Microsoft’s Windows Holographic Shell seems to be targeting middle-of-the-road computer builds, as recently unveiled system requirements reveal that many users will be able to experience its virtual reality interface without hardware upgrades.
The Windows Holographic Shell’s low barrier for entry will likely come as a surprise for VR enthusiasts accustomed to virtual reality’s typically high system requirements, opening up the interface to a variety of home computer setups and hardware configurations.
Revealed earlier this year, the Windows Holographic Shell is an immersive virtual reality interface that allows users to manage all aspects of the Windows 10 operating system using a head-mounted display such as the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive. In addition to giving users access to basic operating system functionality, the interface supports a variety of Universal Windows Platform apps available via the Windows Store.
Users who take the plunge with Windows Holographic Shell can manage multiple 2D and 3D apps simultaneously using a mixed-reality desktop interface. The platform also supports an optional handheld device that enables 6-degree freedom of movement for greater accuracy and enhanced multitasking.
According to a recent MSPoweruser report, Windows Holographic Shell testers can see whether they measure up to the platform’s minimum suggested requirements during setup. In order to function at a basic level, the Windows Holographic Shell requires a Windows 10 PC with 4GB of RAM, a 4-core CPU, and 1GB of hard disk storage.
Windows Holographic Shell additionally requires a DirectX 12 installation and USB 3.0 ports for VR headset integration. The interface also needs 1.5 -by-2 meters of open space within a user’s physical environment in order to accommodate multiple open windows and applications.
VR enthusiasts will note that the Windows Holographic Shell is surprisingly light in terms of hardware requirements, especially in comparison to the high-end tech needed for other VR interfaces and applications. While the Windows Holographic Shell will continue to run under certain conditions even if its minimum specs aren’t met, users will see a “you may experience issues” warning throughout, and performance will likely suffer as a result.
The Windows Holographic Shell will launch as part of Windows 10’s planned Creators Update in 2017.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.