Acer - Mixed Reality Headset and Controllers for Compatible Windows PCs

I'll begin by saying that I had already returned this headset due to not being satisfied enough with it. It's not an awful headset, but I can't say that I can recommend it, at least for VR enthusiasts. I would describe this as a cheap (when it's on sale) headset for beginners that are new to VR. Setting up the headset was very simple; the headset only requires an HDMI port and a USB 3.0, and since the headset had built-in sensors for inside-out tracking, there's no need to set up external sensors. Once plugged in, all I needed to do was to install the Mixed Reality Portal (and the plugin for SteamVR), connect the controllers, set my room dimensions, and I was ready to dive into virtual reality. At most, the process took maybe 30 minutes to an hour. The headset itself has enough accommodating space for my glasses without bending the arms, straining the frame, or scratch the lenses. Because of the inside-out tracking, it's easy to set the headset up for seated usage, like if you had wanted to watch a movie in a virtual theater or for gaming, sit in the cockpit of a Sidewinder in Elite: Dangerous. To put it simply, easy to set-up, less cable management, and a causal-friendly virtual reality experience. Now, I did mention that I returned the headset due to unsatisfactory. One of the problems that I had with the headset was the cable length. According to Acer, the cable length is 4 m (or around 13 feet). For reference, the HTC Vive cable length is 5 m (or around 16 feet) as well as the Link Box to the PC which is an additional 1 m (around 3 feet). I only stand about 5 or 6 feet away from the computer, but if one is looking to play in a room-scale environment, you'll have to purchase cable extensions. Unfortunately, I can't say whether cable extensions will work with the headset. My biggest problem with the headset is the inside-out tracking. The headset has an integrated pair of tracking sensors on the front, so to keep the tracking steady, you would need to keep the controllers in front of the headset at all times. Otherwise, when not in sight, the controllers lose tracking and stay at their last known position. However, if you move the controllers back into view, you'll regain control. These Windows Mixed Reality headsets use predictive tracking algorithms to map the controllers' locations depending on the angle of the controllers in relative to the headset - for example, if you reach behind your head, the headset will program the trajectory of the controllers and recognize what path the controllers are going, like if you were going to reach for a weapon holstered on your back. Though, it's not perfect and may not detect the proper inputs. I play H3VR on occasion and when I attempt to throw something, I have to keep sight of the controller at all times to throw it. Otherwise, it'll lose tracking and stay floating until the headset detects the controllers. In addition to the controllers, the controllers are designed in a way that they use bright white lights integrated on the outer ring to which the headset uses for tracking. These lights consume so much battery that my controllers started dying within a week of usage; I noticed that they'll sometimes power off on their own. These are non-rechargeable controllers. They're powered by two AA batteries per controller, so a total of four AA batteries. To compare, the Oculus Touch controllers each have a single AA battery, and the HTC Vive wand controllers are rechargeable via micro-USB. The Oculus Touch and HTV Vive controllers have little to no external lighting that would consume battery life. If you're considering this headset, I'd recommend getting rechargeable batteries. Also, these controllers require Bluetooth to connect; the 'connect' functionality of the controllers are represented by a very small button after opening the battery compartment. If your PC's motherboard doesn't come with Bluetooth capability, you'll also need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter dongle. It really depends when asking the question of: "Which VR headset should I buy?" If you're looking for a headset that's not to difficult to set up, something that you can take with you if you have a powerful laptop, and friendly enough for curious friends and family, that is, if you're willing to invest in extension cables for a room-scale experience, rechargeable batteries, and a Bluetooth dongle, I'd wait for a discount. If you're looking for a more refined experience, I'd look towards the new headsets from Oculus.

I am not a VR aficionado. I do like the concept of VR. I bought this over Labor Day on sale. For the regular price, better off buying Oculus Rift. I bought this because of curiosity and sale price and the inside out tracking. I do not have room to set up the little tracking towers the Vive or Rift require. I have a PSVR and I do enjoy that experience. Wanted to try a PC based experience, though my understanding is Windows Mixed Reality is not as good as Vive or Rift. Sale price was deciding factor as mentioned above with no external tracking. Setup was easy and Windows configured everything when I plugged in headset. I did need to buy a separate USB Bluetooth dongle for my PC first but I knew this going in. Everything just worked. My intention was to see how this worked with SteamVR. It does work though it seems clunky. I think the issue is that the Windows Cliffhouse is always there. Think it has to be there and that some sort of middleware does the translation between SteamVR to Windows Cliffhouse. In a sense it tricks Steam into thinking this is a Vive. Controller mappings in games and hotkeys do take time to figure out. And sometimes it can be hard to figure out cause on screen motion controllers look like Vive controllers no WMR controllers. Headset and controllers are comfortable. Getting a gaming audio chat headset that fits over it is a challenge. I wear bifocals so I have a hard time with visuals. Not sure if bottom or lower part of my glasses lens is best for viewing. I may be able to get cheap reading glasses from thrift shop and be okay. My son says no issues for him visually. He does not need glasses. These do supposedly work with eyeglasses as does PSVR but they do not go into specifics like stigmatism and bifocals. The right hand motion controller had a defect in its thumbstick that made its range of motion not fluid. A manufacturing defect. It worked function wise but it had a hitch to it each time it was pushed upward. I had to call Acer tech support. The tier 1 tech wanted to go through a trouble shooting script. I just needed an RMA. I had a hard time understanding him and I suspect he couldn't grasp that my product worked but just had a defect. I think he was in an offshore call center. I will leave it at that. The tier 2 tech he transferred me to spoke perfect English and knew exactly what I wanted which was a cross shipping RMA. I had replacement controller in 2 business days. I suspect the tier 2 tech was in a domestic call center. For what I paid, I am pleased. But only at the price point I entered at. My son enjoys the unit. My eye glasses issue frustrates me. At full retail price though, better served by the Oculus Rift.

If you have been curious about trying VR but don't want to go whole hog out of the gate, this is a solid setup that will give you a taste of what's possible. VR is not for everyone and this was great with which to dip my toes in. Pros: - No extra cameras required (uses front facing cameras on the headset itself to track) - Easy to set-up - Bear quality set for the price Cons: - had to send mine to the manufacturer 3 months in due to the set failing to connect over and over...they replaced it, but super annoying - build quality feels cheap even if the effect and functionality is great

I've received this with a laptop bundle deal and I have no regrets. My family had a blast playing the Ghostbusters-themed game that came with the VR set.

very good windows VR headset. Not nearly the same as an oculus or rift but good deal if you're trying to save a couple hundred dollars

The Microsoft Mixed Reality headsets are decent, but there needs to be more interesting content. I'm looking forward to seeing where all the VR/AR stuff is going.

I purchased this mainly to play Vrchat and I must say I ended up pretty dizzy and sweaty. For dizziness, it is a personal thing because others get used to it. For the sweatiness, it happened because the set wasn't quite heavy and spacious.

this device works great and is much cheaper than other VR brands