Microsoft appears to be making a comeback in the mixed reality space, possibly through a new partnership with Samsung. Recent reports from Korean outlet The Elec suggest that Microsoft has struck a deal with Samsung for OLED panels, which could be used in a new line of mixed reality headsets. Although the partnership is still in its infancy, with mass production anticipated by 2026, the project could result in "hundreds of thousands" of units, according to sources.

Unlike previous ventures into augmented and virtual reality, this new headset is rumored to focus on providing a large, floating flat screen for gaming and video content, rather than engaging with the metaverse. This approach positions the device as a competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro, which similarly emphasizes a simpler experience over more complex augmented or virtual reality systems.

Microsoft has previously explored mixed reality through its HoloLens AR headset and the Windows Mixed Reality line, but both were eventually scaled back. In contrast, Samsung has been making moves in the AR/VR space, announcing a partnership with Google and Qualcomm in 2023 for a new headset that might launch by the end of this year.

As the mixed reality market heats up with potential new competitors, it remains to be seen if any of these rumored devices will materialize. If they do, they could significantly reshape the landscape of virtual and augmented reality in the coming years.