Microsoft renames Windows Holographic to Windows Mixed Reality due to ‘broader vision for the platform’

2 min. read

Published onMarch 1, 2017

published onMarch 1, 2017

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Microsoft’s approach to mixed reality has, up until now, been referred to as “Windows Holographic.” The name made sense as a descriptor of Microsoft’s approach towards holograms in their headsets, but it seems like the company had a different idea about how to move forward. Microsoft spoke at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) earlier today aboutAcer’s new “Windows Mixed Reality Dev Kit,”seemingly ditching the old “Windows Holographic” for some new terminology.

We reached out to Microsoft about the use of this new language to describe its mixed reality initiative, and we received this response from a Microsoft spokesperson:

Microsoft renamed “Windows Holographic” to “Windows Mixed Reality” to be more encompassing of the company’s broader vision for the platform. We’re unifying the mixed reality ecosystem around a platform that enables shared experiences and interoperability between headsets. By opening up the Windows Mixed Reality platform to the industry at large, we anticipate the growth of holographic apps will make for stronger experiences and better devices for everyone.

The change in name seems to exist solely because Microsoft thinks it allows for some broader use – which sounds about right. As Microsoft starts to open the floodgates for new headsets, now seems as good a time as any to make sure that all terminology is correct.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft renames Windows Holographic to Windows Mixed Reality due to ‘broader vision for the platform’#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft renames Windows Holographic to Windows Mixed Reality due to ‘broader vision for the platform’