Microsoft HoloLens 2 hardware and rewards: the price is reduced to $ 3,500, a completely new interface, a lot of hardware upgrades
The second generation HoloLens will cost up to $ 3,500, though it is still $ 1,500 cheaper than the first version.
The rumor came true: in the product introduction yesterday at the MWC 2019 Conference in Barcelona, Microsoft officially launched the HoloLens 2, a 2nd generation hologram display device. The new version is up to $ 3,500 and will be available to corporate customers later this year – this price is $ 1,500 lower than the first generation.
Like the 2016 release, HoloLens 2 is a pair of glasses displaying digital images that cover the real world – the technology called by Microsoft as a mixed reality, while other manufacturers call it. is augmented reality. Regardless of its name, Microsoft, Facebook, Google and many other competitors are betting that this will be the next big breakthrough in technology.
The new point of HoloLens 2 is that it is completely redesigned, overcoming some of the shortcomings of the first version. First and foremost, HoloLens 2 has doubled the display area – this was once considered one of the biggest problems for the first generation of this device. Even so, this second generation hasn’t fully filled your vision with holograms of 3D images.
Microsoft also said HoloLens 2 will have a completely new interface: Instead of having to sweep the fingers around to touch virtual objects, the company said, you can use “intuitive” movements to sport. Working hologram images as you would with physical objects. The device also comes with eye tracking technology to bring more measures to interact.
In addition, the look of the device was completely redesigned, as Microsoft said it would be more comfortable and easier to adjust. This is a different point from the first version, when users need to use the knob to adjust the headset to fit the head. The eyepiece part can also be lifted when users need to switch between mixed reality and the surrounding environment.
Reporter Alyson Shontell of Business Insider had a chance to experience this new hardware at a Microsoft event in January, before many employees were witnessed. Although this first version doesn’t seem ready yet, it is clearly a product of the future – and so far, it is clear that Microsoft has plenty of time to add it.
The hologram images display colorful and rich interactivity, even though the place is a little messy. The hardware is comfortable enough, it feels like you’re just wearing a helmet or ski goggles.
In addition to hardware, Microsoft also collaborated to expand Hololens’ ecosystem when announcing the cooperation with Mozilla to launch Firefox Reality, a web browser designed specifically for augmented reality, on HoloLens. Epic Games, which owns the “Fortnite” game, also said it will support the popular Unreal Engine 4 game development kit on HoloLens. Moreover, Microsoft also announced new services on the Azure cloud to create mixed-reality applications.
Microsoft also emphasized the value of HoloLens for businesses – the main customer of this device – when just last week, Microsoft announced HoloLens tools including Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, allows remote technicians to see what HoloLens wearers see and support with their expertise. The application package also includes Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, which will start at $ 125 per month.
