Back in 2010 Microsoft released a neat little peripheral called the Kinect and it wasn’t a hit. Then three years later Microsoft doubled down on the Kinect with the Xbox One and got the same response from consumers. We are now three years out from that, in the year of VR, and Microsoft wants to sit back and see how everything plays out. It’s easy to draw a connection between Microsoft’s decision, the Kinect’s failure and the uncertain future of VR, but is it the only reason.
During the Xbox Summer Showcase 2016 GameInformer had the chance to talk to Spencer about the future of Xbox One and VR, who had this to say.
We’re not really focused right now on adding a VR device to Xbox One, we’re really more focused on the open ecosystem of Windows.
In a separate GameInformer article, Spencer stated that Microsoft would instead focus on unifying Windows and Xbox One with their UWP (Universal Windows Program) and UWAs (Universal Windows Apps) to give users a better experience on the Xbox One. However that doesn’t mean that Microsoft isn’t keeping a close eye on VR.
We see Oculus and HTC and Valve and other people doing great work on Windows and we’re supportive of that. We want all of these devices to run incredibly well. We’re watching how VR evolves. We’re participating – we have Minecraft and other things that we’re working on in the VR space and with HoloLens as well. Specifically on Xbox One, we’re not really focused on bringing a device to that platform.
Microsoft already has a deal with Oculus and is currently working on it’s AR device HoloLens, so the company has left the door open for potential integration with Xbox One, but will it pay off or will Microsoft be left playing catch up?