If you've paid any attention to developments in the technology world lately, you'll know it's become increasingly clear that virtual reality and wearable devices represent the next wave of products that will be pushed to consumers. Many people creating or using the technology really believe in it, and several major companies are getting involved. A new tech deal and the subsequent acquiring of patents show us that Microsoft is getting involved as well, both for gaming and other purposes.
It's been reported that Microsoft will be making a virtual reality headset for Xbox One amidst the reveal of Sony's PlayStation 4 VR device Project Morpheus, so that in itself is not fresh news. However, the software giant recently bought a wearable device from tech company Osterhout Design Group for somewhere between $100 million and $150 million, signaling a major foray into the space.
The acquisition saw the transfer 81 documents describing various patents from ODG to Microsoft in January, and ODG's founder now confirmed the device purchase as well. Microsoft can use these patents to protect whatever it is they got their hands on, and build future devices using the same technology. Most of the designs covered in the documents Microsoft owns are related to "see-through optical displays", something that could be used for AR (augmented reality) or VR purposes.
An official confirmation from Microsoft about a VR device has not come yet, and likely won't for some time if they're really working on a project of their own. It will be interesting to see if they have an Xbox One-specific device planned, or a more general VR headset for other uses.
Source: IGN
