Lenovo Explorer Windows Mixed Reality Headset Arrives In October Priced From $349

by Brandon Hill — Thursday, August 31, 2017, 03:07 PM EDT

Although we first got a glimpse at Lenovo’s Windows Mixed Reality headset earlier this year, the company is now getting official with the device. Called the Lenovo Explorer, the headset is capable of being plugged into a supported Windows 10 PC, where users will be able to immerse themselves in virtual reality games and apps.

The headset features two high resolution (1440x1440) displays, one for each eye, and supports Cortana voice controls. The headset will work in one of two modes. Its “Mainstream” option operates at 60Hz and requires at least a Kaby Lake Core i5 processors and an integrated Intel HD 620 graphics to operate. However, a “Performance” mode bumps the refresh rate up to 90Hz, but requires at least an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M or AMD RX 460M discrete GPU.

The Lenovo Explorer is compatible with Windows Mixed Reality games there are available from the Windows Store in addition to over 100 VR games that can be accessed from the Lenovo Entertainment Hub. Lenovo also adds that you can access apps like Microsoft Office in virtual reality and browse VR-compatible websites to “enhance [your] video-watching experience”.

The headset doesn’t require external sensors to operates, but you can add optional motion controllers if you’d like. Microsoft’s Xbox One wireless controller is also supported.

The Lenovo Explorer will ship in October with a base price of $349. If you want to add the motion controllers, the bundle price is $449. However, even the bundle price is more expensive than the Oculus Rift + Touch bundle, which is looking like a bargain now at $399.

Tags: Lenovo, Windows 10, windows mixed reality, lenovo explorer

Brandon Hill

Brandon received his first PC, an IBM Aptiva 310, in 1994 and hasn’t looked back since. He cut his teeth on computer building/repair working at a mom and pop computer shop as a plucky teen in the mid 90s and went on to join AnandTech as the Senior News Editor in 1999. Brandon would later help to form DailyTech where he served as Editor-in-Chief from 2008 until 2014. Brandon is a tech geek at heart, and family members always know where to turn when they need free tech support. When he isn’t writing about the tech hardware or studying up on the latest in mobile gadgets, you’ll find him browsing forums that cater to his long-running passion: automobiles.

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