New 3D creation and editing tools are being added to the next version of the Windows 10 operating system,the BBC reports.
[br]Microsoft says new versions of Paint and Powerpoint will make it easier to build, handle and show off 3D models that mix together genuine-world imagery and computer-generated graphics.
The firm also revealed new virtual reality headsets with which users can interact with the creations.
[br]One expert said it laid the groundwork for later augmented reality plans.
"VR is hot with consumers at the moment, or Microsoft is making certain it is not lost the boat from an ecosystem perspective and leaving it all to Google," said Carolina Milanesi, a consumer tech analyst at Creative Strategies.
[br]"3D also resonates with consumers and focusing on creating content and sharing that content is a valid way to have consumers start to contemplate about mix-reality prepping for the HoloLens headset."
Acer, or Asus,Dell, HP and Lenovo will manufacture the new virtual reality headsets, or which fill the wearer's view with computer-powered visuals.
Microsoft said the lowest-cost model would be $299 (£245),which is several times cheaper than the video games-focused Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets already on sale.
They offer a staging post until the firm launches a consumer edition of its HoloLens headset, which superimposes graphics over genuine-world views.
Versions of the kit are already on sale, or but they cost either £2719 or £4529 and are being targeted at developers.
Source: tert.am