago
GMR_PR4085d ago (Edited 4085d ago )

This is gonna be Kinect all over again, where MS abandon the hardcore for a casual Gimmick, so sad.

Immorals4085d ago

It's just been revealed, you've never used one and you're already hating on it. That's sad.

AngelicIceDiamond4085d ago

That's what I'm afraid of.

I'm not saying MS E3 this year or next yer will suddenly be about Hololens crazy but MS seems to be dead set on pushing this eventually.

So I wouldn't be surprised if their future E3's start focusing allot on Holoens.

If this was 2008 2009 I would be cheering tech like this. As I was for Kinect.

But we saw what happened with Kinect.

That's why I'm a bit uneasy. Phil's a smart guy he knows to stay on track and not jump the gun with another peripheral.

MasterCornholio4085d ago

Well I would hope not. We really don't need another Kinect of you know what I mean.

Pogmathoin4085d ago

Yes, gimmicks like PS move, Morpheous, Oculus.... And all other peripherals...... Even if Hololens was just immersing you in the game, while you still played with a real TV and controller, it would still be amazing.....

Torque_CS_Lewith4085d ago

So you are bitching that instead of making their core studios work on Hololens, they decided to create 3 new studios so as to not take focus away from core games?

Is that the gist of it here? It's bad that they are working on Hololens with studios that did not have any Xbox One games...Okay, got it.

krypt19834085d ago

No what is sad is unlike morpheus hololens will be used with applications and movies, gaming is only a small percentage of it unlike morpheus..
fanboys need to grow up

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4085d ago
Eejanaika4085d ago

Kinect and playstation move all over again.

AngelicIceDiamond4085d ago

Exactly. We don't need more Peripherals in our AAA's. Nobody can get them right at the moment.

SteamPowered4085d ago

As much as I would love this to flourish, I cant help but think of the cautionary tale that is the Kinect. Heres hoping Microsoft maintains its interest and develops some worthy games for this Unit.

Pandamobile4085d ago

Kinect was a dud. No one's denying that, but how can you relate Kinect to something like Holo Lens? They're worlds apart in terms of functionality and broad appeal.

Holo Lens has business applications, social applications, gaming applications, science applications, etc... Kinect is is just a depth-sensing camera and microphone array, so obviously it's going be pretty limited for gaming and stuff.

SteamPowered4085d ago

It could be the friggen Holo Deck and it wouldnt really mean jack if Microsoft doesnt support it. Thats my point.

I used the Kinect 1.0 religiously in Skyrim and Mass Effect 3, but I have yet to find a reason to use the Kinect 2.0. Its too bad. It was touted quite heavily on the X1 release and yet has been left by the wayside. Sad.

bananaboats4085d ago

Cant wait to see what they do with the HaloLens.

Stiffler4085d ago

Same here. I also can't wait to walk into a room with a few people wearing VR/AR headsets while staring at the roof/walls.

lol it's gonna be so funny and great.

ScorpiusX4085d ago

Sweet Bring it , Cash & Credit cards at the ready.

Show all comments (26)
450°

Microsoft has laid off entire teams behind Virtual, Mixed Reality, and HoloLens

Windowscentral writes: "HoloLens, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality are all but dead at Microsoft."

Read Full Story >>
windowscentral.com
crazyCoconuts1193d ago

Yeah last thing I'd want going to battle would be windows strapped to my head

Orchard1193d ago

Lol resupply breaks would become reformat breaks. Plus windows updates mid combat.

I also can’t imagine wearing a Hololens or any other headset for hours like that. Especially when you’re already carrying all the other equipment our soldiers carry today.

Philaroni1193d ago

I would suck to go in to war and get... a blue screen of death.... literally.

I want this to be the most down voted comment. Sorry for my dark sense of humor.

Orchard1193d ago

@Phil Sorry to disappoint but you’re getting an upvote from me :p

shinoff21831192d ago

Damn orchard, you almost had some form of virtual to praise to the high mountains about , least for the time being you can continue to down psvr2

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1192d ago
Knushwood Butt1193d ago (Edited 1193d ago )

'Headaches and nausea'

I get those symptoms using Microsoft Edge.

Good-Smurf1193d ago

Darn thing locked up my laptop a few times and threw a no signal bug at my external or internal screen when it tries to load certain websites.

Knushwood Butt1193d ago

It's so bloated and frustrating to use. Always spamming me with pop up dialogues and stuff.

