Microsoft renames Windows Holographic to Windows Mixed Reality due to ‘broader vision for the platform’

Microsoft’s approach to mixed reality has, up until now, been referred to as “Windows Holographic.” The name made sense as a descriptor of Microsoft’s approach towards holograms in their headsets, but it seems like the company had a different idea about how to move forward. Microsoft spoke at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) earlier today about Acer’s new “Windows Mixed Reality Dev Kit,” seemingly ditching the old “Windows Holographic” for some new terminology.

We reached out to Microsoft about the use of this new language to describe its mixed reality initiative, and we received this response from a Microsoft spokesperson:

Microsoft renamed “Windows Holographic” to “Windows Mixed Reality” to be more encompassing of the company’s broader vision for the platform. We’re unifying the mixed reality ecosystem around a platform that enables shared experiences and interoperability between headsets. By opening up the Windows Mixed Reality platform to the industry at large, we anticipate the growth of holographic apps will make for stronger experiences and better devices for everyone.

The change in name seems to exist solely because Microsoft thinks it allows for some broader use – which sounds about right. As Microsoft starts to open the floodgates for new headsets, now seems as good a time as any to make sure that all terminology is correct.