The Microsoft technical evangelist Bruce Harris revealed more details of the highly anticipated HoloLens, the company's augmented reality headset, at an event in Tel Aviv just recently.
According to Harris, Microsoft will roll out the device to developers sometime in the first quarter of 2016. He continues to say that any universal Windows 10-compatible app will run natively on the HoloLens.
Using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for communication, the headset will be completely wireless. On that note, there will be no wired options available.
"Microsoft HoloLens is the first fully untethered, holographic computer, enabling high-definition holograms to integrate with your world. Help develop the future of holographic computing. Come unlock new possibilities," Microsoft says.
Compatibility-wise, virtually any device that's capable of the two aforementioned connectivity options can connect to it.
As for battery life, it's estimated to last about 5.5 hours on average usage, whereas it can go for roughly 2.5 hours on heavy usage. Now, those figures are pretty reasonable. To put it in another perspective, it's comparable to that of an average laptop.
The field of view is comparable to that of a 15-inch monitor with a two-foot distance from the user's face. Microsoft deliberately implemented that design so that the device will have a long battery life. On top of that, it's also to keep the price in check.
That's just for the beginning, though, as Harris says that the company will improve and increase the field of view once a more solid idea of the pricing is established.
What's striking about the HoloLens is how it allows more than one device to connect, where many users will be able to see an object simultaneously. They don't even have to be in the same room to do this. All they need is a stable Internet connection, which is a natural caveat for modern devices.
"With HoloLens we can remove many of the barriers that exist today; accelerating product iteration, providing more intuitive cross-team communication, and setting new standards in collaboration," Microsoft said. "[Autodesk] Fusion 360 is the ultimate cloud-based 3D design collaboration tool for product designers and engineers. A natural partner for HoloLens."
For the consumer-ready model of the HoloLens, Microsoft hasn't given out any word yet. Meanwhile, the price for the Development Edition is pegged at $3,000, and as mentioned earlier, it'll begin shipping this quarter.
Considering the partnership with Autodesk and the slew of possible exclusive games, Microsoft's HoloLens is shaping up to be one excellent augmented reality platform for designers and gamers alike. Of course, the possibilities are not limited to only them. In other words, it's safe to assume that the device will garner a lot of support from developers everywhere.
It's also worth mentioning that the device could feature a life-sized hologram of Cortana, where fans of the well-known virtual assistant will be able to interact with her in a more realistic manner.
To boil things down, many consider Microsoft's HoloLens as a big game changer in the industry, where it can potentially redefine the meaning of computing and home entertainment and take it to a whole new level.
Photo: Microsoft Sweden | Flickr
