Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Working On 3D Virtual Reality Devices

Updated on

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is expected to unveil DirectX 12 at the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC) this week in San Francisco, and a new report indicates that the software giant could come up with something in the ’3-D’ space as well. A report from the Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the matter say that the company has developed a 3-D virtual-reality device, and have filed at least one patent related to it.

Something for Microsoft Xbox users

The report says that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has been working on the project codenamed as “Fortaleza,” or “fortress” in Portuguese. Sources close to the matter reveal that the technology aims at creating a unique experience for users of Microsoft’s Xbox products.

At least one of the versions of the Microsoft’s technology is based on the concept of “augmented reality,” which according to the journal, “often superimposes animation on a display along with images of the real world.”  In comparison, devices like Oculus goggles show the images generated by the computer.

A crowded segment

From quite some time now, there have been talks that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is revamping its wearable technology unit. Also, there have been rumors that the unit is headed by Alex Kipman. In October, there were reports that the company was testing a Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Glass-like wearable device.

The 3-D segment already has many players, which would certainly make it tough for Microsoft. Japan’s Sony already offers a Personal 3-D Viewer headset, using which users can enjoy games and movies without a TV screen.  The device is priced at $1000. Recently, Sony revealed “Project Morpheus,” which is a virtual reality system paired with the PS4 allowing users to witness the experience of the virtual world in which they are playing. Also, there is Oculus Rift, which is a similar technology for PCs.

As of now, it is too early to predict the long term success of the 3D and/or virtual reality technology; however, it is surely a segment in which Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) should invest in.

Leave a Comment