Microsoft Wants to Bring HoloLens to the Consumer Market

Microsoft HoloLens was launched about two years ago but it was available only for the enterprise users or for those who can afford it for research purposes. Microsoft has been right on top of the augmented and virtual reality frenzy since the time of its inception as it wanted to position as the Next Big Thing in the consumer electronic market. Microsoft released the HoloLens among much fanfare and critical acclaim years ago but it was available only for the developers and enterprises with limited numbers, application support coupled with a massive $3000 price tag.

The history of HoloLens

When Microsoft first launched the HoloLens in 2015 it was positioned more as a set of software applications, AI as well as operating system rather than just being a headset. This has helped Microsoft rising above the competition of slew of headsets which emerged in later years which focused on the battery life, user experience and application support. A number virtual reality focused gadgets came up offering different and interactive game or application but they didn’t even tried to change the computer-user interaction paradigm.

On other hand Microsoft focused on augmented reality or mixed reality which allows users to experience as they wish. This has resulted in close synchronization between the data gathered from multiple sources, analyzing of the behavior pattern and having a operating system in place which actively binds them together. Microsoft is currently prepping its system rather the components which will ultimately helps in developing such products that satisfies the needs of the masses.

Can Microsoft successfully bring HoloLens to the consumers? 

Microsoft is trying to avoid the problems which Kinect has to face in its early days. Kinect was Microsoft one off beat project which used to translate sign language into text which will ultimately help in building cost effective three dimensional maps. These maps can in turn be used by the robots for efficient navigation and in the final it will enable robots in understanding the needs of the humans by carefully translating their gestures into meaningful tasks. Microsoft even brought a smarter and updated version of Kinect called Kinect 2.0 which appeared to be extremely cool but failed to fathom anyone’s interest.

In just past two years a number of environments and cases have emerged for the HoloLens to take advantage. But Microsoft has been right in focusing only on the enterprise during the initial years as it will be dangerous to bring such a technology right to the wide amount of consumers. A simple case study of the wearable that make use of the VR and AR has simply failed to show huge sales figure as consumers doesn’t find much benefit coming to them at the end. Therefore Microsoft is spending its time bringing a wide range of apps and environments which will help consumers in testing out the full capabilities of the technology in a smart way rather than being restricted to few things which can be done which such a capable device.

Microsoft New Reality Hololens Comes to UK

Microsoft has wasted no time in launching its own VR headset after the anticipation filled launch of the Sony’s PlayStation VR just a few days back. Sony’s launch of VR headset was due for a long time which helped in creating a buzz around it and Sony has carefully launched a number of game titles to with it. So far Microsoft has stayed clear of doing anything with VR as other rivals has been actively developing and launching products in this segment. Microsoft isn’t bringing a pure VR experience to the users with its VR headset rather it is bringing a ‘mixed reality’. Microsoft has also averted the use of term ‘augmented reality’ for promoting its HoloLens for popularizing its own ‘mixed reality’ concept.

Microsoft HoloLens was first launched in US 

Microsoft HoloLens will be making its way to six new countries which includes UK and preorder are opening from today while delivered will likely to be made in late-November. Microsoft has launched HoloLens in its home country ‘US’ way back in March but it has not yet emerged as a dominant player in the VR segment. It is worth noting that Microsoft HoloLens is only available for the developers and enterprises in US for a massive price of $2,700. In order to increase the popularity and to offer greater functionality and feature on its HoloLens Microsoft has partnered with a wide range of commercial partners which includes Audi, Nasa and Lowe for application creation.

Make most of the HoloLens 

Microsoft HoloLens brings vast opportunities for the users to utilize ot for variety of purposes. Users can make Skype call on the headset using the Microsoft’s Skype application especially optimized for this device. Herein users will be able to experience the true extent of the virtual reality when person face appears on the space in front of the user.

A lift making company called Thyssnkrup is already making use of the HoloLens to give direct advice to engineers in field regarding the repairs and work with Skype. Simply tapping or pinching on the holographic objects can help in moving them from one position to another or users can even indulge in core painting exercises using HoloLens.

The might of HoloLens

During the launch event Microsoft showcased the potential of the HoloLens by bringing in a live project from the Case Western which is being utilized as teaching aid for the medical students. During this a human body appeared right in the middle of the room wherein first skeletons emerged then whole set of internal organs were made visible to the people. Users can easily walk past it or interact with the image by moving away different layers with different motion centric gestures.

Headset is light weight and doesn’t cause a strain on the neck but it will take some time before you become habituated to it. Microsoft mixed reality is an unproven technology at the moment but it has shown its mettle in this short demonstration where it brought a swift mixing of the real and virtual world.

HoloLens: A Tour of Microsoft's New Developer Showcase

Virtual and augmented reality is relatively new and highly domain for major tech players to try their hands and stand out with remarkable products. Microsoft has shown a serious attitude to the virtual reality by developing a formidable and remarkable virtual reality device called HoloLens. HoloLens takes the virtual rending to a next level where one is not even required to wear goggles as HoloLens throws 3D simulations of holographic style experiences.

Many companies are gearing up to launch the first phase of VR devices by themed-2016 but Microsoft’s incredible HoloLens won’t be up for consumer sale for quite some time. Microsoft is planning to launch a $3000 developer edition of HoloLens next year. Here are some of the remarkable features of Microsoft’s HoloLens, which has been shown through demos.

Microsoft tryst with first demo HoloLens Game

Microsoft has first launched a HoloLens based game called Project X-Ray last year at the E3 video game expo. This HoloLens game came with a HoloLens headset, which scans the room with its 3D camera, and a host of glowing-ghost robo scorpions and drones starts to burst from the wall. A player is required to shoot these robo-scorpions with a head-mounted blaster. This particularly relies on the Xbox controller to showcase how the game can work in physical places.

Microsoft demo of second exciting HoloLens game

Microsoft showed the second demo for its HoloStudio which shows how the 3D designer can be created and done with the use of HoloLens in an exciting energetic manner. Herein one is required to simply open a virtual paint box and place it against the wall with the hell of finger. Users can pick up some models like island lagoon or X Wing fighter jet and starts painting with glowing colors just by waving the finger in the air. After playing with the 3D models one can even send the work to SketchFab for further sharing and changes. Microsoft is planning to bring support for the SketchFab with the HoloLens development kit next year. 3D models will even be printable in future with the help of 3D printers out.

Microsoft third demo brings holographic storytelling

Microsoft third demo brings the much captivating ‘holographic storytelling’ feature. The holographic storytelling essentially demonstrates how businesses, sales teams and other professionals can utilize HoloLens for building new ideas. In the demo Microsoft showed a glowing Swiss Smartwatch materialize on a square table in front of the public. Microsoft asserted that similar awe aspiring and captivating display can be used in the store which will lend a futuristic appeal to the audiences. The watch rendered by the HoloLens looked extremely alive, with impressive graphics and it almost seemed ticking like a real watch.

This futuristic display like features comes with a PowerPoint like deck control, which helps in editing the presentations along with adding new features. An analysis of glowing heat map shows a presenters details regarding the projection where people are most concentrating while watching the holographic and display and it also guides in added new details to capture interest to other parts.