Microsoft Hololens 2
Hololens 2 Augmented Reality Headset
Microsoft has spent four years adapting its augmented reality headset, the HoloLens, to finally unveill its much-improved prodescessor, the HoloLens 2.
Check out Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 trailer
Microsoft advertises the HoloLens 2 as a “mixed reality” headset. The user will be able to overlay virtual reality images on everyday life. Examples offered are the ability to have arrows direct users when in search of specific locations, or the ability to overlay directions while fixing machinery.
However, the new headset improves on the original in almost every way. With its 3 hour battery and its overall lightness and convenience of wear (the simple ability to fit over glasses), the headset is also able to comprehend 21 different points of articulation which creates more realistic hand movements and gestures, one of the most advanced in the AR headset field.
Due to its elaborate tech capacity, the headset is marketed directly to corporations or the military, rather than consumers. Its price point is another deterrent to everyday users as it remains quite high at $3,500; especially when in comparison, smaller virtual reality headsets like HTC’s Vive is $499 and Facebook’s recently-released standalone, the Oculus Go, retails at $199 (rumors are that Facebook is currently in the works on a competing product to the HoloLens 2).
However, don’t feel discouraged if you’re an augmented reality fan that wants to bring the HoloLens 2 home, Microsoft claims that it plans on releasing a HoloLens 3 in two years time, which will be more accessible to consumers.
– You are currently able to pre-order the HoloLens 2 , and although there is no set release date, Microsoft has promised that the product will be available for shipment later in the year.
The Verge compares both the HoloLens and the HoloLens 2 in detail. Check out their video here!
Microsoft HoloLens 2 Specs:
Display
- Optics: See-through holographic lenses (waveguides)
- Resolution: 2K 3:2 light engines
- Holographic Density: >2.5K radiants (light points per radian)
- Eye-based Rendering: Display optimization for 3D eye position
Sensors & Audio
- Depth: Azure Kinect sensor
- IMU: Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer
- Camera: 8MP stills, 1080p30 video
- Microphone Array: 5 channels
- Speakers: Built-in, spatial audio
Human Understanding
- Hand Tracking: Two-handed fully articulated model, direct manipulation
- Eye Tracking: Real-time tracking
- Voice: Command and control on-device, Natural Language with internet connectivity
Environmental Understanding
- 6DoF Tracking: World-scale positional tracking
- Spatial Mapping: Real-time environment mesh
- Mixed Reality Capture: Mixed hologram and physical environment photos and videos
Compute & Connectivity
- SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 Compute Platform
- HPU: 2nd generation custom-built Holographic Processing Unit
- WiFi: 802.11ac 2×2
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- USB: USB Type-C
Power
- 2–3 hours of active use
- Charging: USB power delivery – fast charging
- Thermals: Passively cooled
Fit
- Single Size: Fits over glasses, size using adjustment dial
Software
- Windows Holographic OS
- Edge
- Remote Assist
- Layout
- Guides
- 3D Viewer
- OneDrive for Business
Interested in more tech? Check out our last article about the Apple’s latest software glitch here! https://www.americanmovieco.com/featured/apples-been-eavesdropping/
Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 Alters Reality!
