Alexander Lewis 
Dec 22, 2023
Microsoft is going to say goodbye to the Mixed Reality feature for Windows that has long served as a means for some hardware devices and software to tap into augmented and virtual reality technologies.
As per the company, the reason for the feature being called “Mixed Reality” is that it merges both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), Reuters reported.
With its Windows Mixed Reality, the company had promised a vision where people could dive into a universe of games, apps, and other AR and VR experiences.
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The feature was initially launched in 2017 for Windows 10 update, enabling users to access the immersive expanse of reality blend in their computers with the help of any compatible VR headset.
While it continues to immerse the users in an artificial world by creating computer-generated experiences, the feature is practically found in overlapping text, sounds, graphics and video on real-world images that users see in front of them.
Citing a report from Business Insider, Reuters reported that the company devised plans for HoloLens 3, in a move that could spell the end of the augmented reality headset line in that form.
"Windows mixed reality is deprecated and will be removed in a future release of Windows," Microsoft said.
This withdrawal includes the Mixed Reality Portal app, Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR, and Steam VR Beta.
The future of AR and VR at Microsoft
Microsoft is not abandoning the arena of AR and VR entirely, as it continues to support HoloLens 2 for business-related purposes by offering a free upgrade to Windows 11 and other updates.
The upcoming Microsoft Mesh app reinforces its commitment to AR and VR, enabling virtual meetings without a headset.
On top of all that, Microsoft has partnered with Meta on a mission to let Quest users use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Xbox Cloud Gaming in VR.