I don't use my laptop much, but yesterday made the time to set Chrome as my default.

lonewolf101193d ago

It mentions that in the article, confused slightly as to whole divisions being laid off as The Verge article makes it seem that there is a 1.2 version of the headsets in testing and MSoft have received 165 Mill to carry on with them.

Christopher1193d ago

That's a different product, actually, not HoloLens. It is poorly written, but the 1.2 version they're going with is a different product they have also been testing.

1Victor1192d ago (Edited 1192d ago )

Well there you have it folks Microsoft officially buried its room temperature foliage on a form of VR😢.
The good news for the team they might get a job at Sony or meta for their vr departments

I feel sorry for the hardcore Xbox fans that was holding up the wish of something coming out of mixed reality/HoloLens.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1192d ago
Orchard1193d ago

Not super surprising given how poorly VR and AR and all the metaverse stuff have taken off really.

Also outside of the military, you barely see or hear anything about Hololens these days.

blackblades1193d ago

I remember them talking about hololens back in the day. Showing that Minecraft with it to maybe compete with VR and now it's dead like everything else.

Orchard1193d ago

Yep lol, also the thing was like $5000. I wouldn’t pay $500 nevermind $5000 to play Minecraft in VR/AR.

ApocalypseShadow1193d ago (Edited 1193d ago )

AR is growing. Already used in cellphones. VR is growing everywhere else. It's just taking longer to integrate it in a pair of glasses.

Microsoft tried to use Hololens at E3 against VR and failed with that little window nonsense. Then, they played like they weren't pushing it for gaming when they actually were displaying games like Minecraft in it. Then, sold the tech against employee wishes to the military and failed because it's nauseating and having lights on a battlefield will get you killed. I had night vision in the army and could tell when an enemy inhaled on a cigarette. You could pop them right there. It's a good science fiction idea. But nothing replaces real battlefield awareness with your own eyes and ears in training or real war.

You're saying it failed because Microsoft is failing with Hololens. They partnered with 7 or so PC manufacturers to put out Windows VR headsets. But just like on console, they made NO GAMES for their headsets and expected others to pick up the slack. All those headsets hit fire sales and were discontinued. Microsoft's fault again for no Halo VR, no Forza VR, etc.

They failed again by not making good with their promise of high fidelity VR on Xbox One. When they have 2 TRILLION worth. Billions to buy up publishers. But not release VR because they want gamers on subscriptions and are buying up franchises to get them on game pass. But Sony is going to DELIVER high fidelity VR that Microsoft isn't.

PSVR sold at profit DAY ONE. Sony made millions in revenue on games and accessories proving that money can be made in VR and grow the market and platform. There are developers like Beat Games or even an indie making gorilla tag, can make money in VR. Sony are releasing their second one with even more potential to make more money that proves Microsoft wrong again.

Saying VR or AR is failing as a whole is FALSE. Education, automotive and building construction, real estate sales, music entertainment, medicine for PTSD help or cancer patients wanting to see things other than hospital walls, job instruction for places like Walmart... And GAMING, means they are not failing. Only in your mind.

The growth is real. You're just trying to deny it because of Microsoft. This isn't 3D TV or Wii waggle or your daddy's Kinect. VR and AR is here to stay.

Orchard1193d ago

“This isn't 3D TV or Wii waggle or your daddy's Kinect.”

That awkward moment when the failed products you’re using to defend another product had far higher attach rate and sales than the one you’re trying to defend 👀💀

GamingSinceForever1193d ago

“Not super surprising given how poorly VR and AR and all the metaverse stuff have taken off really for Microsoft”

Thought I’d fix that for you.

Orchard1193d ago (Edited 1193d ago )

So where is the VR and metaverse success story? Quest 2?

Facebooks metaverse is dead too.

1193d ago Replies(1)
GamingSinceForever1193d ago

Sony seems to have gotten VR right. Wouldn’t you agree?

Meta Quest is doing fairly well too.

Now I agree that MS was right in letting it go because they weren’t having much success themselves.

Orchard1193d ago

No one has gotten it right yet, if by right you mean made it popular. The attach rate for PSVR is too low to call it that.

Quest is a little harder to judge since it's not attached to any device we can reasonably measure like PSVR is.

But until a good amount of gamers care, and/or it's considered mainstream, I would say VR hasn't landed.

As for MS, at the time it seemed like a risky bet, but in hindsight, they made the right decision if you look at where VR is today.

Bathyj1193d ago

So Orchard you wouldn't consider VR a success unless it has a high attach rate to a parent device?

Bollocks
I consider VR a success if it gives you a good experience, an experience to can't get in any other format, and a decent amount of people use it and are happy with it regardless of attach rates.

