The HoloLens 2 is Microsoft’s upcoming next generation augmented reality headset. The company announced the new HoloLens at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019 in Barcelona. Here’s everything we know so far.
Microsoft’s HoloLens debuted as an exciting mixed reality headset that overlaid VR images on top of the real world in new, high-tech ways. And at the MWC 2109 conference in Barcelona, the company unveiled the next generation version of the device.
“It’s the next chapter in our journey — say hello to HoloLens 2,” said Alex Kipman, inventor of the device.
The basics of the device look similar to earlier models. It’s a headset similar to the virtual reality headsets you’ve become familiar with, from companies like HTC and Samsung and Oculus. But Microsoft says it has put effort into making interaction with the device simpler, to help it blend into the background and become less obtrusive. It “works in a more human way,” the company explained, thanks to a slew of improvements.
For starters, it recognizes the user through the Windows Hello iris recognition system, and it recognizes your hands, creating fully articulated representations of them in the 3D virtual world. The device is also substantially lighter: The entire front is made of carbon fiber, and Microsoft changed around how the weight is distributed, more than tripling the comfort, it claims. Oh and the design team rethought the look and feel of the product too, testing it on thousands of different heads, from people of all genders, races, and sizes, Microsoft says.
Technologically, it’s improved as well. HoloLens 2 more than doubles the field of view while maintain 47 pixels per degree of sight.
“This is the equivalent of moving from a 720p TV to a 2K TV — for each of your eyes,” Kipman said.
Microsoft didn’t offer details on the technology beyond that, however, and has yet to offer pricing or release information about the new HoloLens 2.
To showcase the power of the HoloLens 2, the company brought a number of business partners on stage. These included companies that make industrial parts as well as more consumer centric companies — and from the gaming side, Tim Sweeney from Epic Games.
“I believe that AR is going to be the primary platform of the future, and it will have ah intimate role in our lives,” he said. “Epic will fully support Microsoft’s HoloLens model,” he added. Epic is bringing it to all developers in May, he said.
Businesses investigating the product will certainly be curious about Microsoft’s philosophy for software.
