Though Microsoft have been involved in virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) for some time, notably with the Microsoft HoloLens and the various Windows MR devices, its growth has been slower than the company expected. However, Microsoft may be hoping to change that with the release of a new tool for creating in mixed reality.

A Twitter user called WalkingCat has tracked down a leak for an MR prototype tool designed for PC VR headsets. The tool allows users to plan their creations in 3D, instead of on a 2D screen, with the intention of making things more intuitive and easy to test.

Microsoft has said that Marquette was initially designed as an internal tool, before it was recognised how useful it could be if it were made available to the wider user base. There Marquette tool has been described as an evolution of similar tools that have been previously released for VR.

Marquette is said to have a robust toolbar, complete with fill tools, paintbrushes, text, shapes, backgrounds, animation and saved colour palettes among other things. Users will be able to access assets with what are said to be few performance issues.

The UI does of course conform to Microsoft standards, containing aspects of Fluent Design. Users will also be able to create their own home space with access to additional programs such as Outlook, Visual Basic, OneNote and others.

The website suggests that Marquette is still in development and is not quite ready for release, but the development team thinks it will be ready for a Beta soon. The team has also indicated that it is looking for feedback for how to improve the tool, with promises of updates in the future.

Users can sign up for the future beta by visiting the official Marquette site if you own an Oculus Rift, HTC Vive or Windows Mixed Reality device.

For future coverage on Mixed Reality, keep checking back with VRFocus.