Like BIM, VR exploration offers a paradigm shift from previous visualization workflows. “Physically” being inside the project and exploring the area in our own way is one of the many advantages of VR exploration. Always at the frontline of VR technology for architecture, Twinmotion 2019 offers an extremely easy workflow to bring a 3D model into VR in only 3 clicks, compatible with Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE.

With more and more new VR headsets appearing on the market these days, we got our hands on the HP “Windows Mixed Reality” VR headset and tested it with Twinmotion 2019. In this blog, we’ll talk about the HP Windows Mixed Reality setup with Twinmotion 2019, and our own experience testing this VR headset.

What is “Windows Mixed Reality”?

Let’s begin with an explanation of what “Windows Mixed Reality” is. The term itself sounds a little confusing. You might expect a mixed or merged reality platform, when it is simply a VR platform. According to an explanation by The Verge: “Mixed Reality is essentially virtual reality for Microsoft, for now. Microsoft has picked that name because it eventually wants to blend the best of augmented and virtual reality into a single headset with support for multiple experiences.”

HP “Windows Mixed Reality” setup with Twinmotion 2019

Setting up the HP Windows Mixed Reality is relatively easy. Compared to the setup with Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE, there is not much setup to do for Windows Mixed Reality.

Step 1: Check your PC’s compatibility

First things first, you need to make sure your PC is compatible with Windows Mixed Reality. Microsoft provides a Mixed Reality minimum PC hardware guidelines where you can find a list of requirements, or download the Windows Mixed Reality PC Check app from the Windows Store.

Step 2: Prepare the supplies required

HP Windows Mixed Reality doesn’t have any external sensors, which are required for Oculus Touch controllers and the VIVE touch. This saves the two additional USB 3.0 ports required for the external sensors.  The supplies you need to connect the VR headset to your PC are:

• “Bluetooth” for controllers’ connection
• one USB 3.0 port
• one HDMI port.

*You might need an adapter for Bluetooth if your PC is not equipped with one.

Once you’ve gathered what you need, simply follow the instructions in the HP WMR Headset guideline to successfully connect your VR Headset to your PC.

Step 3: Connect HP Windows Mixed Reality with Twinmotion 2019

Twinmotion 2019 needs Steam VR to connect with HP Windows Mixed Reality. First of all, you must install the application Steam. Once done, download and install the Steam VR and the Windows Mixed Reality from the Steam store. Then, you’re ready to launch Twinmotion and test the VR headset.

Twinmotion has direct synchronization with ARCHICAD and Revit.  In addition to this, Twinmotion supports 3D designs of almost every modeler on the market imported in .FBX, .SKP, .C4D and .OBJ formats. Once your model is imported into Twinmotion and your HP VR Headset, Steam VR, and the Windows Mixed Reality apps are set up, just click on the Eye icon in the Twinmotion viewport to immediately activate the VR mode and immerse yourself in your project.

* Internet connection is needed for first-time use to download the Steam VR and Windows Mixed Reality applications from the Steam store. After that, no Internet connection is required to connect the HP VR headset with Twinmotion.

** You may need to restart your PC if Twinmotion doesn’t recognize the HP VR headset.

Our experience with HP “Windows Mixed Reality” VR headset

Pros

• The setup for the HP Windows Mixed Reality headset is as quick as Virtual Reality can be. The headset integrates its motion sensor into the headset itself, so there are no external sensors needed.
• The price of the HP VR headset is competitive. Prices of HP VR, Oculus and HTC VIVE are €349, €449 and €599 respectively.
• The HP VR headset has a comfortable design even for longer use sessions and it’s compatible for an eyeglass wearer. A hinge connecting the peak to the headband allows you to flip up the peak and jump in and out of VR without removing the headset.

Cons

• At the moment, there is no official technical support for HP VR headset with Twinmotion 2019, as we are still in the test phase.
• The HP Mixed Reality Motion controllers are not yet integrated into the new VR interface in Twinmotion 2019, so instead of seeing the real HP controllers, you’ll see the Oculus touch in the virtual view.

Performance

In terms of performance, the HP VR headset works perfectly with Twinmotion, despite the fact that the HP controllers are not virtually integrated, but functions well. In order to measure the visual quality, we compared the HP Windows Mixed Reality VR headset with the Oculus Rift, HTC VIVE, Samsung Odyssey and Asus Windows Mixed Reality headset. The two former ones are officially compatible with Twinmotion. The Samsung and Asus VR headsets are both Windows Mixed Reality headsets, which technically should work with Twinmotion 2019 as well.

Conclusion

VR provides a major step forward for architects willing to use a real-time approach for design creativity and decision-making workflow. The HP Windows Mixed Reality offers better quality when working with Twinmotion, compared to Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE. What we love the most is its easy set-up, which is a real time-saver, especially for exhibition use or a presentation at a customer’s office. In addition, its affordability makes it the perfect alternative for companies that are willing to “embrace” this new immersive visualization workflow.

VR is not a technology reserved only for technical people anymore.  We can now create, collaborate and experience the architecture of tomorrow and completely immerse ourselves in architecture itself.