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Microsoft steps up bet on AR, VR

Ina Fried, author of Login

Microsoft's Alex Kipman showed off the latest Windows Mixed Reality headsets at an event in San Francisco. Photo: Ina Fried / Axios

As part of its focus on virtual and augmented reality, Microsoft has acquired Altspace VR, a struggling virtual reality social network that had been set to shut down until Redmond came calling.

Microsoft also used a San Francisco event to show off the latest Windows-based virtual reality headsets, including a new $499 model from Samsung and announced a free Halo-themed VR game. Also at the event, Intel announced it would broadcast some of the upcoming Winter Olympics in virtual reality.

The full Steam content library (one of the largest collections of VR titles) is also coming to Windows 10 consumers later this year (albeit in preview form).

As for Altspace, Microsoft didn't reveal the purchase price, but technical fellow Alex Kipman said that the majority of its employees have joined Microsoft. For now, Microsoft will keep the current Altspace experience going, including support for other platforms, Kipman said.

Why it matters: Having missed out on mobile, Microsoft is making a big bet on what it calls "mixed reality" — a field that spans augmented and virtual reality. A new update to Windows 10, coming next month, has support for both built-in.

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Kellyanne Conway's parting power pointers

Kellyanne Conway addresses the 2020 Republican National Convention. Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

Kellyanne Conway has seen power exercised as a pollster, campaign manager and senior counselor to President Trump. Now that his term in office has concluded, she shared her thoughts with Axios.

Why it matters: If there's a currency in this town, it's power, so we've asked several former Washington power brokers to share their best advice as a new administration and new Congress settle in.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

GOP holdouts press on with plans to crush Cheney

Screenshot of emails to a member of Congress from individuals who signed an Americans for Limited Government petition against Rep. Liz Cheney. Photo obtained by Axios

Pro-Trump holdouts in the House are forging ahead with an uphill campaign to oust Rep. Liz Cheney as head of the chamber's Republican caucus even though Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told them to back down.

Why it matters: What happens next will be a test of McCarthy's party control and the sincerity of his opposition to the movement. Cheney (R-Wyo.) is seen as a potential leadership rival to the California Republican.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Lachlan Markay
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Democrats aim to punish House GOP for Capitol riot

Speaker Nancy Pelosi passes through a newly installed metal detector at the House floor entrance Thursday. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

House Democrats plan to take advantage of corporate efforts to cut funding for Republicans who opposed certifying the 2020 election results, with a plan to target vulnerable members in the pivotal 2022 midterms for their role in the Jan. 6 violence.

Why it matters: It's unclear whether the Democrats' strategy will manifest itself in ads or earned media in the targeted races or just be a stunt to raise money for themselves. But the Capitol violence will be central to the party's messaging as it seeks to maintain its narrow majorities in Congress.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow