Virtual reality and augmented reality are being touted as the next big thing in truly innovative computing, but they're still not exactly mainstream due to the computing power required and the need to be tethered to a phone or PC. Intel and Microsoft think they can change that.

Today at Intel's annual developers conference, Microsoft's Windows chief, Terry Myerson, announced a partnership with the chip maker that will make all future Windows 10 PCs able to support mixed reality applications.

"All Windows 10 PCs next year will include a holographic shell," Myerson said, the same operating system that runs on the company's HoloLens headset. PCs will work with a head-mounted display, and run all Windows Holographic applications, Myerson said, allowing wearers to interact not just with 3D applications but also 2D apps. Microsoft will enable these apps through a future Windows update and the company's universal Windows app platform.

Mixed reality was a prominent topic in the early part of Intel's keynote on Tuesday morning, with CEO Brian Krzanich also announcing Intel's Project Alloy, a reference design for next-generation VR experiences. "We believe the capability of Alloy and what it introduces is significant," Krzanich said. "It gives the opportunity to merge the physical and virtual world together."