Porsche doesn't consider themselves a failure because Toyota sell 100 times more cars.

If there's demand for a product and it makes profit then it's a viable business so get over your hangups.

And as for Microsoft making the right decision sitting back and watching because it's risky, well all that proves is they are participants in this industry, not leaders. If they had done VR and it was half-decent I can't help but think you would have a totally different opinion about it.

Orchard1193d ago (Edited 1193d ago )

"So Orchard you wouldn't consider VR a success unless it has a high attach rate to a parent device?"

Correct. a 4% attach rate, for a gaming accessory on a parent device that is dedicated to gaming is unsuccessful. Kinect had a higher attach rate than that, and it was considered a failure too.

"Porsche doesn't consider themselves a failure because Toyota sell 100 times more cars."

Not comparable at all. Porsche being a premium, rare product that only the very rich can afford is part of their brand, meanwhile Toyota is the cheap, mainstream, 'most people can buy one of these' brand.

PlayStation products are more Toyota than Porsche.

"well all that proves is they are participants in this industry, not leaders."

Participating in VR isn't what defines you as a leader or participant in this industry. Nintendo are blowing the PS5 and XSX away, and they are not participating in VR. VR just isn't that popular or important 🤷

Crows901193d ago

@ Orchard
"Not comparable at all. Porsche being a premium, rare product that only the very rich can afford is part of their brand, meanwhile Toyota is the cheap, mainstream, 'most people can buy one of these' brand."

Well actually within the gaming space you actually nailed it. Xbox is the toyota and Playstation is the Porsche..since it is more expensive in other parts of the world.

"Correct. a 4% attach rate, for a gaming accessory on a parent device that is dedicated to gaming is unsuccessful. Kinect had a higher attach rate than that, and it was considered a failure too."

Except nobody actually wanted kinect. It was forced onto IP and consoles with the xbox one. PSVR on the other hand is an optional device. An optional device that sold to 5million players. That is a success for a typical game and also embodies the hardcore audience. Most Playstation exclusives are guaranteed 5 million in sales. The attach rate for a non essential and expensive device shouldnt be seen in the same light as say an actual game or cheap subscription service. If it was actually a failure im pretty sure Sony wouldnt be wasting money on it.

"Participating in VR isn't what defines you as a leader or participant in this industry. Nintendo are blowing the PS5 and XSX away, and they are not participating in VR. VR just isn't that popular or important"

Thats not how it works. Sony is a leader in the VR industry regardless of popularity. Who else is doing it? So yeah. Not to mention you have to look at the games...I know...its an issue for xbox fans to dwell on whether games are actually any good but PSVR has good titles and PSVR2 doesnt look to disappoint either.

Hofstaderman1193d ago

But I thought sales and attach rates do not matter to Microsoft @Orchard.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1193d ago
S2Killinit1193d ago (Edited 1193d ago )

VR is so much fun. One day MS will get their act together. Don't lose hope! Hope is all you have. Keep believing…

Orchard1193d ago

I'd much rather MS, Nintendo and Sony all invest in traditional games instead.

Just look at PS5 in 2023, we're getting a very small handful of traditional Sony games this year because instead they've invested in appeasing ~4% of PS customers.

S2Killinit1193d ago

Nah, Sony knows how to make exclusives. We are getting so much Im falling behind in my backlog. MS on the other hand cant seem to make a single proper exclusive. Promises yes, games, no. And now, seems no VR either! What are they thinking? But, dont lose hope, one day they will fix all of it.

shinoff21831192d ago

Orchy Sony can gives us traditional games and do some vr stuff. They gonna be alright. Vr is pretty dope if you'd actually try it or you can get your parents to get you one

GamingSinceForever1193d ago

Orchard you can be a real character at times. If Sony felt that PSVR didn’t meet or even exceed their expectations why would they move to release PSVR2? Sony is notorious for abandoning what they feel is a failure, but it looks like they are coming on even stronger with PSVR2.

crazyCoconuts1193d ago

I don't have data to prove this, but I feel like PSVR owners purchased more games and became more locked into the platform. Also more of the games were digital so no secondary market for used games. I suspect even though there weren't as many VR owners, they ended up spending a lot of money. I know I did

Orchard1193d ago

"If Sony felt that PSVR didn’t meet or even exceed their expectations why would they move to release PSVR2?"

Even Kinect had two iterations. Means nothing.

"Sony is notorious for abandoning what they feel is a failure"

I wouldn't say they are any more or less notorious than Microsoft and Nintendo. Google are the ones who are really notorious for killing things.

