Microsoft has already told us to expect Windows 10-ready Virtual Reality headsets with prices as low as $299 in the coming year. Now we know what kind of PC you’ll need to have if you want to use those headsets.

The minimum specs suggest you won’t need to spend a lot of money on a new PC if you want to use one of those headsets. But that doesn’t mean that your old PC will necessarily be compatible.

In addition to Microsoft’s HoloLens, you’ll be able to use headsets from 3Glasses, Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Microsoft says developers will be able to get their hands on those headsets starting in February, and the company says, among other things, they’ll each support:

  • Over 20,000 universal Windows apps from the Windows Store
  • 360 degree videos in the Movies & TV app
  • Holographic videos
  • WebVR content in the Microsoft Edge web browser

So, about those PC specs. Initially you’ll probably need a machine with discrete graphics. Microsoft says for example, systems like the Surface Book and Razer Blade laptops will be able to support virtual reality/mixed reality applications.

But by the 2017 holiday season, Microsoft says systems with integrated graphics will be supported. So here’s what you’ll need at that time:

  • Intel Core i5 Kaby Lake dual-core or faster processor
  • Intel HD 620 graphics or faster
  • At least 8GB of dual-channel RAM
  • HDMI 1.4 with support for 2880 x 1440/60 fps video, or HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.3 for 2880 x 1440/90 Hz
  • At least 100GB of storage
  • Bluetooth 4.0

There’s also support for using USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C ports with DisplayPort Alternate Mode.

via The Verge and Microsoft

Support Liliputing

Liliputing's primary sources of revenue are advertising and affiliate links (if you click the "Shop" button at the top of the page and buy something on Amazon, for example, we'll get a small commission).

But there are several ways you can support the site directly even if you're using an ad blocker* and hate online shopping.

Contribute to our Patreon campaign

or...

Contribute via PayPal

* If you are using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin and seeing a pop-up message at the bottom of the screen, we have a guide that may help you disable it.

Subscribe to Liliputing via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 9,547 other subscribers