Microsoft has announced it’s releasing a virtual reality operating system to be available to all VR and AR systems.

The company’s own under-development Hololens already uses the special version of Windows 10, which will be known as Windows Holographic on its commercial release.

Building on the existing Windows platform, Windows Holographic will include a range of bespoke components for virtual or augmented reality. Such features will include human-interaction systems, spatial mapping and special technology to best use the capabilities of the software.

With Microsoft offering up its technology to third parties, it broadens the platform which is currently restricted to brands such as Oculus and Htc Vive, which use their own platforms exclusively.

The VR market continues to expand in 2016, providing new opportunities to businesses that want to create more immersive experiences for their consumers. Several big attractions operators such as Disney, Merlin and Universal have also invested in the technology as VR stamps its mark on the industry.