Godmars2901193d ago

The Metaverse is something the former Facebook is trying to force while having no idea how to best implement it. Trying to use the "tried and true" method of get people using it then get it working.

How long have customer driven markets vs market driven consumers been things?

frostypants1192d ago (Edited 1192d ago )

That is some serious cope. AR and VR are growing just fine. MS as a rule just sucks at innovation. Always has. They never see things through. Kinect was interesting but they ultimately botched that too.

Pocahontas1192d ago

No one buys this narrative give up man

EazyC1192d ago

I do think there has been a disappointing uptake on VR, but the reason is :

1: The upfront cost. You're literally doubling the price of the console.
2. Lack of first party support. Getting spin offs etc makes it feel like second fiddle.

I've just preordered PSVR2 for Gran Turismo 7 alone. THAT is what I want, a full blown game in VR. I don't think I'd have bothered otherwise. Until developers start making BR games from the ground up, I won't be that interested.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 1192d ago
Sonic18811193d ago (Edited 1193d ago )

I'm surprised that the Oculus Quest and PSVR didn't have these problems

1193d ago Replies(1)
EazyC1192d ago

Price alone will keep VR in the "super luxury" and "specialist" categories of gaming for a long time to come.

Abnor_Mal1193d ago

Halolens as some tried to call it, R.I.P.

S2Killinit1193d ago

Lol they are on the right path $:

Show all comments (67)
150°

Microsoft is bringing its Xbox Auto HDR feature to Windows

A new test version of Windows 10 also includes new File Explorer changes.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
XxINFERNUSxX1867d ago (Edited 1867d ago )

Most PC gamers right now do not have HDR monitors. "as long as you have a compatible HDR monitor" I'm using a 240hz Alienware 1080p GSYNC panel, (AW2518H) while I love it and love the high FPS in games, I'm not buying a new lcd just yet. So for now I just use reshade in all the games I play and enable "fake HDR" 😁 It's pretty good to, not real HDR but close enough for me. 👍

darthv721867d ago

If someone doesnt have an HDR PC monitor, can't they use a HDR supported tv? Most PC cards support HDMI out so I would think that could be one option. It might not have the uber high refresh but I'm sure it could work.

XxINFERNUSxX1867d ago (Edited 1867d ago )

Yeah the HDR TV will work over HDMI. I'm using displayport myself but if your just using that connection you can just use a displayport to hdmi adapter since displayport carries audio just like HDMI.

XbladeTeddy1866d ago

"Most PC gamers right now do not have HDR monitors."

Your point? Nothing wrong with Microsoft impementing this. Once you do get a HDR monitor in the future I'm sure you'll be moaning if Microsoft didn't have any support for it on Windows. They're not going to postpone it because XxINFERNUSxX doesn't have the right monitor yet.

CaptainHenry9161867d ago (Edited 1867d ago )

This is great news. I'm about to invest in a new HDMI 2.1 and Display port 2.0 monitor this year I'm looking at you Asus PG32UQ . Perfect timing 👌

1867d ago
Wrex3691867d ago

This is such a cool feature honestly.

Fluke_Skywalker1866d ago

This is good news I hate having to enable HDR manually everytime I play an HDR enabled game. Some games already turn it on automatically but they are very few and far between (Destiny 2 is actually the only one I know of 😅).

80°

Steam vs DS4Windows – Which is best for DualSense On the PC

Now that I've had some time to play with the PS5 DualSense on PC with Steam and DS4Windows, it's time to decide which is best for PC gaming.

Read Full Story >>
theouterhaven.net
Teflon021971d ago

My issue is that on steam you can modify on a game by game bases as some nave native support and DS4Windows you'd have to turn on and off and the issue with what I'm saying. If it has native support and you use the Steam API or DS4W it'll give you Xbox control prompts so it's more convenient to just run the steam API. Generally games outside of steam make sure to have support unless old. I have both and will only use DS4W if I absolutely have to. It's good but the game by game bases on steam is so much more ideal. Example Games with DS4 native support will allow trackpad support like Ni no Kuni using the track pad. But with DS or Steam activated it puts the trackpad to the share button. So the manual ability to disable it anytime that game starts makes it where that game operates correctly every time

1971d ago
XxINFERNUSxX1971d ago (Edited 1971d ago )

I just use my 360 controller for 3rd person games, like GTA. All FPS games keyboard/mouse. No need for me to spend 70$ on a controller. Plus I like it to just work without any drivers just plug & play like the 360 controller.